Cape Town, South Africa – Stakeholders in Uganda’s tourism and travel industry are raising alarm over visa restrictions and lengthy processing times for Ugandans traveling to South Africa, highlighting a negative impact on trade and tourism.
The issue dominated discussions at the Maonyesho Africa Tourism Roadshow in Cape Town, where industry leaders, predominantly tour operators, from both nations deliberated on ways to improve travel ease and foster partnerships.
Securing a South African visa remains a significant hurdle for Ugandans, taking up to eight to twelve days from application to issuance.
Despite the growing potential for business and tourism between the two countries, these restrictions have hindered progress, according to Karin Matodes, Uganda Airlines’ representative in South Africa and Director of Airline Pros.
“The potential between Uganda and South Africa is massive, but visa delays and restrictions make it difficult to fully realize this,” Matodes stated.
Echoing this concern, Claire Mugabi, Group CEO of Afrireps Consult Ltd, shared that the visa process directly impacts travel agencies and discourages potential travelers.
“As a destination marketing agency, we lose a lot of business due to visa complications, which disrupts travel and trade planning,” Mugabi noted.
The roadshow offered a platform for networking between Ugandan and South African tour operators, but the pervasive issue of travel restrictions overshadowed potential collaborations.
Isa Kato, Vice President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), called for urgent action, advocating for a mutual easing of travel restrictions to encourage tourism and simplify business operations.
“Bilateral talks are crucial. Removing visa restrictions would open doors for more tourists and make doing business between Uganda and South Africa easier,” Kato urged.
Despite the challenges, South Africa’s appeal remains strong, attracting millions of visitors annually with iconic attractions like Table Mountain and coastal vistas along the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Tour operators like Elvis Masiga, Team Leader at Lulu Safaris Limited, believe that Uganda could similarly enhance its visibility with strategic marketing.
“Uganda has untapped potential, but we need more aggressive marketing to position ourselves globally,” Masiga remarked.
Acknowledging these concerns, Uganda’s High Commission in South Africa, represented by Dennis Kalikola, stated that both governments are in discussions to explore the possibility of waiving visa requirements entirely.
“Both sides recognize the impact, and while we’re optimistic about an agreement, it remains a work in progress,” Kalikola revealed.
With trade and tourism between Uganda and South Africa restricted by bureaucratic barriers, stakeholders continue to press for swift diplomatic action. Removing visa requirements would not only increase tourist numbers but also strengthen economic ties, marking a new era of growth for both nations.
At the Maonyesho Africa Tourism Roadshow, the sentiment was clear: outdated visa policies are holding back the vision of a united African tourism market.
The stakes are high, and visa-free travel between Uganda and South Africa would unlock vast opportunities for trade, tourism, and cross-border partnerships, breathing new life into the regional economy.
