Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Travel Documents

FAQ's ETD

EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

 

1.     Q: Can I use an Emergency travel document to travel to any other country besides Uganda?

A:  Emergency travel documents are one way travel documents used in lieu of a passport. An Emergency Travel Document can only be used to travel to Uganda. In order to leave Uganda and return to the US, South America, Canada or the Carribbean, you will need to process a replacement passport before exiting Uganda. Click here for passport application. 

2.     Q: How long does it take for the Embassy to process an Emergency travel document?

A: It takes the Embassy 2 Business days to process an Emergency travel document. Please make sure that all the supporting documents listed on the Embassy website washington.mofa.go.ug are mailed in. 

 

*        Completed Application Form G for Ugandan travel document

*        A Letter explaining why the applicant does not possess a valid Ugandan passport

*        Two (2) colored passport-size photographs

*        US$50.00 processing fee. Only Money Orders or cashier's checks are accepted.

*        A travel itinerary or a copy of the applicant's ticket

*        A self-addressed priority or overnight/express return envelope (the Embassy will not send documents by regular mail)

*        https://washington.mofa.go.ug/data-smenu-67-Emergency-Travel-Documents.html



 

 

 
The Republic of Uganda - Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, Washington DC - USA
Citizenship & Dual Citizenship

DUAL CITIZENSHIP FAQS

  1. 1.     Q: Does the Embassy process dual citizenship?

         A:No. Dual citizenship is processed at the Ministry of internal Affairsin Uganda. Click here for information on processing your dual citizenship.

https://washington.mofa.go.ug/data-smenu-155-Dual-Citizenship-Requirements-and-forms.html

National ID

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Q: if I have a passport but no birth certificate can I still apply for a National ID?

A:  No. in order to process your national id, you should first process your birth certificate to give sufficient proof that you are a citizen of Uganda. Read more about how to acquire a Ugandan Birth certificate here https://www.nira.go.ug/index.php/birth-and-death-registration/ (create link)

 

 

  1. 2.     Q: My parents are deceased, how can I process a national identification card without attaching the copies of their identification cards?

A: If your parents are deceased, please present your birth certificate, passport and any other supporting documents to be able to substantiate your application. The other documents that may be accepted include:

  • Copies of academic transcripts
  • A copy of baptism card

 

  1. Q : How long does it take for the identification cards to be processed

A: The Embassy captures your data and forwards it to the National identification and Registration Authority in Kampala. Once the NIRA processes the data and verifies it, the cards are made and sent to the Embassy. The Embassy then posts the list of the names of the printed identification cards on the Embassy website. This process can take up to 3 months.

  1. 4.     Q : If I registered for my National identification card in Uganda, can it be mailed to me here in the US

    A: No, you have to collect your identification card from the registration   center where your data was captured.

  1. 5.     Q: I registered for my ID card at the Embassy in Washington DC. Once my identification card has been processed, and sent to the Uganda Embassy. Can it mailed to my home address?

             A: No you will need to appear in person to pick up your   identification card as you are required to submit your biometric finger prints as proof of identity.

  1. Q: Can I walk in to the Embassy and register for my national identification card at any time?

              A: Registration is strictly done on appointment. Click here to request an appointment ………………….. (create online diary)

  1. Q: How much does it cost to register for a National identification card?

              A: Registration for your first National identification card is FREE of charge. Subsequent issuances come at a fee. Click here to view statutory fees for National ID cards. (create link)

https://www.nira.go.ug/index.php/2018/05/09/national-id-for-free/  

 

  1. 8.     Q: Are children eligible to get National identification cards?

                 A: Children below the age of 18 years are not eligible to acquire National identification cards but can be registered. For a child to be eligible to register, both or one of the parents have to have copies of their National identification cards.

  1. 9.     If I attain the age of 18 years, how do I go about applying for a National Identity card?

 

Where a person attains the age of 18 years, he/she should within ninety (90) days of turning eighteen years apply for a National Identity card.

 

  • He/she should state his/her NIN issued to them after their application for registration as a citizen has been approved.
  • Such a person shall appear in person before a registration officer and shall have all bio-data captured especially all bio-metrics and face image.
  • After satisfying the above mentioned requirements, such a person shall be issued with a National Identity Card.

 

  1. 10.            When and where do I get registered if I live outside Uganda? Can I register online or at our nearest Embassy?

