How to Apply
The Embassy is responsible for handling visa applications made in Uganda. However, the Irish National Immigration Service (INIS) is responsible for assessing visa applications and determining whether visas should be granted.
Ugandan and Rwandan citizens require a visa to enter or transit through Ireland.
Applicants should note that the granting of an Irish visa is, in effect, only a form of pre-entry clearance. It does not grant permission to enter Ireland and Immigration Officers at entry points have the authority to grant or deny admission. Visa holders are subject to normal immigration control at the point of entry and should always carry with them the originals or copies of the documents submitted with their visa applications for possible inspection by Immigration Officers.
Visa-holders should also note that a visa does not grant permission to remain in Ireland. The dates shown on the visa indicate only the timeframe during which you may enter Ireland.
How to Apply
Submitting you Application Form
You need to:
- Complete the online application form
- Gather your supporting documentation, photographs and fee (Note that if you a hold a valid Ugandan passport there is no fee for this service)
- The online application system will automatically request you to submit your documentation to:
Embassy of Ireland
25 Yusuf Lule Road
P.O. Box 7791
Kampala
Uganda
Opening Hours
The Embassy of Ireland in Uganda is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Fridays, the Embassy is open from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Embassy Closures
Saturdays, Sundays, and all Public Holidays.
How to Apply from Rwanda
You need to:
- Complete the online application form
- The application and necessary documents plus the fee must be sent by courier to the Embassy in Kampala (at the applicant’s expense). The applicant should arrange with the courier service to collect the passport upon decision.
- For both Visas and Passports, applicants from Rwanda need to pay in Euros.
Embassy of Ireland
25 Yusuf Lule Road
P.O. Box 7791
Kampala
Uganda
Processing Times
Straightforward business visa applications processed under delegated sanction at the Embassy should be decided within 10 working days of receipt, provided that the documentation provided is fully in order. The Embassy reserves the right to request additional information or documents at any time.
Applications that are usually referred to INIS for decision (e.g. applications for Study, Visit or Join Family visas) will have a longer decision time, which will vary at different times of the year. In order to ensure you leave sufficient time for the application to be fully processed we advise that you should apply for your visa 6-8 weeks before your planned date of travel. Incomplete applications will result in a delay.
Following the online application
Once I have applied online, what do I do?
- Refer to checklists and the Types of Visa and Documentation tab of this website to ensure that you have all of the documents required to support your application.
- Check the Visa Fees tab to find out about the current visa fees.
- Check the Photo Requirements (link to relevant page on INIS website) page to ensure that you are providing an appropriate photo.
- Once you have checked all of the above, submit your application to the address given by the system. The application must include:
- The online summary sheet signed by you
- Two passport photographs (one to be affixed to the top left of your application form)
- Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals unavailable)
- All required supporting documents
- The visa fee (if required)
Information note to assist applicants with the online application form
An information note has been prepared to assist applicants completing the online application form. This is available in:
All supporting documentation (bank statements, letters of employment/study, car/property ownership certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates etc.) should be in English or accompanied by a notarised translation. Failure to translate your documents into English may result in your visa application being refused. It is not sufficient to send in copies of your documents. All documentation submitted must be original and verifiable (e.g. employment/study details, accommodation bookings must have correct contact details on each document). If this Office is unable to verify the information supplied this may result in your visa being refused.
The onus is on you, the applicant, to ensure that your application is fully complete before submitting it for consideration. You should note that if you submit an incomplete application, it may result in your application being refused.
If you have been refused a visa for any country, details of this must be given. Submit a copy of the letter issued to you by the authorities of that country, including a notarised translation if not in English. Concealment of visa refusals will result in your Irish visa application being refused.
Please note that if you provide false, fraudulent or misleading information or documentation, your application will be refused. You may also lose the right to appeal the decision. Any future applications made by you may also be refused.
If deemed necessary, additional documentation / information may be requested by the Irish Visa Officer upon detailed examination of the application.
Notification
You will be notified by the Embassy as soon as a decision on your application has been made. Visa decisions are also published every week on the INIS Visa Decisions page. You can check this list by using the reference number which is issued to you when you submit your application.
Need more information?
Visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website to find out what you need to know before you apply for a visa.