UPDATE, 22/7/2016: The cost of the single entry visa for Uganda has been reduced to USD 50.
UPDATE, 15/7/2016: Two travellers coming from Slovenia have emailed us some details on how the border-crossing experience was. Business as usual, basically, but they did get a printout with the following text: “It is still possible to get a visa on arrival, as long as you travel with all your necessary travel documents. Online application may fully be enforced starting August or September.”
As we have warned you before, something radical has happened as far as Ugandan visas are concerned. You used to be able to arrive at any border post and have a visa sorted out in a couple of minutes, from scratch. Not anymore. You are now supposed to apply electronically. Some flexibility and a transitional period are to be expected but better do not count on that. As anything new can be a challenge for everyone involved, you definitely should apply as soon as you can, many weeks ahead of your arrival.
… May we repeat our tired, unorthodox but very handy advice? Don’t fly into Uganda. Come through Rwanda’s Kigali, with an East African Tourist Visa in your pocket that, almost unbeliveably, covers three countries and costs the same (USD 100). Rwanda has a more-established electronic application system but travellers have lately been reporting unusual delays.
Therefore, whatever entry into our region you choose, these are the two main rules:
– apply electronically (click here if arriving through Uganda, click here for the Rwanda option)
– do it well in advance
Fingers crossed!