NAIROBI, Kenya — Ugandan socialite and media personality Sheilah Gashumba has raised concerns over the difficulties Ugandan citizens face when applying for visas to South Africa, describing the process as more burdensome than obtaining visas for the United States or the United Kingdom.
Speaking publicly, Gashumba criticized the practice of holding applicants’ passports for extended periods, which she said disrupts travel plans for frequent flyers.
She called on South African authorities to consider issuing multiple-entry visas with longer validity to reduce congestion in travelers’ passports.
“Kenya and Tanzania are visa-free for South Africa, yet Ugandans must apply repeatedly. It’s frustrating,” Gashumba said.
Her remarks echo wider frustrations among Ugandan businesspeople, students, and tourists who regularly face delays and logistical challenges when traveling to South Africa. Currently, single-entry visas often require applications well in advance, and passports may be held for 10 to 15 days, a period considered “hectic” by frequent travelers.
Observers note that longer-term or multiple-entry visas could streamline cross-border movement, facilitate business and tourism, and strengthen cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries.
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Kenya and Tanzania enjoy visa-free entry to South Africa, highlighting a regional disparity that affects Ugandan nationals.
Travel experts suggest that easing visa requirements could bolster trade, investment, and regional integration under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Multiple-entry visas not only make travel smoother for individuals but also support economic and cultural collaboration across borders,” said a regional travel consultant familiar with East and Southern African mobility policies.
Gashumba’s comments have sparked debate on social media, with many Ugandans echoing her call for reforms to simplify the visa process and enhance travel efficiency.
