Ugandans wanting to visit South Africa have to apply for the South Africa eVisa before they go.
Read more about the application and requirements here.
How to apply for your South African eVisa as a Ugandan citizen
As a Ugandan citizen, you can apply for a South African eVisa online for short-term visits, such as tourism, instead of a traditional paper visa, provided they land in the country at O. R. Tambo International Airport.
Go to the South African government website and follow these steps to apply:
Step 1. Create an account and choose your visa type.
Step 2. Gather the required documents and upload them.
Step 3. You can track your application status online through VFS Global.
"Always double-check your passport number and personal details before submission. These are the most common causes of application delays." - Cynthia Oliwa, iVisa travel expert
Required documents for the South Africa eVisa application in Uganda
Here's a simplified guide to the required documents and application process:
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Valid passport: Your Ugandan passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure from South Africa and should have at least two blank pages.
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Passport copy: A clear scanned copy of the passport's bio-data page.
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Photograph: A recent passport-sized color photo.
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Yellow fever vaccination certificate: Proof of vaccination is mandatory.
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Proof of accommodation: Details of where you'll be staying in South Africa, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.
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Travel itinerary: Information about your travel plans, including flight bookings.
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Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements or other financial documents showing you can support yourself during your stay.
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Email address: A valid email to receive eVisa notifications.
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Payment method: A credit or debit card to pay the eVisa fee online.
Types of South African visas for Ugandan citizens
Here are the main categories available for Ugandan citizens:
Visa type |
Maximum stay |
Average processing time |
Main purpose |
Tourist Visa |
30 days |
74 days |
Tourism and short visits |
Business Visa |
90 days |
74 days |
Business meetings and conferences |
Study Visa |
Duration of study |
90 days |
Educational purposes |
Work Visa |
Duration of contract |
90 days |
Employment in South Africa |
"Based on customer feedback, we recommend applying at least 3 months before your intended travel date to allow for potential processing delays," says Cynthia.
Frequently asked questions about the South African Visa
Will Uganda be visa-free to South Africa in 2025?
While there were discussions about visa-free travel starting January 2025, currently, Ugandan citizens still require a visa to enter South Africa.
Can I get a visa on arrival in South Africa?
No, South Africa does not offer Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Ugandan citizens. All visas must be obtained before travel.
Need more info about the South African eVisa?
Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to South Africa. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.