Journalist/Media Visa
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 7-10 business days
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- Duration of media assignment, up to 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Journalist visa is required for any journalism, filming, or media-related activity in Uganda. Under Section 29 and 30 of the Uganda Press and Journalist Act, media accreditation is required to practice journalism. Must apply for 'Accreditation application form G' from Uganda Media Centre or Media Council. Work permit must clearly indicate media work. Accreditation card facilitates importation/exportation of filming equipment and prevents customs duty/delays. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers over 1 year of age.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Open to all nationalities. Required for journalists, media personnel, filmmakers conducting any journalism or media-related activities in Uganda.
-
Purpose of visit
For journalism, filming, media reporting, documentary production, press coverage. Must obtain media accreditation in addition to visa.
-
Employment
Must be employed by a media organization or working as freelance journalist. Letter of introduction from employer required.
Required status: Journalist, media professional, filmmaker
-
Criminal record
Must provide clearance letter/certificate of good conduct from Interpol or from National Police with cover letter from applicant's embassy.
-
Health
Must have valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vaccination must be received at least 10 days before arrival.
Required vaccinations: Yellow Fever (mandatory for all travelers over 1 year of age)
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size photo
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
-
Police clearance
Countries required: Home country (Interpol clearance or National Police with embassy cover letter); Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Journalist Visa and Media Accreditation Application; Form url: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
-
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card (online payment only); Amount: $50 USD
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather required documents: valid passport, press credentials/ID card from employer, letter of introduction from media organization, police clearance from Interpol or National Police, employment contract or assignment letter, recent passport photo, and yellow fever certificate.
-
Online application
Apply for work permit/visa online at Uganda immigration portal. The work permit must clearly indicate that you are coming to Uganda to do media work. Upload all required documents including passport, press credentials, employer letter, police clearance, and yellow fever certificate.
-
Fee payment
Pay the visa fee of $50 USD online using credit or debit card at the time of application.
-
Document submission
Apply for media accreditation (Form G) from Uganda Media Centre or Uganda Media Council. No accreditation will be processed without a work permit that clearly indicates media work. Submit copy of work permit/visa, police clearance, employer letter, and press ID.
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa and accreditation processing. Visa processing typically takes 7-10 business days. Accreditation processing time varies.
-
Visa collection
Download approved visa and obtain accreditation card. The accreditation card facilitates importation/exportation of filming equipment and prevents customs duty. Present visa, passport, yellow fever certificate, and accreditation card at port of entry.