A: Registration cannot be carried out online. Any citizen of Uganda who lives in North or South America and the Caribbean and cannot travel to Uganda, must appear in person to be registered as a citizen of Uganda at the Uganda Embassy in Washington DC. You may request an appointment here (create online appointment diary link here).  In preparation for registration, applicants are requested to read the terms and conditions in advance and carry all relevant documents for your enrollment interview. Click here to view checklist of relevant documents (link to checklist on page 9 NATIONAL ID REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FRESH APPLICANTS) and here (link to HOW TO REGISTER on page 10)

 

  1. 11.            Q:  If I lose my identification card, can I come to the Embassy for a replacement?

            A: Yes, the Embassy can process a replacement ID card. All citizens are cautioned to keep their National ID cards in a safe place.

You will need

  1. A replacement form 11. (create link)

https://www.nira.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/Publish/FORM11%20Application%20for%20replacement%20of%20lost%20defaced%20or%20damaged%20National%20ID%20card.pdfA police report.

  1. A copy or record of the missing or mutilated/damaged ID
  2. A receipt of UGX 50, 000 paid at authorized bank in Uganda (DTB)

 

12. Q: If my identification card that was issued in Uganda has an error, can it be corrected at the Embassy?

A: No, this process can only be done in Uganda. Please ensure that you verify all details on your new Uganda National ID before you sign for it. If there are any errors, notify the registration officer and DO NOT sign for the card or take it away. If you do sign for the card, a replacement fee will be levied on you in Kampala when you apply for correction. Click here to download an error notification form:

https://www.nira.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/Publish/FORM1%20Notification%20of%20change-error%20in%20information%20in%20the%20register.pdf (create link)

 

  1. 13.               Q: How do I know when my identification card is ready for pick up?

   A: You are advised to check the Embassy website regularly for updates but allow for 90 days of processing before you begin to check for updates.

https://washington.mofa.go.ug/data-smenu-168-National-ID.html   (create link)

 

                   EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

 

  1. 1.     Q: Can I use an Emergency travel document to travel to any other country besides Uganda?

A:  Emergency travel documents are one way travel documents used in lieu of a passport. An Emergency Travel Document can only be used to travel to Uganda. In order to leave Uganda and return to the US, South America, Canada or the Carribbean, you will need to process a replacement passport before exiting Uganda. Click here for passport application.

https://washington.mofa.go.ug/data-smenu-67-Emergency-Travel-Documents.html

 

  1. 2.     Q: How long does it take for the Embassy to process an Emergency travel document?

A: It takes the Embassy 2 Business days to process an Emergency travel document. Please make sure that all the supporting documents listed on the Embassy website washington.mofa.go.ug are mailed in. https://washington.mofa.go.ug/data-smenu-67-Emergency-Travel-Documents.html

 

  • Completed Application Form G for Ugandan travel document
  • A Letter explaining why the applicant does not possess a valid Ugandan passport
  • Two (2) colored passport-size photographs
  • US$50.00 processing fee. Only Money Orders or cashier’s checks are accepted.
  • A travel itinerary or a copy of the applicant’s ticket
  • A self-addressed priority or overnight/express return envelope (the Embassy will not send documents by regular mail)
  • https://washington.mofa.go.ug/data-smenu-67-Emergency-Travel-Documents.html
E-Passport

Passport Renewal FAQ's

 

When can I visit the Embassy for enrollment?

Monday to Friday between 10:00 am - 2.00 pm, with a printed copy of your appointment date and time.  Ensure you have booked an appointment on the passport portal at  https://www.passports.go.ug. 

 

Am I really required to appear in person to submit my passport application?

Yes. Once you have submitted your application online and have booked your appointment, please print your confirmation page and a copy of your application and report to the Embassy with your documents at the appointed date and time. 

 

Am I required to have a National ID to apply for the E-passport?

No. All applicants in the diaspora are not mandated to present a national ID, but it eases the requirement of proof of citizenship. If you are a dual Citizen, you will need to present a Uganda certificate of Dual Citizenship at the Embassy.

 

I am a Dual Citizen and want to renew my Ugandan Passport. How do I do this?

Please note that in order to hold passports of two nationalities the law in Uganda requires you to formally register as a dual citizen first. In order to renew your Ugandan Passport you will need to present your Certificate of Dual Citizenship.

