No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo enter Uganda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Uganda. Check which visa best fits your needs.
\n\nYou must apply for a Uganda visa online. You will have to attach the required documents and certificates. You may be asked to submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate and must bring the physical certificate with you to present, if requested, at Immigration.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nAlternatively, you can take the letter to a Ugandan embassy and they will issue the visa.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nTo enter Uganda, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Uganda guide.
\n\nSome countries have ongoing heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nOn 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.
\n\nCheck with your travel operator for more information.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Uganda.
\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in major cities and places frequented by foreign nationals and tourists, such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The Uganda Police Force regularly issues alerts, particularly around public holidays or religious events.
\n\nConsider whether locations that you visit have effective security arrangements in place, like bag searches, physical security and guards. Avoid large gatherings of any kind in Uganda as these may be targets for an attack.
\n\nPrevious terrorist attacks and disrupted attacks in Uganda have targeted the security forces, places where football matches were being viewed, restaurants, buses, schools, churches, national parks and government buildings.
\n\nThere have been a series of terrorist attacks in areas of western Uganda near to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including in national parks. You should exercise particular caution in these areas and follow the advice of local authorities. Terrorist attacks have also occurred in other parts of the country, including Kampala.
\n\nRecent significant attacks include:
\n\nPresidential and Parliamentary elections last took place in Uganda on 15 January 2026. The Presidential Inauguration Ceremony took place on 12 May 2026.
\n\nElections and political events have led to protests and violence, including fatalities. There has also been disruption to the internet and social media.
\n\nPolitical rallies, protests and violent demonstrations in Uganda:
\n\nThe police have used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. Avoid all demonstrations and rallies where possible.
\n\nRed and yellow are strongly associated with political parties in Uganda. Consider not wearing these colours around political events.
\n\nIf you get caught up in a political demonstration:
\n\nMake sure you’re familiar with the security procedures at your accommodation.
\n\nCriminals may target tourists who show signs of wealth.
\n\nOrganised crime groups operate in Uganda. However, criminal kidnaps and targeted armed assaults are unlikely to be directed at tourists.
\n\nYou can reduce the risk of being followed and pickpocketed or mugged by:
\n\nCriminals may steal from cars and taxis stopped in traffic. Keep car doors locked and windows shut when driving in towns. Do not leave luggage or valuables in parked vehicles. Do not resist if armed criminals stop you.
\n\nForeign nationals using motorbike taxis (‘boda-bodas’) have been mugged. Some of these incidents have involved violence and the use of weapons.
\n\nTravellers have been drugged and robbed on public transport and in bars. Do not accept food and drink from strangers.
\n\nThere has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nScammers may target foreign visitors and residents. Be wary of strangers who:
\n\nThe final Saturday of each month, between 7 and 10 am, is a mandatory and nationwide cleaning day.
\n\nAccording to Government of Uganda guidance, Ugandans are expected to clean homes, neighbourhoods, markets, schools, health facilities, places of worship, roads, drainage channels and other public spaces. Foreigners are not the intended participants but may be affected.
\n\nDuring this time, all businesses must close and all non-essential movement of people and vehicles is prohibited. There are exemptions for tourists, international travellers, medical staff, state security actors and journalists. Patients seeking medical attention are allowed to travel to health facilities. Cross border traffic is also exempt.
\n\nThe Ugandan police will enforce the travel restrictions. Anyone travelling under one of the exemptions may be required to identify themselves and explain their circumstances to police officers.
\n\nIt is unclear how widely the restrictions are enforced and what the restrictions mean for UK travellers, including for hotel and airport access. Contact your travel provider for more information.
\n\nOfficials may stop you and ask for ID. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport.
\n\nIt is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in military-style clothing. This includes clothing with marks, badges or symbols and accessories associated with the Ugandan military, camouflage clothing and red berets. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when convicted.
\n\nIt is illegal and punishable by a fine and a possible prison sentence to offer money, food or clothing to children living on the streets in Kampala.
\n\nIt is illegal to smoke in:
\n\nElectronic cigarettes and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are illegal. There are penalties including fines and prison sentences.
\n\nPenalties for illegal drug possession and illegal drug trafficking are severe. The maximum sentence is 20 years for possession and life imprisonment for trafficking.
\n\nIt is forbidden to take photos of military, official or diplomatic sites. This includes Owen Falls Dam at the source of the Nile near Jinja.
\n\nIf you are taking photographs of people, ask their permission first.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Uganda.
\n\nIn May 2023, Uganda introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. This act introduces long prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same-sex sexual activity. There are also severe penalties for promoting LGBT+ rights.
\n\nSexual activity with someone of the same sex carries the punishment of life imprisonment.
\n\nOffences classed as ’aggravated homosexuality’ carry a sentence up to the death penalty (though the death penalty has not been implemented for civilians in Uganda since 1999). ‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as sexual activity with someone of the same sex who is:
\n\nA person who has a previous conviction of homosexuality or related offences can be charged with aggravated homosexuality for subsequent offences.
\n\nPromoting or supporting homosexuality carries up to a 20-year prison sentence. This includes, but is not limited to:
\n\nThe law could affect those who are exercising their freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, to show support for LGBT+ people and rights.
\n\nAnti-LGBT+ rhetoric by religious leaders, politicians, government officials and the local media can incite homophobia against the LGBT+ community.
\n\nLGBT+ people or those who are perceived to be LGBT+ may be at greater risk of harassment, imprisonment, blackmail and violence from people who view the law as justification for attacks.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. If you’re caught buying or trafficking such goods you might be prosecuted and get a prison sentence or a fine.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Uganda, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can drive in Uganda with a UK driving licence for up to 3 months. For a longer period, you must get a Ugandan driving licence or a 1949 international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nTravelling by road can be hazardous, particularly outside the main cities. Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. At night, other road users may be driving without lights and livestock roam across the roads. Accidents regularly happen on the Jinja-Kampala and the Kampala-Masaka roads.
