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4,015 mi away
£1 UGX 5,080
Today
9:07 am
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Uganda
Uganda
26°
Light drizzle
Mon
17°
26°
Tue
18°
27°
Wed
18°
28°
Thu
19°
28°
Fri
19°
25°
Sat
18°
26°
Sun
18°
24°
SPF level in Uganda
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Uganda
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to enter Uganda.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
You must apply for a Uganda visa online, which involves submitting required documents and receiving a printed letter of authorisation.
An East African tourist visa is available for 100 US dollars and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda over 90 days.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda.
Good to know:
Your yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required by immigration, and you must bring the physical certificate with you.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Uganda.
Safety in Uganda
Tips when travelling
Uganda is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take care of your passport and always carry a copy of the photo page as officials may ask for ID.
Do not walk after dark, keep car doors locked in towns, and do not leave valuables in parked vehicles to reduce the risk of being mugged or having your vehicle broken into.
Be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars or on public transport as travellers have been drugged and robbed.
Smoking is illegal in public places, workplaces, on transport, and outdoors within 50 metres of a public building, and electronic cigarettes are also illegal.
Avoid using 'boda-boda' motorbike taxis and 'matatu' minibus taxis as they are often in poor condition, badly driven, and involved in frequent accidents.
Bonus tips:
Do not wear clothing or accessories that look like military-style clothing, camouflage, or red berets as this is a serious offence.
Do not take photos of military, official, or diplomatic sites, including the Owen Falls Dam, and always ask permission before photographing people.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Uganda
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
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.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
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
No UK adapter needed
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
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Uganda
Country code
+256
To call the British High Commission in Kampala from the UK, you would dial 00 256 312 312 000.
The country code for Uganda is 256. When calling Uganda from abroad, you need to dial your country's exit code, followed by 256, and then the local number.
Languages in Uganda
UK Embassy
British High Commission Kampala
British High Commission, 4 Windsor Loop, Kololo, Kampala
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Uganda
Beaches in Uganda
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for a visa online through the Uganda Electronic Visa Application System or obtain one upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. However, applying online in advance is recommended to avoid potential delays.
While most visits to Uganda are trouble-free, it's important to be aware of potential risks. Exercise caution in urban areas due to petty crime and be vigilant about your belongings. Monitor local news and avoid political gatherings or demonstrations. Road travel outside major cities can be hazardous, especially at night.
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to August and December to February. These months offer the most pleasant weather for wildlife viewing and trekking, with lower rainfall and fewer mosquitoes.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Pack long sleeves and trousers for protection against mosquitoes, especially in the evenings. If you plan to visit religious sites, dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees. Sturdy walking shoes are essential for safaris and trekking.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Uganda. It is strongly recommended to drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Ensure that bottled water is sealed properly before consumption. Also, be cautious when consuming ice in drinks.
The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). ATMs are available in major cities and towns, but they may not always be reliable. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is generally preferred, especially in rural areas. It is advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards.
Ugandans are generally friendly and respectful. Politeness and good manners are highly valued. When greeting someone, it's customary to shake hands. Photography of government buildings or military installations is prohibited. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, and be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially in rural areas.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance, as this could be a setup for theft or a scam. Avoid changing money on the street and only use reputable exchange bureaus or banks. Always negotiate prices before agreeing to a service and be cautious of inflated prices aimed at tourists. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
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.