The Embassy of Sweden in Kampala has clarified new visa and residence permit arrangements after confusion about whether Ugandans would need to travel to Kenya for services.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Hakansson, explained that applicants will not be required to travel to Nairobi for interviews or biometric procedures. She made the clarification on February 27, 2026, responding to public concerns.
Starting March 2, 2026, the processing of long-term residence permits for Ugandans will shift to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi. This includes applications for work permits, study permits, family reunification, long-term visas, and extensions.
However, important services will still be handled in Kampala. Interviews and biometric submissions will continue to take place at the Swedish Embassy in Uganda. This means applicants can complete in-person requirements locally without travelling abroad.
Short-stay Schengen visa applications—such as those for tourism, business, or visits of up to 90 days—remain unchanged. Applicants will continue to submit these through VFS Global in Kampala, where they will book appointments and provide biometric data.
Applicants have also been advised to send migration-related questions to the Nairobi embassy through official communication channels. They are encouraged to track their applications through the Swedish Migration Agency’s online system and avoid unofficial agents who promise faster processing.
Other consular services, such as document legalisation and assistance to Swedish citizens living in Uganda, will continue to be offered in Kampala.
The changes reflect a broader move by some European countries to centralise migration processing in regional hubs while maintaining essential services in the host country.
In summary, while long-term permit decisions will now be processed in Nairobi, Ugandans can still complete interviews, biometrics, and short-term visa applications within Uganda.