\n\nSpeeding is illegal in Uganda and the police enforce speed limit laws. You could get a fine, a prison sentence or both if caught speeding.
\n\nAvoid travelling outside of the main towns after dark, except on the roads between Kampala and Entebbe International Airport.
\n\nMake sure your vehicle is in good condition and stocked with items you might need in case of a breakdown or other incidents.
\n\nThere have been serious accidents involving Ugandan long-distance bus services. These include:
\n\nCriminals have robbed overnight buses after posing as passengers or blocking the road.
\n\nAvoid using:
\n\nMatatus and boda-bodas are cheap, but they do not meet UK safety standards. They are generally in poor condition, badly driven and often do not have proper insurance. Accidents are common and can be fatal.
\n\nFerry accidents on Lake Albert and Lake Victoria have killed large numbers of passengers in recent years. Overloading of passengers and goods is often the cause.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nLocalised flooding and landslides are common, particularly during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November.
\n\nUganda is in an earthquake zone. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Uganda. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nKampala is a busy capital, take the same precautions as you would in the UK. See Safety and Security for general risks.
\n\nIn June 2025, two security operations took place in Kampala. On 3 June, there was an explosion near the Catholic Basilica in the Munyonyo area. On 22 June, security forces killed one person in a security operation in Kalerwe Market.
\n\nThe Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group with links to Daesh, may target tourists and foreign nationals near the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There have been several terrorist attacks in western Uganda, especially around the Bwera border crossing. See Terrorism.
\n\nUganda and the DRC conduct joint military action against the ADF near parts of the Ugandan border, in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of eastern DRC. Ugandan troops are present on both sides of the border as part of the operations.
\n\nBorder crossing points could close at short notice.
\n\nThere is also a risk of banditry and localised violence near the Uganda-DRC border. There were co-ordinated attacks by local armed men against police and army installations in Kasese and Bundibugyo in November 2025, resulting in multiple deaths including of one civilian. Local authorities deployed security forces to the areas and multiple suspects were arrested. While tourists and foreign nationals were not specifically targeted, the attacks were close to tourist areas. If you plan to visit these areas, you should remain vigilant, exercise caution, and follow the advice of local security agencies.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the DRC provinces that border Uganda. See DRC travel advice.
\n\nThe provinces of DRC bordering south-west Uganda have a history of instability and violent conflict and this can flare up with little notice. FCDO advises against all travel to these DRC provinces. There is a potential for some spillover into Uganda. Take care when travelling in the area.
\n\nThere are periodic clashes between DRC government forces and armed groups in the DRC close to the Ugandan border. The M23 armed group controls the Bunagana and the Kitagoma-Buszana border crossings in Kisoro district on the DRC side of the border. If you are in this area, keep your security situation under constant review.
\n\nBorder crossing points have been temporarily suspended in the past following clashes, and could be closed again at short notice.
\n\nUse reputable, registered tour operators and contact the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) for up-to-date advice and information before you travel. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are in the extreme south-west of Uganda near the borders with DRC and Rwanda. It’s routine practice for security personnel to accompany tourists on gorilla-tracking visits in this area.
\n\nSome gorilla trekking operators cross into DRC. Avoid taking these tours. FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of DRC that border Uganda, including Virunga National Park.
\n\nBe extra cautious near the Uganda-South Sudan border. FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan. See South Sudan travel advice.
\n\nThere is an increased security presence in north-east Uganda in the Karamoja sub-region (districts of Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Moroto and Nakapiripirit) due to cattle theft. Military and civilians have been killed during security operations.
\n\nArmed raids to steal cattle and robberies related to cattle trading, some resulting in killings, have been reported in Karamoja. There have also been robberies that have resulted in multiple killings in districts that neighbour Karamoja in the Teso and Acholi sub-regions. The attackers do not usually target foreign nationals, but you should always:
\n\nParts of the north-east are likely to experience flooding during the rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November. Monitor local media and only use suitably equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
\n\nTravel to eastern Uganda is largely trouble-free, but during heavy rains there is a risk of landslides, particularly in Bulucheke sub-county in Bududa District near Mount Elgon National Park, a popular tourist destination.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nMedical help at the scene of an accident is likely to be limited, particularly outside Kampala.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Uganda, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Uganda. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are occasional Ebola outbreaks in Uganda. On 27 August 2026, the World Health Organisation declared the Uganda Ebola outbreak over. The outbreak in neighbouring DRC continues and the risk of transmission into Uganda remains. Government of Uganda is continuing to implement precautions on Uganda’s border with DRC to reduce this risk. Please see their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for more details.
\n\nTravelHealthPro has information on Ebola Disease in Uganda and general information on Ebola and similar diseases. Some countries still have heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nUK Health Security Agency has Ebola information for humanitarian or healthcare workers.
\n\nOnly use boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Avoid eating food prepared by unlicensed vendors or if you are concerned about kitchen hygiene. See food and water hygiene.
\n\nIf you are staying in Uganda for a long time, store basic provisions such as drinking water and non-perishable foods at your accommodation, in case of supply problems.
\n\nUNAIDS estimate that around 1,400,000 adults aged 15 or over in Uganda are living with HIV. Read more about precautions and how to avoid exposure to HIV or AIDS.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities in Uganda are limited, especially outside Kampala. Many popular tourist attractions have poor medical facilities. If you are seriously ill or have an accident, you may need an air ambulance. Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Uganda where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Uganda on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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