Visa Guidelines for Kampala, Uganda
To support your preparations for a smooth journey to Kampala, Uganda, this guide provides practical information on visa requirements and the application process for delegates attending the ISPCAN Africa Regional Rise Up Policy Forum & Huddle, 23–25 February 2027.
Important for delegates
Visa requirements depend on nationality. If you require a visa, you must apply online and obtain approval before travelling to Uganda. Visas are not issued on arrival. Use only the official Uganda Immigration e-Visa portal.
Step 1: Confirm Whether You Need a Visa
Some African nationals can travel to Uganda without a visa, while others are required to obtain a visa before travel.
Uganda currently grants visa-free entry to nationals of a number of African countries, including:
Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Visa requirements may differ for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Uganda has separate visa-waiver arrangements for diplomatic/official passport holders from certain countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal and South Africa.
Delegates should always check the latest official list before travelling.
Step 2: Recommended Visa Type
For delegates who require a visa and are travelling to Uganda to attend the ISPCAN event, the relevant category is generally the Uganda Ordinary / Single-Entry Visa for Business – Meetings and Conferences.
The visa can be issued for a stay of up to three months, and the current official fee is USD 50.
The Uganda Immigration service specifically lists meetings and conferences under the business purpose for the single-entry visa.
Travelling to Kenya or Rwanda as well?
Delegates who are also planning to visit Kenya and/or Rwanda may wish to consider the East Africa Tourist Visa.
This visa allows travel between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, is valid for 90 days and currently costs USD 100. The country issuing the visa should be the traveller’s first point of entry.
Please note that this visa is intended for tourism. Delegates travelling primarily for the ISPCAN conference should check the appropriate visa category directly with Uganda Immigration if they plan to combine conference attendance with regional travel.
Step 3: Required Documents
For a single-entry visa under the Business – Meetings and Conferences purpose, applicants should prepare the following documents:
- A copy of the passport bio-data page, with at least 6 months’ validity;
- A recent passport-size photograph;
- A letter of invitation confirming the purpose of the visit and the event details;
- Any additional supporting documents requested by Uganda Immigration.
ISPCAN Invitation Letter
ISPCAN visa invitation letters will be issued upon request after registration payment has been confirmed.
To request an invitation letter, please contact support@ispcan.org.
When contacting ISPCAN, please include the details required for the letter, such as your full name as shown in your passport, nationality, passport number, and any other information requested by the ISPCAN team.
Please note that an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. The final decision on visa issuance rests with the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Step 4: Official Online Application Process
Travellers who require a visa must apply online before travelling to Uganda through the official Uganda e-Visa portal.
The process is simple:
- Complete the online application form.
- Select the appropriate visa category.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the applicable visa fee.
- Once approved, download your Visa Approval / Travel Authorization and carry it with your passport when travelling.
Please use only the official Uganda Government e-Visa portal and avoid third-party visa websites
Timing & Processing
ISPCAN delegates who require a visa are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of travel, ideally several weeks before departure.
Uganda Immigration recommends applying at least 10 days before travel, but additional time may be needed if further documents, checks, or official approvals are required.
Visa approval is issued by the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, and ISPCAN cannot guarantee processing times or approval.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Important update: As of 2 October 2026, Uganda Immigration has officially announced that a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Travellers should nevertheless consult their own health authorities or travel-health provider regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions for travel to Uganda.
Because health and entry requirements can change, delegates should check the latest official Uganda Immigration guidance before departure.
