Government extends deadline for old passports overhaul

PASSPORTS|COVID-19|INTERNAL AFFAIRS

KAMPALA - DUE to the restrictions brought about by COVID-19 pandemic, Government has postponed the deadline for phasing out the use of Machine-readable Passports in the country. 

Dr. Benon Mutambi, the Permanent Secretary of the Internal Affairs Ministry says, "This could not be achieved without inconveniencing the public, due to the disruptions brought about by COVID-19." 

The Government started issuance of the International e-Passport to the citizens on December 7, 2018 and as a result, stopped issuance of the Machine-Readable Passports. 

Government issued a notification of a two-year transition period to phase out the Machine-Readable Passports by January 31, 2021.

But, Dr. Mutambi says, "We would like to notify the public of the decision to extend the phase out period from January 31, 2021 to April 4, 2022."

He adds, "The Government of the Republic of Uganda wishes to inform all citizens that the Machine-Readable Passports will continue to be used as valid travel documents alongside the new International e-Passport until April 4, 2022." 

The Government also called upon Ugandans to take note of the new deadline. 

"All citizens who have not yet changed to the new international e-Passport are encouraged to use this window of opportunity to migrate to the new e-Passport to avoid any inconveniences related to the new deadline. To apply, pay and schedule appointment, please log on to our e-Passport portal www.passports.go.ug."

To apply, one has to pay and schedule appointment for your new EAC e-passport please visit www.passports.go.ug.