Essential Travel Information for Uganda

Uganda may be relatively small—covering 241,136 square kilometres—but nearly one-fifth of its area is freshwater, including the vast Lake Victoria. Straddling the Equator, the country enjoys a pleasant average temperature of 22°C and receives around 125 cm of rainfall annually. English is the main language, and the country’s infrastructure is steadily improving.

From golden savannas and lush forests to snowcapped mountains, Uganda’s diverse ecosystems are a haven for wildlife lovers. This richness is reflected in its remarkable birdlife, with over 1,000 recorded species making it one of Africa’s premier birding destinations.

• The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are generally considered the best times for gorilla trekking in Uganda
• During these months, the weather is more favourable, and trekking conditions are usually better.
• While it is possible to trek and visit Uganda to see mountain gorillas outside of the optimal times of the year, it’s important to consider that the trekking experience may be more challenging due to rainfall and the presence of steep, muddy hiking paths.

• Passports are required by all foreign visitors.
• Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from your return home date.
• There must be between two and three blank pages in a passport at all times (not endorsement pages). This is over and above what you will need for cross-border stamps during your travels. You may be denied boarding if you do not have sufficient pages in your passport. If you are travelling to multiple countries, please discuss the amount of blank pages you will require with your Travel Manager.

All tourists travelling to Uganda require a visa. The Government of Uganda has introduced a mandatory online visa application system, and all travellers must apply online prior to arrival. Visas are no longer issued on arrival.

Apply through the official Uganda Electronic Visa System (eVisa) at:
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

Visa Types and Fees

• Single Entry Visa: USD 50

• East Africa Tourist Visa (valid for travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya): USD 100

Payment must be made online at the time of application to validate the visa. Once your payment is complete, you will receive an email confirmation and further instructions for document submission.

Travellers may be required to present their original Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival.

Application Requirements

To complete your online application, you will need:

• A valid passport (minimum six months’ validity, with at least two blank pages)

• A return or onward ticket

• A passport-style photo (selfie/headshot)

• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

• Accommodation details or contact in Uganda (provided by your travel manager or hotel)

1. Visit the Uganda eVisa portal: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
   Log in to the Immigration Portal and start a new application.

2. Accept the disclaimer and terms.

3. Select your visa type:
   Choose Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa or East Africa Tourist Visa (if visiting Kenya and Rwanda).

4. Complete the application form with personal, contact, and passport details.

   1. Under Port of Arrival/Point of Entry, select Entebbe International Airport (for air arrivals).

   2. For Contact in Uganda, use details supplied by your travel manager or accommodation.

5. Upload all required documents:

   1. Passport bio-page

   2. Passport photo

   3. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

   4. Return/onward flight ticket

6. Make a payment online to validate your application. You will receive a confirmation email (visa order receipt).

7. Receive your visa approval letter:
   Once approved, you’ll receive a barcoded approval letter by email. Print this and keep an electronic copy on your phone.

8. Arrival in Uganda:
   On arrival, present your printed approval letter, passport, and Yellow Fever certificate to immigration.
   Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, and a visa sticker will be placed in your passport.

Processing Time

• Processing typically takes 3–5 business days (excluding weekends and public holidays).

• Apply well in advance of travel to avoid delays.

Visa Validity

• Single Entry Visa and East Africa Tourist Visa: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

• Multiple Entry Visas: Valid for 6, 12, or 24 months depending on the sub-category.

Timeless Tip

If you plan to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, consider the East Africa Tourist Visa.
It allows multiple entries across all three countries for USD 100, valid for 90 days.

Additional Notes

• Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Uganda.

• Each traveller (including children) must hold a separate passport and visa.

• Diplomatic, official, or travel document holders must apply through their respective channels.

• It is your responsibility to ensure all documents are valid and complete before departure.

