Is it safe to travel to Uganda right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Uganda’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Uganda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ugandan High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Uganda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Uganda. Check which visa best fits your needs.

Applying for a visa

You must apply for a Uganda visa online. You will have to attach the required documents and certificates.

The immigration authorities will email you a letter of authorisation including a barcode. Print out the letter to show on arrival. Border officials will issue your visa.

Alternatively, you can take the letter to a Ugandan embassy and they will issue the visa.

You can also apply for an East African tourist visa online. This costs 100 US dollars and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda over 90 days.

Airport entry restrictions

If someone is coming to meet you at Entebbe International Airport, you will have to meet them outside the terminal building. Only passengers with tickets are allowed in the building.

Vaccine requirements

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Uganda guide.

Ebola

Some countries have ongoing heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

On 27 May, the Ugandan National Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease announced, a closure of the Ugandan border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with limited exceptions for authorised Ebola response, humanitarian and security personnel.

Check with your travel operator for more information.

The UK’s Returning Workers Scheme has been activated, due to the outbreak of Ebola. Returning health and humanitarian workers should check the latest at UK’s Returning Workers Scheme before returning to the UK.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into and out of Uganda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Entry and exit restrictions and health screening measures related to the Ebola outbreak

Due to the recent outbreak of Ebola disease in Uganda, you may be subject to health exit screening measures, such as completing a health form and temperature checks.

Some countries have imposed entry restrictions for persons who are arriving from or who have recently visited Uganda. Unless you are a citizen of one of these countries, you will be refused entry if you have been in Uganda in the preceding 21 to 30 days.

A larger number of countries, including Canada, have imposed health screening measures on travellers upon arrival and other border measures for travellers who have visited Uganda. These may include the completion of a health declaration form, temperature checks, quarantine and restrictions on travel until you are cleared by local health authorities. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Uganda.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

You need to apply for an electronic visa before travelling to Uganda.

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Work permit: required
Transit visa: required

You cannot perform any type of work, including volunteer work, with a tourist visa. If you plan to travel to Uganda for volunteer work, contact the High Commission of Uganda in Canada for information on the specific requirements.

Apply for an electronic visa – Uganda’s official application service

Land border crossings

Due to political tensions between Uganda and Rwanda, the land border crossings may close without notice. Verify their status before you travel.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).