Africa
Uganda
Gorillas, chimps, the Nile and a friendly, English-speaking base in Kampala and Entebbe. Easy for adventure travel, but road danger, bad traffic and a harsh anti-LGBTQ+ law are real trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa38 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUGXUS$1 ≈ USh3,902.24Details
- Price level35%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType G240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; boil or treat in rural areas.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedVery hostile: the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act also criminalises 'promotion'.Details
- DrivingOn the leftForeign licences are accepted for short stays with an IDP recommended; boda-bodas and scooters need a motorcycle licence, and police checks are frequent.
Where to go in Uganda
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Uganda
June-August and December-February are the driest, best for gorilla trekking and safaris. March-May and October-November bring heavy rains and muddy trails.
Good to know
Entry
- Apply for the Uganda e-visa online before travel and carry the approval letter with its barcode; visa on arrival is not offered at Entebbe.
- The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days; apply through any member's e-visa portal.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required at entry; keep the paper original handy.
- Ebola cases in neighbouring DRC led to border closures and health screening in 2026; check current advice before travelling to border areas.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Homosexuality is criminalised under the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, with severe penalties
- Photographing soldiers, government buildings and the airport is prohibited
- Camouflage clothing is banned for civilians
Etiquette
- Greet with a handshake and ask after people before business
- Dress modestly; women should cover knees, and shorts are uncommon outside tourist areas
- Use the right hand to give and receive things
- Ask before photographing people
Tipping
10% is appreciated in restaurants if no service charge; guides, drivers and trackers on safaris expect tips of US$10-20 a day.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Uganda e-visa (Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control)
- Uganda Wildlife Authority
- UK FCDO travel advice: Uganda
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.