• It is imperative and strongly recommended that guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Covering for personal effects, personal accidents, medical & emergency travel expenses, cancellation & curtailment.
• Depending on your insurance company, “cancellation for any reason” insurance must be taken within a specific time frame from the first payment as set by your insurer.
• Most insurance offered by credit cards does not provide sufficient coverage.
• Please check you are fully covered before traveling.
• Read our article: The Importance of Having Travel Insurance »

• Precautions against malaria: Please consult your physician or local travel clinic before you travel to Uganda.
• Read our article: Considering Malaria when Travelling to Africa »

• Existing and new yellow fever vaccination certificates are now valid for life.
• You must have the vaccination at least 10 days before you plan on entering a yellow fever area.
• Please consult your physician for exemption on medical grounds.
• Read our article: Considering Yellow Fever when Travelling to Africa »

• Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases including flu and colds.
• If you are participating in a gorilla/chimp trek then you need to be free of any easily contagious diseases and this is checked at the start of the trek by the park authorities. If they are in any doubt of your condition, they reserve the right to prevent you from continuing on the trek.
• If you are participating in a Chimpanzee Interaction programme – please refer to the documentation provided on booking.
• Special/additional vaccines and health certificates are required to be presented to ensure participation. This is because you have direct contact with the chimpanzees. Trekking, in the forest is a different activity.

• Due to space limitations in the vehicles, it is imperative that luggage be kept to a minimum.
• We suggest a barrel or soft bag (15 kg maximum) for your main gear, plus a camera bag or smaller ‘day pack‘ for inside the vehicle.
• Samsonite / hard bags/suitcases, etc. are not suitable as it makes packing very difficult. If you are travelling internationally with one we suggest you repack safari items into your soft bag, before the safari, and then leave your hard suitcase at your return point e.g. Entebbe Hotel to collect later.
• Domestic flights luggage allowance: If you are travelling on a light aircraft within Uganda, then the luggage restriction is dependent on combined client and luggage weights and varies from plane to plane and routing.
• A maximum of 15kg per person in soft bags is usually allowed and this is strictly adhered to for safety reasons.
• Hand luggage forms part of this total 15 kg allowance. Please double-check your personal allowance upon confirmation of the itinerary and aircraft.

• Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last at least the length of their visit.
• Although most hotels and lodges are equipped with a First Aid kit, we suggest that you bring a small airtight container with your own basic first aid kit.
• We remind travellers who have any allergies i.e. insect stings, or an asthma condition, to pack the required medication.

It is essential for the comfort and safety of your trip that you advise your Travel Manager as early as possible if:

• You require special attention. Such as food allergies, or food related illnesses or require a gluten-free menu.
• If you require any special facilities, such as a wheelchair-friendly environment.
• If you are travelling with a CPAP machine.
• Any other medical concern or personal requirement which may impact your travels.

• Primate tracking is a dynamic experience, with timing and conditions shifting as these incredible animals move through the rainforest.
• Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s helpful to come prepared for any changes along the way.
• The journey often takes you through steep terrain without marked trails and can range from a short hike to a full day’s trek through warm, high-altitude areas.
• Being in good physical shape will enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time here.
• While tracking chimpanzees is usually a bit easier than gorilla tracking, it can still be challenging, as chimps are swift movers. Both activities require a solid fitness level.
• A guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwandan ORTPN will accompany you, meeting you at the trek’s starting point. They can also arrange for local porters to assist with carrying your essentials, allowing you to focus fully on the journey.
• Porters are from nearby communities and well-acquainted with the terrain, offering support along the way if conditions become tough.
• Their services typically cost around USD15 per day, with additional tipping optional.
• Keep in mind, that porters will stop a short distance from where you’ll view the mountain gorillas, as they don’t carry tracking permits.
• To fully enjoy this encounter, consider leaving valuables at your lodge or camp and bringing only the essentials in a day pack.
• Once your group spots the gorillas or chimps, you’ll have up to one hour to observe them, allowing for a meaningful but respectful connection.
• Minimum distances of 5-7 meters are maintained to ensure their comfort, and your guide will help manage this.

