The Ministry of Internal Affairs has urged Ugandans living abroad to use the festive season as an opportunity to renew expired passports, for ease of services both locally and abroad.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasized that citizens whose passports have expired can acquire an Emergency Travel Document at Ugandan embassies for just UGX 40,000.
This document enables travel back to Uganda and expires upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, after which full passport renewal can be processed.
Mundeyi noted that passport applications during the December season are minimal despite the influx of returning Ugandans, making it an ideal time for applicants to process their documents without delays.
The Ministry also cautioned citizens against middlemen and fraudsters who exploit applicants. Mundeyi warned of fake visa websites charging exorbitant fees, urging travelers to use only official government platforms ending in “go.ug.”
He reiterated that an official Ugandan visa costs $50, contrasting with fraudulent sites charging as much as $300. Similarly, he discouraged the use of brokers who inflate passport processing fees, citing instances where individuals have been charged UGX 2 million for a process that officially costs UGX 250,000.
For Ugandans returning from countries without passport centers, the ministry recommended obtaining Emergency Travel Documents from their respective embassies. Mundeyi reassured travelers that the process of renewing or replacing passports upon return is straightforward and efficient.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to streamline services for Ugandans abroad while ensuring they avoid unnecessary costs and complications.
Comments are closed.