ManyaGuide How to apply for a Uganda e-passport online (fees & requirements 2026)
Apply at passports.go.ug. 48 pages: UGX 250,000 (about 10 working days). Express: +150,000 (about 2 days).
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Ugandan passports are now biometric e-passports, applied for online through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC). This guide covers the documents, fees and every step from the online form to collection.
Requirements for a Uganda e-passport
Adults (first passport):
- National ID or NIN
- A recommender's letter plus a copy of the recommender's National ID (a recommender is usually a Ugandan who knows you, such as an LC, religious leader, or senior public servant – check the form for accepted categories)
- Supporting documents showing citizenship (e.g. birth certificate, parents' IDs) if requested
Children (under 18):
- Birth certificate
- Both parents' National IDs or passports
- Parental consent
Renewal / replacement:
- Your old passport and National ID
- For a lost passport: a police report and a sworn affidavit
Uganda passport fees
| Passport type | Fee (UGX) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary passport, 48 pages | 250,000 |
| Ordinary passport, 64 pages | 350,000* |
| Service passport, 64 pages | 400,000 |
| Diplomatic passport, 64 pages | 500,000 |
| Express processing (extra) | +150,000 |
| Fine for a lost passport (extra) | +100,000 |
*The 64-page fee is set in the Citizenship and Immigration Control (Fees) Regulations, 2021; some older sources quote 300,000. Your PRN will show the exact amount. Bank charges are extra.
How to apply step by step
- Go to passports.go.ug and choose the application type (new, renewal, replacement).
- Fill in the online form carefully. Your names must match your National ID exactly.
- Generate a PRN (payment reference) and pay at any bank or via mobile money.
- Book an appointment – choose the passport office or mission and date, then print the appointment form.
- Attend your appointment with original documents for biometric capture (photo, fingerprints, signature).
- Collect your passport. All passports are printed in Kampala and sent to regional offices or missions.
How long does it take?
- Standard: about 10 working days after biometrics.
- Express: about 2 working days after biometrics (pay the extra UGX 150,000).
Scam alert: you do not need an "agent" to get a passport. Anyone promising a passport for cash without the official PRN is a fraudster.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a passport in Uganda?
An ordinary 48-page e-passport costs UGX 250,000. Express processing adds UGX 150,000.
Can I apply for a Ugandan passport from abroad?
Yes. Apply on passports.go.ug, choose your nearest Ugandan embassy or high commission for biometrics and pay the courier fee (about UGX 10,000).
Is my old machine-readable passport still valid?
The old non-electronic passports were phased out. If you still have one, apply for an e-passport through the renewal route.
Do I need a National ID to get a passport?
Yes. Your NIN is required for the online application.
Fees and codes change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.