 

Who can be a recommender?

A person with a Ugandan Passport or National ID who can attest to your identity.   Ensure that the recommender signs the section which indicates “recommender’s signature”, or a signed copy of passport or national ID can be presented. 

 

How will I know when my passport is ready for collection?

An automated SMS message or email will be sent to you once the Embassy receives your passport in Washington, DC. Please ensure that the US phone number or email you provide during enrollment is active. There is no need to call the Embassy.

 

How will I receive my passport once the Embassy receives it from Kampala?

All applicants must present a pre-paid self-addressed courier return envelope in a packet (EXPRESS or PRIORITY mail with a tracking number for shipment of your new passport. The sender section of the envelope should indicate “Uganda Embassy 5909 16th St. NW, Washington DC 20011” and the recipient section of the envelope should indicate your preferred receiving address. 

 

I am having trouble making an online payment, can you advise how to resolve this?

• Applicants can try to use a different browser.

• Close the application and log in again or try to pay later.  Alert your local Bank first that your Bank card is being used for an overseas transaction. 

• Ensure that you pay using either  VISA or Mastercard. 

• The Banks in the drop-down menu are the payee banks in Uganda. You do not need to have an account with any of them in order to select one to pay into.

• You can also pay directly through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) portal at www.ura.go.ug

1. At the URA homepage, select E-Services, on the left-hand side of the page

2. Click on payments

3. Select Mastercard or VISA card payment icon, and follow the prompts.

4. Make each payment separately. Each will have its unique PRN.

5. Print the receipt after each payment

Over-the-counter Bank Payments

 

• You have the option to ask a trusted person to make payment on your behalf at most Banks in Uganda that accept URA payment. Payments must be made using the PRN numbers auto-generated on your passport application form.

 

Visas

 E-VISA SYSTEM

  1. Q: How can I apply for a visa to travel to Uganda?

A:   Please visit the website www. visas.immigration.go.ug

https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

  1. Q: Can a visa still be obtained upon arrival in Uganda?

A: No. You must first apply online and once your visa is approved you can either come to the Embassy to have it personalized or you can travel and have it personalized at the point of arrival in Uganda e.g. the Entebbe airport depending on where you are located in the US.

  1. 3.     Q: I am having trouble paying online; can I make a payment upon arrival?

A: No, payment is part of the approval process unless the visa is paid for, it cannot be approved. Click here to view FAQs about the E-visa payment system.

https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help

 

  1. Q: I was not able to save my application identification number how can I retrieve it?

A: Kindly send an email to the Embassy info@ugandaembassyus.org / with your passport number, date of birth and call-back number, and you will receive a call back as soon as possible.

  1. Q: I am having a problem uploading my documents on the E-visa system, how do I fix this?

A:   This is due to the file size of the document. Please reduce the size. If you are having trouble with PDF format please convert them to JPEG and try uploading again. Click here for additional answers to other questions about E-visas.

https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help

 

  1. Q: How long does it take for a visa to be approved online?

A: It takes 7 days. You are encouraged to submit your E-visa applications 30 days in advance to allow for any delays or eventualities.

 

  1. 7.     Q: Do I apply online and send my documents to the Embassy?

A: No, the entire visa application process takes place online. Once submitted, it will be approved, denied, or deferred for more information. If approved, please download the approval letter (travel authorization) and carry it with you to the airport. If deferred, you will be requested to upload additional information online. Your application will then be reviewed again.

  1. 8.     Q:   My doctor says I should not get the yellow fever vaccination/ there is a shortage of the vaccine, but the online application does not let me proceed without it.

A:   You may attach a doctor's note detailing any medical issues you may be experiencing with the vaccine

  1. Q:  I applied online and I will be traveling soon but the visa is still not   approved. Can I still travel to Uganda with just my application identification number?

A: Yes applicants can still travel with the approval letter; however visas should be applied for a month before the expected date of travel to allow for visa processing delays. In case of an emergency trip to Uganda, applicants are advised to notify by contacting the Embassy Phone: 202 726 7100 Email: info @ugandaembassyus.org

  1. 10.                        Q: How do I check the status of my visa application?

A: Please make sure you have your application identification number, passport number and date of birth ready: click 'Applications', 'manage my applications', fill out your information and select “check status of my application” https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check