Ugandan travellers seeking to visit South Africa have received welcome news following the country’s decision to allow Ugandan passport holders to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online. The new arrangement is expected to make travel easier by reducing the need for physical visits to embassies and visa application centres. Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has welcomed the development, describing it as an important achievement in the diplomatic relationship between Uganda and South Africa.
Under the new system, eligible Ugandan passport holders can apply electronically for authorisation to visit South Africa for up to 90 days. The digital platform is designed to simplify the application process, allowing travellers to submit their applications online instead of travelling to a South African diplomatic mission or visa centre to complete the process.
Gen Muhoozi welcomed the development on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, expressing appreciation for the cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the new arrangement would make travel more convenient for Ugandans planning short-term visits to South Africa. The military chief described the move as a positive outcome of the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In his message, Muhoozi said eligible travellers could now apply online for short-term visits of up to 90 days without making physical visits to a mission or visa application centre. He added that the system would offer a faster, more convenient and reliable process for people seeking permission to travel to South Africa.
The CDF also praised the two governments for working together to achieve the development. He specifically thanked the foreign affairs ministers of Uganda and South Africa for their efforts in facilitating the arrangement, expressing confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow. He concluded his message by reaffirming the friendship between the two nations.
South Africa had communicated Uganda’s inclusion in the Electronic Travel Authorisation system earlier in September. In a diplomatic note dated September 29, 2026, the South African High Commission in Kampala informed Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Ugandan passport holders were eligible to apply for electronic travel authorisation. The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria confirmed the development the following day, on September 30.
The arrangement covers ordinary short-term visits, including tourism, holidays and business activities. It is expected to benefit Ugandans travelling to South Africa for leisure, meetings and other permitted purposes by reducing some of the challenges associated with traditional visa application procedures. However, applicants must still meet South African immigration requirements, and submitting an application does not automatically guarantee approval.
The introduction of the online system forms part of South Africa’s wider efforts to modernise its immigration services and make the processing of travel applications more efficient. For Uganda and South Africa, the development represents another step towards improving people-to-people connections, tourism and business cooperation. With Muhoozi welcoming the move, the new arrangement has highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic engagement in making international travel more accessible for eligible Ugandan citizens.
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