Winston Churchill called Uganda "the pearl of Africa", half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population lives here and it has the highest density of bird species in Africa. Other reasons for visiting include; Lake Victoria, the Source of the Nile, Murchison Falls, the Nile River, the chimpanzees and other primates in the Kibale Forest National Park and, although not as famous as their East African neighbours, the wildlife of the Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
Entry Requirements
Most nationalities do require a tourist visa before entering the country.
EU, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand citizens require a visa, which can be obtained online
Travellers who are also visiting Rwanda and Kenya may find it more useful to apply for an East African cross-border joint visa which allows entry into all three countries on a single visa (first point of entry must be the country where visa was applied for).
Government of Uganda has introduced an online visa application system for all persons intending to visit Uganda (or East Africa for tourism and/or business, with Uganda as their first point of entry).
Single entry visas into Uganda only have reverted to $50 per person (from $100 formerly charged).
The East African Tourist Visa remains at $100 (for Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya only).
Online Uganda Tourist Visas:
The visa online prior to travel can be obtained at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
Information about documents required and payment for the online visa application can be found at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help/visa
Once approved, an approval letter will be sent to the applicant. This letter should be printed out and presented, together with a valid passport/travel document at the port of entry, along with payment in cash (USD only).
All visa applications will need to be done online prior to arrival.
Banking and Currency
Ugandan shilling (UGX), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and bureau de change; the best currencies to change are US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants, usually only in the cities.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Location: The airport is situated 25 miles (40km) southwest of Kampala
Time: Local time is GMT +3
Contacts: Tel: +256 41 353000
Getting to the city: A pre arranged transfer is recommended
Car rental: Car rental companies available (self drive in Uganda is not recommended at all)
NB: Due to the vast distances involved, travelling by air is often the most practical way to get around. There are numerous other smaller charter airports available in various locations.
Health and Medical Information
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Malaria precaution is highly recommended.
Recommend drinking bottled water only, which is widely available.
It is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication and ensure that you have full medical and evacuation cover before travelling.
Safety Notices
Contrary to popular belief, Uganda is one of the safest countries in Africa. Use a reputable transport company / tour operator such as Dragonfly Africa and stick to known tourist locations. Avoid travel by road outside major towns at night, except between Kampala and the airport at Entebbe. Take usual safety precautions when travelling, such as leave expensive jewelry at home, keep your cellphone in your pocket, well hidden and keep money & passport in a safe place etc.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Ugandan cuisine reflects a mix of indigenous tribes and foreign influences. Staple foods include Matooke (cooked green bananas), Posho (maize meal), and Rice. Common dishes are Luwombo (steamed stew), Rolex (chapati with eggs and vegetables), and Nyama Choma (grilled meat). Ugandan cuisine is rich in flavor with a variety of spices and herbs.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Waragi (banana gin), Tonto (local beer), and Malwa (fermented beverage).
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically 5-10%.
Climate and Weather
Uganda experiences a temperate climate even though the majority of the country is within the Tropics. Average temperatures are around 21.5°C or 71°F, dropping to a minimum of 12°C or 54°F at night, with altitude also affecting this. Being on the equator, rainfall ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 millimeters each year, but depending on time of year these can be short bursts, which give rise to clearer skies.
Although it’s regarded as a year-round activity, the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the country’s two dry seasons: January and February and from June to September. Game viewing in Uganda’s savannah parks is best at the end of the dry seasons - February and March and September/early October - when wildlife is concentrated around water sources. Bird watching is fantastic all year round but is at its peak between November and April when migrant species are present.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Light clothing suitable for Uganda’s hot climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the sunny weather. Do pack something warm for the cool to cold evenings, especially in the mountainous regions.
Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection - SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the African sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn.
A camera is an absolute must!
Casual eveningwear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels. Locals do “dress-up” in Kampala for an evening out.
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions. Good hiking boots, long pants, walking sticks and raincoats advisable for Gorilla Trekking.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical current in Uganda is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.
General Guidance
Tourism
Ugandan Tourism Board, Kampala: + +256 (414) 342 196/7
http://visituganda.com/index.php.
Ugandan Embassies
Ugandan Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 726-7100
Ugandan Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 7797/8
Ugandan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44-20 78395783
Ugandan Embassy, Paris, France: +33 1 56 90 12 20
Ugandan Embassy, Auburn, Australia: +61 2 9646 4444
Foreign Embassies in Uganda
United States Embassy, Kampala: +256 414-259 791 / 2 / 3 / 5
British Embassy, Kampala: +256 312 312000
French Embassy, Kampala: +256 414 304 500
Russian Embassy, Kampala: +256 414 345 698
Australian Consulate, Kampala: +256 31 2515 865
