Planning a trip to Uganda? Whether you're coming for gorilla trekking, safari adventures, the Nile's white waters, or the warm hospitality, Uganda is a country that leaves a lasting impression. But before you board that flight, here’s a checklist to help you prepare for a smooth and unforgettable experience.
🛂 1. Entry Requirements
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Visa: Apply for an eVisa at https://visas.immigration.go.ug or obtain one on arrival.
- Yellow fever vaccine certificate: Proof of yellow fever vaccination (the "yellow card") is mandatory for all travelers one year of age and older entering Uganda. You should receive this vaccine at least 10 days before your trip.
💉 2. Health & Vaccinations
- Personal medications: Bring an adequate supply, plus copies of your prescriptions.
- Basic first aid: Painkillers, anti-diarrheal medicine, antiseptic wipes, and band-aids.
- Anti-itch cream/bite relief: For inevitable insect bites.
- Recommended vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies (if you’ll be in remote areas or around animals)
- Malaria prevention: Uganda is a malaria zone so please talk to your doctor about antimalarials, and pack insect repellent with DEET.
It is highly recommended that you consult with a travel health specialist or your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. They can review your complete medical history, travel itinerary, and current vaccine status to provide the most personalized and up-to-date recommendations.
💰 3. Money
- Credit/debit cards: Credit and debit cards work in Uganda but cash is still the dominant method of payment, especially outside of major tourist hubs.
- ATMs: Widely available in major cities and towns, allowing you to withdraw Ugandan Shillings using foreign debit or credit cards. Visa is most accepted, followed by MasterCard, while AmEx is rare. For safety, use ATMs at bank branches during business hours, and be mindful of international fees and withdrawal limits.
- Notify your bank: Before you travel, inform your bank of your travel dates and destinations to prevent your card from being blocked due to suspicious activity.
- Use a travel card: Consider getting a travel-friendly debit card that offers low or no international transaction/ATM fees.
- Cash: While the cities are modernizing, cash is still king for many transactions, especially outside of Kampala. The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) exchange rate can fluctuate so always check with Google to ensure fair exchange when paying in cash or converting your money at a forex bureau. Once you’ve exchanged currency, have plenty of local shillings for markets, tips, and small purchases.
- Mobile money: This works like a digital wallet (similar to Apple Pay or Google Pay), allowing you to instantly send and receive money or pay for goods and services within Uganda. The two main providers are MTN and Airtel, but you'll need a local SIM card first, as your mobile money account is linked to it. For more on how mobile money works and how to get a SIM card upon arrival, check out our Uganda Mobile Networks blog.
🧳 4. Packing Essentials
- Type G Power Adapter: Uganda uses the Type G electrical outlet, the same as the UK (three rectangular prongs). Bring an adapter or a universal converter!
- Portable Power Bank: Power outages are common, especially outside major cities, so carrying a fully charged power bank is essential to keep your phone powered for navigation and communication while traveling. Winslow Luxury Suites provides a backup generator to ensure you have continuous electricity even during blackouts.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Uganda’s location near the equator means the sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin and a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes.
- Light clothing: Uganda’s equatorial climate means warm temperatures year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing for daytime comfort. While shorts and tank tops are perfectly fine at tourist lodges and hotels, it's best to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, rural areas, or walking through towns, as Uganda is a generally conservative society.
- Long-sleeved clothing: Pack a few lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in the evenings or when visiting areas near water or forests. This is an important precaution in a malaria-prone country like Uganda, and it also offers added protection from the sun and scratches during nature walks or treks.
- Waterproof jacket: A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a must-have, as Uganda experiences frequent rain. Sudden showers can occur even during drier months, so having a rain jacket on hand will keep you dry and comfortable while exploring.
🚨 5. General Tips
- ✅ Stay informed: Keep up with local news and travel advisories during your trip to stay aware of any safety updates or public events that may affect your plans. Follow reliable local news sources, and consider registering with your embassy or using travel alert apps for real-time updates.
- ✅ Respect local etiquette: Greetings matter in Ugandan culture, a warm handshake or polite verbal greeting goes a long way. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or in public spaces, as it's a sign of respect.
- ✅ For safaris, use reputable tour operators and guides: Always book your safaris, treks, and excursions through licensed, well-reviewed tour operators and guides. Trusted professionals not only enhance your experience with local knowledge and safety practices but also ensure compliance with park regulations and ethical tourism standards.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Uganda is an incredible country filled with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. With this checklist in hand, you're ready to make the most of your journey. Safe travels, and welcome to the Pearl of Africa!