£1 UGX 5,015
Today
8:48 pm
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Uganda
Uganda
24°
Thunderstorm
Thu
18°
24°
Fri
19°
26°
Sat
20°
27°
Sun
20°
29°
Mon
20°
28°
Tue
19°
27°
Wed
20°
25°
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:
Officials may stop you and ask for ID, so always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport.
You can be fined or imprisoned for smoking in public places, workplaces, transport, or outdoors within 50 metres of a public building.
Do not accept food and drink from strangers, as travellers have been drugged and robbed on public transport and in bars.
To reduce the risk of pickpocketing or mugging, do not carry large amounts of cash, avoid wearing expensive-looking jewellery, and do not walk after dark.
It is illegal to take photos of military, official, or diplomatic sites, and you should ask permission before taking photographs of people.
Bonus tips:
Avoid using matatu minibus taxis and boda-boda motorbike taxis as they are often in poor condition, badly driven and accidents are common.
Do not get on a ferry if it appears overloaded or unseaworthy and learn the emergency procedures on board.
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.
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
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.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Kampala
British High Commission, 4 Windsor Loop, Kololo, Kampala
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
7 days ago
Political situation
- A Presidential Inauguration Ceremony will take place on 12 May 2026.
Warnings and insurance
7 days ago
Security risks and warnings
- The entire section on elections and related security advice has been removed.
- Specific mention of 24/7 consular assistance phone numbers (+256 (0) 312 312 000 and +44 (0) 20 7008 5000) is no longer included.
Election-related information
- The detailed election context for January-February 2026, including dates and incident reports, is no longer part of the travel advice.
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.