• During your safari, depending on the style of trip chosen, the dress code may vary slightly. None of the lodges/hotels insist on any formal type of dress – ties, jackets etc – so the norm would be casual or smart casual depending upon the level.
• In towns and cities, and at certain of the more up-market lodges and hotels then long pants and shirt/golf shirt would be more appropriate (especially in the evenings), or ladies may wear a skirt of course.
• On Safari – Bush gear ie hard wearing clothes, no bright colours, e.g. greens, khaki and similar neutral clothes are recommended. In the daytime on safari, generally shorts or lightweight trousers, t-shirts, hat, sunblock etc. as it is generally fairly warm 77-95°F (25-35 degrees C).
• Avoid wearing blue & dark colours in areas where you may find tsetse flies, as they are often attracted to these colours, (this would be in some parts of Murchison Falls for example, check with your guide).
• We suggest you take something warm e.g. a tracksuit, fleece or sweater for the mountainous areas.
• It is at a higher altitude and will therefore be cooler in the evenings. A rain jacket/anorak is also suggested as it rains regularly in the rainforest areas, even in the drier months.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are also recommended for general evening use to assist in the prevention of mosquito bites and also as it’s generally cooler than during the day.

• While gorilla and chimp tracking you will need a comfortable, hard-wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots – with good tread and support. Conditions are generally muddy/slippery.
• There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous.
• It is also advisable to wear a long-sleeved shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. (Tracksuit pants often get caught on bushes, thorns, etc. and jeans can get very heavy when wet).
• Gloves are also highly recommended – gardening gloves will do – this will prevent your hands being scratched when holding onto vegetation for support, through dense parts of the forest.
• Tuck your long pants into your socks/boots to avoid biting insects.
• Your clothes will in all likelihood get very muddy and may not recover to their original state – therefore take old clothing for the gorilla trekking.
• A poncho or lightweight rain jacket is useful, and a day-pack to carry your lunch, water and camera gear in.

• USD cash is widely accepted and in most cases preferred as the currency that travellers should use to exchange into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road e.g. for drinks, curios, and tips.
• Please ensure your USD100 bills are post-2006. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.
• When changing money, keep your confirmation as you are able to change surplus local money back to the original currency if you have proof of purchase when leaving the country.
• Credit Cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee will be charged which can range up to 5- 8%. Ask first.
• ATM Machines: ATMs may be found in Entebbe/Kampala, and it will pay out local currency only.

If you particularly enjoy bird-watching, try and get hold of an East African Bird Book – it will make your journey even more enjoyable! The guide generally carries a set of reference books for the entire group’s use and local maps. Binoculars are very useful.

In tourism, it is most important to conserve our wildlife and its habitat. Without the income generated from tourists, conservation would not be possible.

Timeless Tips:

• Do not feed any wildlife of any description.
• Do not dispose of any litter, keep it in our vehicles until you find a suitable bin.
• Do not collect any natural objects as souvenirs. Collecting trophies is illegal.
• While watching and photographing game it is not permitted to approach too close.

Note: Harassment of wildlife in any form is strictly illegal. Please do not ask your driver to break the rules, he could be arrested and his vehicle impounded.

• Your safety and well-being is our prime concern.
• Please take care of all your possessions at all times – do not tempt petty theft, or pickpockets, by displaying large amounts of money, especially when near markets or in the center of Kampala / Entebbe.
• Valuables, especially cash and credit cards should be kept on your person at all times. A “moon bag” or “body belt” is a useful item for storing cash and other valuable small items.
• When leaving the vehicle in towns, please ensure all the windows are shut and that you take your valuables and cameras with you for safekeeping.
• When at lodges/hotels we recommend you either keep your money and valuables with you or utilise the safekeeping facilities provided at the various establishments.
• Please also be sure to check your room and ensure you have everything packed before
  moving on to a new place.

• Electricity spec Uganda: 240 volts British Standard, generally through 3-pin square plugs.
• Two-pin plugs are generally available in most lodges/camps as well. Some lodges and camps have power only at certain times of the day, and in some charging facilities are centralized. You will need your own charger.
• In lodges/ camps utilising solar power systems, the amount of power available for charging often depends on how sunny the weather has been and how busy the lodge is with charging equipment, so whilst they will always try to assist, continuous charging cannot be guaranteed at all times to be available.
• Particularly items like laptops etc which draw a lot of current – please ask before you plug in.
• Use of specialized breathing machines, hair dryers, curling tongs, shavers and other electrical equipment is possible at hotels in towns and at lodges with large generator power backup systems but generally not possible at the remote, solar-powered safari lodges – please check your detailed itinerary to ensure you are aware of where you can utilise these items.

Distances in Uganda can be long – but the scenery is generally interesting and varied. There is a good selection of scheduled flights available which we recommend for some of the sections.