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Gemalto, the global leader in digital security, has announced that it is supplying Uganda with its Coesys Visa Management, an integrated visa processing and border management system. In a statement released by the Amsterdam-based company, the system securely manages visa applications and issue visas, eVisas and resident permits in the East African country.

Gemalto said the deployment of the solution, which was launched on July 1st, 2016, has been followed by maintenance and training of Ugandan immigration officers. The solution has enabled Uganda's Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) to manage the entire visa life cycle from application to issuance. The digital security company also said last week that it is helping the country achieve its goals to facilitate travel, enhance national security and protect travelers' identity against theft.

"This new project puts Uganda at the forefront of enhanced immigration solutions in East Africa," said Ari Bouzbib, Senior Vice President of Government Programmes at Gemalto. "The new system also fits with the regional initiative to deploy a single tourist visa programme across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. This enables Ugandan authorities to readily identify travelers and reinforce national security."

The new online visa portal has significantly improved the experience of traveling to Uganda and is supporting the country's growing business and tourism sectors, according to Gemalto. With increased migration across East Africa, Ugandan authorities can ensure that visas are issued to bona fide applicants.

"Gemalto answered our need for a strong, secure solution, based on international standards and in line with Uganda's objective to facilitate travel," Anthony Namara, Commissioner and Project Coordinator at the DCIC, said. "Gemalto Coesys Visa Management provides a fast and flexible response to the challenge of large-scale regional migration."

Intended visitors to Uganda apply for visas and permits online at any time prior to travel. Legitimate visitors get to receive their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email. Upon arrival in Uganda, visitors get their visas after ETA check, verification of passports and the collection of their biometric data (fingerprints) to uniquely match travelers to the documents they present.