Last updated: October 2026
A Uganda travel guide should answer the practical questions first: visas, health, money and how to get from the airport. First-time visitors often find conflicting information online, especially on visa fees and entry rules. This guide sets out the essentials for 2026, based on official requirements and current fees. In brief, most visitors need a $50 e-visa applied for online before travel, and most trips start at Entebbe International Airport, about 40 kilometres from Kampala.
Key takeaways
- Most visitors need a Uganda e-visa, applied for online at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel.
- The single-entry tourist e-visa costs $50 plus a $1.50 processing fee.
- The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 and covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days.
- Entebbe International Airport is about 40 kilometres from Kampala, around 30 to 45 minutes on the expressway outside peak traffic.
- The drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, are the most popular for gorilla trekking and safaris.
Check current travel advisories first
Read your government’s latest travel advice before you book and again before you fly. In May 2026 the US State Department rated Uganda Level 4, Do Not Travel, citing health, crime, terrorism and unrest. The WHO and Africa CDC declared Uganda’s 2026 Ebola outbreak over on 27 August 2026. See the guide is Kampala safe for current advice and practical precautions.
Visas and entry requirements
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Uganda. Applications are made online through the official e-visa portal at visas.immigration.go.ug.
Visa on arrival is no longer offered to most travellers. Apply at least two weeks before departure and carry a printed copy of your approval letter.
Uganda tourist e-visa
The single-entry tourist e-visa costs $50, plus a processing fee of about $1.50. Payment is made online by Visa or Mastercard.
Applications usually require a passport valid for at least six months, a recent photo, proof of accommodation and a travel itinerary.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100. It allows multiple entries across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days.
It does not cover Tanzania. The first entry must be through the country that issued the visa. It cannot be extended.
Choose it only if your itinerary crosses a border, such as gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Visa-exempt nationalities
Citizens of some countries, including several East African Community members, can enter without a visa. Check the official portal for your nationality before booking flights.
Health and vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination has long been a standard entry requirement for Uganda. Some travel sources report recent changes to how the certificate is checked.
Carry your yellow fever certificate if you have one, and confirm the current rule with the official portal or your airline before you fly.
Speak to a travel clinic at least four weeks before travel about other recommended vaccines and malaria prevention.
Best time to visit Uganda
Uganda sits on the equator, so temperatures stay fairly constant all year. Rainfall decides the best time to travel.
| Period | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| June to September | Drier | Gorilla trekking, safaris, hiking |
| December to February | Drier | Gorilla trekking, safaris, birding |
| March to May | Long rains | Green landscapes, fewer visitors |
| October to November | Short rains | Birding, lower demand |
The drier months make forest trails and park roads easier. The wetter months bring fewer visitors and greener scenery.
Money and payments
Uganda’s currency is the Ugandan shilling, written UGX. US dollars are widely used for hotels, tours and national park fees.
Larger businesses in Kampala accept cards. Mobile money, mainly MTN MoMo and Airtel Money, is used almost everywhere for everyday payments.
Bring clean, recent US dollar notes. Older or damaged notes often get lower exchange rates or are refused.
Getting from Entebbe Airport to Kampala
Entebbe International Airport sits on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, about 40 kilometres from Kampala.
- Kampala Entebbe Expressway: a four lane toll road of about 51 kilometres. The trip takes around 30 to 45 minutes outside peak traffic.
- Old Entebbe Road: free, but often takes one to two hours because of congestion.
- Private transfer: the easiest option on arrival. Book in advance so a driver meets you.
- Ride hailing apps: available from the airport and around Kampala.
Avoid weekday morning and late afternoon rush hours when you can.
Getting around Uganda
In Kampala, most visitors use private drivers, registered taxis or ride hailing apps. Traffic is heavy at peak hours.
For national parks, most visitors travel with a tour operator or hire a car with a driver. Uganda drives on the left.
English is an official language. Luganda is widely spoken in Kampala and the central region.
Top things to see in Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: mountain gorilla trekking. Permits are limited, so book months ahead through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed operator.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: game drives and boat trips on the Kazinga Channel.
- Murchison Falls National Park: the Nile forced through a narrow gorge, plus game drives and boat trips.
- Kibale National Park: chimpanzee tracking.
- Jinja: the source of the Nile, known for rafting and kayaking.
- Lake Victoria: islands and lakeside resorts near Kampala and Entebbe.
The Kampala Entebbe Expressway links to the Northern Bypass, so trips west to the parks can avoid central Kampala.
Practical tips for your first trip
- Uganda uses the three pin Type G plug, the same as the UK.
- Buy a local SIM card for data and mobile money.
- Carry small notes for markets, tips and short taxi rides.
- Keep valuables out of sight in busy areas, as in any capital city.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
Where to stay in Kampala
Most trips include at least a night or two in Kampala, before a safari or for business. The guide to where to stay in Kampala compares the main neighbourhoods.
Bon Bini Residence offers furnished apartments in Kampala in Muyenga from $40 a night. Every stay includes WiFi, daily housekeeping, 24/7 security, a backup generator and pool access.
Private airport transfers from Entebbe cost $35 one way and can be added when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa. Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel. The single-entry tourist e-visa costs $50 plus a $1.50 processing fee.
How much is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100. It allows multiple entries across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days but does not cover Tanzania.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Uganda?
Yellow fever vaccination has long been required for entry, and some sources report recent changes. Carry your certificate and confirm the current rule with the official portal or your airline before you fly.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
The drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, are the most popular for gorilla trekking and safaris.
How long does it take to get from Entebbe Airport to Kampala?
About 30 to 45 minutes on the Kampala Entebbe Expressway outside peak traffic. The old Entebbe Road can take one to two hours.
Written by the Bon Bini Residence team in Muyenga, Kampala. We host business travellers, families and expats in our serviced apartments all year and update this guide as things change.
Need a base in Kampala? See all apartments and check availability, or message us on WhatsApp at +256 706 444 444.
