Uganda Holidays
Lake Victoria's freshwater shores, Nile River rapids, and mountain gorilla treks. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Uganda.
€1 = UGX 4,270
Today
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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:
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery and avoid walking after dark.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers as travellers have been drugged and robbed.
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page as officials may ask for ID.
It is illegal to smoke in public places, workplaces, on transport, or within 50 metres of a public building.
Avoid using matatus (minibus taxis) and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) as they are often unsafe and poorly maintained.
Bonus tips:
If you are taking photographs of people, ask their permission first.
Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and stocked with emergency supplies before a road trip.
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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 list of health risks you'll face in Uganda now includes Marburg Virus Disease.
An Ebola outbreak in Kampala was announced on 15 May.
Exit screening (temperature checks) may now be encountered when leaving Uganda.
The WHO has declared Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The previous warning about Ebola as a general risk is unchanged, but a new outbreak in Kampala is now confirmed.
Ebola has been added to the 'health risks you'll face' list.
Guidance on Ebola now states the WHO has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Advice links to TravelHealthPro for specific information on 'Ebola Disease in Uganda'.
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.
On 27 May, the Ugandan border with the Democratic Republic of Congo is now closed, except for authorised Ebola response, humanitarian and security personnel.
The previous suspension of flights, river ferries, and cultural celebrations has been removed.
You may now encounter health screening measures on arrival and departure, such as passenger locator forms and temperature checks.
Some countries have heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda, so check the entry requirements for your destination and any transit countries.
All flights to and from the DRC to Uganda are temporarily suspended.
Public passenger ferries on the Semliki River between the DRC and Uganda are temporarily suspended.
All cultural celebrations along the DRC-Uganda border are temporarily suspended.
Local Laws
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.