Uganda Holidays
Lake Victoria's freshwater shores, Nile River rapids, and mountain gorilla treks. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Uganda.
Today
Weather in Uganda
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Uganda
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Uganda
You must have a visa to enter Uganda and should apply for it online.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date in Uganda.
You must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination to enter.
You must bring the physical yellow fever certificate with you to present if requested at Immigration.
Print out the emailed letter of authorisation with the barcode to show on arrival to get your visa issued.
Good to know:
You can apply for an East African tourist visa online, which costs 100 US dollars and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda over 90 days.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering or leaving Uganda.
Safety in Uganda
Uganda is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Use arranged transport, avoid boda-bodas, and do not walk alone after dark.
Keep car doors locked, windows shut, and valuables out of parked vehicles.
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers, especially in bars or on public transport.
Carry a copy of your passport photo page because officials may ask for ID.
Stay alert, avoid large gatherings, and follow local authorities’ safety advice.
Bonus tips:
Do not smoke or use e-cigarettes or shisha in public places, workplaces or transport.
Never photograph military, official or diplomatic sites, and ask before photographing people.
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Driving in Uganda
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Uganda drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Uganda
It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in. While GHIC/EHIC is useful in Europe, it is not applicable in Uganda.
Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food from street vendors. Avoid swimming in fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia. Medical facilities in major cities are adequate for routine treatments, but serious conditions may require evacuation.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit card acceptance is limited, especially outside of major cities and tourist areas. Visa is the most widely accepted card.
Visa
High
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Uganda
Tipping is not obligatory in Uganda, but is becoming increasingly common, particularly in tourist-oriented establishments. It is always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Round up or a small tip for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
1,000-2,000 UGX per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1,000-2,000 UGX per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost, or 10,000-20,000 UGX per day
Mobile & roaming
UK mobile users will not benefit from EU roaming agreements post-Brexit. Check with your mobile provider for international roaming charges in Uganda. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM
5GB for 25,000 UGX (~£5)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Uganda
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, primarily in urban centers. Coverage can be unreliable in rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
WiFi is available in cities and tourist areas. Mobile data is a viable alternative. Speeds can be limited.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Uganda
Country code
256
To call Uganda from abroad, dial 256 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission, 4 Windsor Loop, Kololo, Kampala
Phone
+256 (0) 312 312 000
Website
Entebbe International Airport
Kasese Airport
Mbarara Airport
Pakuba Airport
Arua Airport
Gulu Airport
Recent updates
Health
The Uganda Ebola outbreak was declared over on 27 August 2026.
Ebola transmission from the continuing outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo remains a risk in Uganda.
Precautions continue at Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo; check local procedures before travelling near the border.
The list of health risks you'll face in Uganda now includes Marburg Virus Disease.
Entry Requirements
The UK’s Returning Workers Scheme is now active for health and humanitarian workers due to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Returning health and humanitarian workers must check the latest guidance before travelling back to the UK.
Local Laws
Tourists and international travellers are exempt from the restriction on movement during the final Saturday of each month, from 7am to 10am.
Cross-border traffic and travel to medical facilities are also exempt; police may require travellers to explain their circumstances.
Police will enforce the restrictions, while businesses must close and non-essential movement remains prohibited.
A mandatory nationwide cleaning day now occurs on the final Saturday of each month from 7am to 10am.
All businesses must close during this time and all non-essential movement of people and vehicles is prohibited.
This may affect hotel and airport access; contact your travel provider for more information as enforcement is unclear.
Beaches in Uganda
No beaches listed for Uganda yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.