2.1 Jurisdiction and Procedure in Uganda

For stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area (tourism, visits, business trips, trade fairs, short training courses, etc.), Ugandan citizens require a Schengen visa (Category C). Applications are accepted exclusively through TLScontact in Kampala, not at the embassy; exceptions apply only to holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uganda and South Sudan, who may submit Schengen applications directly to the embassy.
Typical procedure:

1. Create an online account with TLScontact, select the visa category, and fill out the VIDEX application form.
2. Book an online appointment with TLScontact (calendar function) and receive confirmation via email.
3. Compile documents according to the checklist (originals + copies), including local supporting documents from Uganda.
4. In-person visit to TLScontact in Kampala: submit documents, provide biometric data, pay visa and service fees.
5. TLScontact forwards the application to the embassy; decision by the embassy; return of the passport via TLScontact.

2.2 Schengen Tourist Visa (Tourist & Visitor)

Purpose: Vacation trips, private visits, cultural or sporting events, short-term stays without gainful employment.
Key requirements and documents (in addition to standard documents):

• Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned return date, no more than 10 years old, with at least 2 blank pages).
• Fully completed and signed Schengen application form (VIDEX) + “Declaration of accuracy of information”.
• 1–2 recent biometric passport photos (in accordance with Schengen photo standards, no more than 6 months old) .
• Proof of legal residence in Uganda: Ugandan passport; third-country nationals: valid Ugandan residence permit.
• Proof of residence in Uganda: e.g., recent electricity or water bill, lease agreement; original + copy of each.
• Flight reservation (round-trip); actual ticket purchase is only recommended once the visa has been issued.
• Proof of accommodation for the entire duration (hotel reservation, Airbnb, invitation from a host with address, etc.).
• Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for the entire Schengen Area and the entire duration of the stay.
• Proof of financial means: current bank statements from the last 3 months showing the account holder’s name and address; for self-employed individuals, additionally business registration and business bank statements.
• Proof of strong ties to Uganda: employment contract + employer confirmation (vacation, position, duration), certificate of enrollment, proof of property ownership, proof of family ties.
  Fee structure and processing times:
• Standard Schengen fee for adults: €90, children 6–12 years: €45, children under 6 years: free of charge.
• Additional TLScontact service fee (currently approx. UGX 162,000).
• Fees are paid in Ugandan shillings and are non-refundable even if the application is denied.
• Typical processing time: approx. 15 calendar days, legal maximum of 45 days; early application (up to 6 months before travel) recommended.

## 2.3 Schengen Visitor Visa (Family/Friends)

The visitor visa is formally equivalent to the tourist visa but requires additional documentation regarding the relationship between the applicant and the inviting person in Germany.
Additional documents:

• Letter of invitation from the inviting person stating the purpose, duration, and nature of the visit, as well as a declaration regarding accommodation.
• Copy of the inviting person’s German ID card or passport; for third-country nationals: copy of the German residence permit.
• Optional: formal declaration of commitment (“Declaration of Commitment pursuant to Sections 66–68 of the Residence Act” ) from the inviting person, issued by the German Foreigners’ Registration Office, if the host is covering the costs.
• Proof of family relationship: birth and marriage certificates; if necessary, document verification/legalization (see section on family reunification and document verification).
  Fees and processing times are the same as for a tourist visa.

2.4 Schengen Business Visa

Purpose: Business trips, contract negotiations, trade fairs, conferences, short-term training without productive work in the strict sense.
Additional requirements:

• Letter of invitation from the German company stating the purpose and duration of the stay, as well as coverage of costs if applicable.
• Proof of the company/organization in Germany (e.g., extract from the commercial register).
• Employer confirmation in Uganda (position, duration of employment, approved absence, intention to return).

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