Coming to Uganda

Visa Requirements

Before travelling to Uganda, all visitors must ensure that they meet the entry requirements set by the Government of Uganda through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC). Uganda welcomes tourists, business travellers, and visitors from across the world, and entry procedures are straightforward when prepared in advance.

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Uganda, unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country. Travellers are encouraged to apply for their visas online prior to arrival using the official e-visa system at https://visas.immigration.go.ug

The online system streamlines the process and allows visitors to receive electronic authorization before departure.
Types of Visas Available
Uganda offers several types of entry visas depending on the purpose of travel:

Single-Entry Visa (Tourist/Ordinary Visa): For short visits, holidays, family visits, or business trips. Valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

East Africa Tourist Visa: A joint visa allowing multiple entry to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for up to 90 days. It must be applied for in the country of first entry.

Multiple-Entry Visa: For frequent travellers conducting business or regular visits. Valid for 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years depending on the applicant’s needs.

Transit Visa: For travellers passing through Uganda for less than 48 hours.

All visa applicants must have a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-size photograph, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Health Requirements

Travel-health preparation is a key part of visiting Uganda.

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, ICVP) is required for entry for travellers aged ≥ 1 year.

It is strongly recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio) and consider additional immunizations such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and meningitis based on your travel plans.

Because health infrastructure is limited outside major urban areas, travellers should carry any necessary personal medications, a medical history/doctor’s note, and ensure their travel insurance covers medical evacuation if needed.

Drink safe water (bottled or boiled), avoid ice in drinks, and take care with food hygiene to prevent waterborne or food-borne illness.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is present across Uganda and prevention is vital.

Travellers should consult a travel-health clinic before departure about appropriate antimalarial prophylaxis and begin treatment as recommended.

Use insect-bite prevention measures: apply insect repellent, wear long sleeves/long trousers especially at dusk, sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets if provided or necessary.

Medical Facilities

Medical care is available, but with limitations in many areas.

In the capital, Kampala, and major towns there are some good private hospitals and clinics. In remote or rural areas facilities may be basic, lacking surgical capability, blood supply or advanced equipment.

Ambulance/emergency services may be limited outside urban centres; transport delays to higher-level care are possible.

Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and check in advance what local hospitals or clinics your insurer will accept. Carry your insurance details and know how to contact your assistance provider.

Airports & Arrival

The primary international gateway into Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (IATA: EBB), located about 40 km (roughly 45-60 minutes by car) south-west of the capital, Kampala.

Entebbe Airport is managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and provides services including customs/immigration, car hire, taxis to Kampala, and a dual carriage stretch via the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway.

In addition to Entebbe, there are several domestic or regional airstrips and airports (for example Kisoro Airport in the southwest) that facilitate tourist access to national parks and remote regions.

Arrival travellers should plan transport from the airport to their destination—taxis, airport-shuttles and hotel transfers are recommended, and traffic into Kampala can be heavy depending on time of day.

Transportation Options

Road travel (within cities and between towns): Uganda’s main mode of internal transport is by road. In cities like Kampala, you’ll find minibuses (often called “matatus” or shared taxis), special-hire taxis, ride-hailing apps, and motorcycle taxis (known locally as “boda bodas”).

For example: shared minibuses are cost-effective, but may be crowded and slower.
Motorcycle taxis are fast through traffic, but carry higher safety risk—visitors should exercise caution.

For travel from Entebbe Airport into Kampala, yellow “Airport Taxi” vehicles or pre-booked taxis are recommended to avoid confusion.

Car hire or driver-guided vehicles: For touring parks, rural areas or doing a self-drive adventure, hiring a 4×4 vehicle (with or without driver) is often the practical choice especially where road conditions become rough.

Public buses / long-distance coaches: For budget-travel between towns, these are available though they may be slow, stop frequently, and comfort can vary.

Air links to remote destinations: Domestic flights serve remote parks and lodges, offering a quicker and safer alternative to long drives over challenging terrain.

Water transport: In regions around lakes (especially Lake Victoria), ferries and boat rides may be used.

Currency Information

Official Currency: The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, abbreviated as UGX or symbolized as USh.

Banknotes: Common denominations include USh1,000, USh2,000, USh5,000, USh10,000, USh20,000 and USh50,000

Coins: Coins are rarely used due to inflation; however, USh100 and USh500 coins are still in circulation.

Banking Services

Uganda hosts a variety of banks, including both local and international institutions.

ATMs are widely available in urban areas and major towns. However, they may be scarce in rural regions.
Most banks operate Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some branches may open on Saturdays, typically from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Bank Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in urban areas. However, it's advisable to carry cash when traveling to remote locations.

Payment Methods

Mobile Money: Mobile money services are prevalent and widely used for transactions. Major providers include:
MTN Mobile Money: Offers services such as sending/receiving money, paying bills, and purchasing airtime.
Airtel Money: Provides similar services, including cross-network money transfers.

Bank Mobile Wallets: Banks like Stanbic and Bank of Africa offer mobile banking apps that allow users to perform transactions, pay bills, and check balances.

Bank Transfers: Bank-to-bank transfers are available for both local and international transactions.

Cash: Cash transactions are still common, especially in rural areas and for small-scale purchases.

Phone Networks

Uganda's mobile communication landscape is primarily dominated by a few key players:

MTN Uganda: As the largest telecom provider, MTN offers extensive 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage across the country. The company has invested significantly in expanding its network infrastructure, including the recent rollout of 5G services in select urban areas. MTN also provides mobile money services through MoMo, facilitating easy financial transactions.

Airtel Uganda: Airtel is known for its affordable data plans and widespread 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage. The company has been expanding its network to offer better services in both urban and rural areas. Airtel also offers mobile money services through Airtel Money.

Lycamobile Uganda: A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates on existing networks like MTN and Airtel, providing services primarily in urban areas.

Uganda Telecom (UTL): Once a state-owned entity, UTL has faced challenges in recent years. It continues to offer mobile services, but its coverage and service quality may vary.

Internet Access

Broadband Infrastructure: Uganda's internet infrastructure has been improving, with initiatives like the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) project aimed at expanding broadband access across the country. This project involves the installation of fiber optic cables and the establishment of data centers.
Freedom House

Internet Speeds: Average internet speeds in Uganda can vary, with urban areas typically experiencing faster connections compared to rural regions. However, the country still faces challenges related to internet speed and reliability.

Satellite Internet: In 2025, discussions were underway for the potential entry of Starlink, a satellite internet provider, into the Ugandan market. This move aims to provide high-speed internet to underserved regions.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal times to visit Uganda are during its two dry seasons:

June to August: These months offer cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, making them ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.

December to February: This period is characterized by warm, dry conditions, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

Seasonal Information

Uganda experiences two main rainy seasons:

March to May: The long rainy season, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in April and May.

September to November: The short rainy season, with moderate rainfall.

During these periods, some roads and trails may become challenging due to mud and slippery conditions, potentially affecting travel plans.

Packing Recommendations

When preparing for your trip to Uganda, consider the following packing tips:

Lightweight, breathable clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against mosquitoes and sun exposure.

Rain gear: Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially if traveling during the rainy seasons.

Sturdy footwear: Bring comfortable hiking boots for gorilla trekking and exploring national parks.

Insect repellent: Essential for protection against mosquitoes, particularly in forested areas.

Sun protection: Include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.

Binoculars and camera: Useful for wildlife viewing and capturing memories.