IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS AND TRAVELLERS TO UGANDA
We are here to give you first hand and important travel information for tourists and travellers to Uganda. “The Pearl of Africa” is naturally a hospitable nation, therefore, the travel information to Uganda mainly consists of important guidelines and a few regulations majorly to ensure the safety of tourists and other travellers. The policies and guidelines are purely to encourage more numbers of arrivals to the Pearl of Africa.
Below is Important travel information for tourists and travellers to Uganda;
Travel vaccines and malaria information
Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to get the vaccines or medicines you may need. some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines
Recommended for all travellers. These vaccines include age-specific routine vaccines, such as measles-mumps-rubella [MMR], tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis {Td\Tdap}, poliovirus, varicella and influenza.
Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccine is essential before you arrive in the country. Yellow fever certificates are issued once the vaccine has been administered and they are valid for ten years. It is also recommended that a Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Tetanus, polio and Typhoid vaccine be administered.
Malaria
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you and also talk to you about another step you can take to prevent malaria.
Coronavirus
Recommended for all travellers. This vaccine is a must and it is compulsory for every traveller to have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or to get vaccinated before being granted access to “The Pearl of Africa”.
VISAS
Ugandan immigration policies are not always consistently applied and change without notice. Travellers should pay close attention to the validity of their visa or special pass to avoid fines or travel interruptions. A passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry is required. Visas are available at Entebbe Airport upon arrival or may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda. It is recommended that travellers obtain visas to Uganda in advance of travel, in particular those travellers who will arrive via land. If you plan to obtain your visa upon landing at Entebbe Airport, you should confirm in advance that your Airline allows you to board without a visa.
Fees
The current fee for a three-month tourist visa obtained upon arrival at Entebbe Airport is $50.00. us $ 100 for multiple entries: Valid for six months from the date of arrival. Cheques are not accepted. Please note that the Visa fee is non -non-refundable. Travellers entering Uganda via border crossings may face various entry procedures. The Ugandan immigration officer at the port of entry will determine the length of authorised stay, which is generally one to three months as a tourist. Note: Ugandan immigration imposes a fine of up to $30 per day for visa overstays and sometimes detains individuals who overstay their visas until the fine is paid. Extensions of duration of stay may be requested at Ugandan immigration headquarters on Jinja Road in Kampala. Airline companies may also require travellers to have a visa before boarding. [for more information log into the immigration website: www.mia.go.ug
Money
Cash can be changed easily at major banks and foreign exchange [forex] bureaus. The forex bureaus offer slightly better exchange rates than the banks. Exchange rates in Kampala the capital city are up to 15% better than is the case elsewhere in the country, so stock up on shillings in the capital. Credit cards are not widely accepted, however they can be used at some of the hotels in the country.
Bringing pets to Uganda
Important regulations governing the importation of dogs and cats into Uganda;
Movement permit
An official and authentic “Movement permit” should be obtained from the veterinary authority of the area of origin.
Certificates
A certificate or letter from the local veterinary authorities indicating that the area of origin of the pet is free from rabies.
A bill of health certifying that the pet is free from disease. It should be issued by a registered veterinary surgeon or official and should be properly signed and stamped within ten days of shipment.
Vaccinations
Dogs require vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, Parvo-virus and rabies. It should have been done not less than 30 days before arrival at any point of entry into Uganda.
Cats require vaccinations against Feline Enteritis and rabies. It should have been done not less than 30 days before arrival at any point of entry to Uganda.
Transportation
While in transit, Dogs and Cats must not come into contact with other animals. To ensure this, each pet should be appropriately crated.
Airport Taxis
When you land at Entebbe International Airport, it is possible to hire an Airport taxi that will take you to your destination. Airport taxis charge around USD 30-40 from the airport to Kampala. It’s about 40 km from the airport to Kampala and it can take anywhere from one hour to two hours to travel the distance depending on the traffic.
Driving in Uganda
One can drive in Uganda using a foreign license for up to 3 months, after which you will need to get a Ugandan driving license from the Uganda Revenue Authority or an international driving permit. You will be given a temporary paper driving license which will be valid for one month after which you will take it back to get a real driving license. The driving license is valid for 3 months.
Traffic drives on the left in Uganda. The speed limit on highways in Uganda is 80km /hr and 50km/hr in built-up areas. You might not see the speed limit signs frequently in some places but take extra care because strictly enforces this law and fines are available for any faulters of the law. Be aware of animals crossing, boda bodas, children and any other livestock.
Drinking The Water
It is advisable to drink bottled water [mineral water] during your stay in Uganda as the water flowing from taps should be boiled first or treated before consumption. Although, it is safe to brush your teeth using the water as long as you don’t swallow the water.