Travel Vaccines and Advice for Uganda
The east African country of Uganda was called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. That title is unsurprising if one looks at the sheer beauty of the country.
In Uganda is the world’s longest river, the Nile, snowy mountains, and wildlife reserves. The country has a diverse culture, comprised of more than 50 local tribes, each with their own traditions and history. There’s also a lively night life, particularly in Kampala, with tonnes of parties, bars, and dance floors around.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
What is the Climate Like in Uganda?
How Safe is Uganda?
Nile Rafting
What Should I Take To Uganda?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Uganda
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Uganda. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Uganda: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Areas of active cholera transmission include the districts of Amudat, Hoima, Kagadi, Kasese, Kisoro and Kyegegwa. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Uganda |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Areas of active cholera transmission include the districts of Amudat, Hoima, Kagadi, Kasese, Kisoro and Kyegegwa. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria spreads through infected mosquitoes. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites and take antimalarials.
Chikungunya and dengue, two other mosquito-borne diseases are also present in the region.
There is a risk of yellow fever in Uganda. All travellers over the age of nine months must be vaccinated for entry.
The NaTHNaC recommends travellers planning on visiting certain parts of Uganda during the dry season (December – June) receive a meningitis vaccine.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
A visa is required to enter Uganda. eVisas valid for 90 days are available through the Ugandan governments website. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
Uganda Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Uganda? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Uganda and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Uganda?
The equator runs through Uganda making the climate is very warm. The average annual temperature around 25 degrees. Nights can get chilly with temperatures reaching around 15 degrees.
There is a rainy season from March to May and from October to November. In November and December there is light rain.
How Safe is Uganda?
The government of the UK rates Uganda as a medium threat for terrorism. Travellers are advised to stay away from large public gatherings.
Uganda has a large amount of crime. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft are common. Travelling alone after dark is not recommended. Food and drink should also not be left unattended as there have been cases of drinks being drugged. Travellers should maintain awareness and caution when travelling.
Nile Rafting
Both experienced and novice white water rafters can come and explore the Nile River on a floating raft. There a large number of experienced companies and individuals who serve as guides on these trips. There are waterfalls and gorgeous white rapids to experience. There’s also tandem kayaking or river-boarding available.
What Should I Take To Uganda?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Uganda:
- Money Belt – Due to pick-pocketing, a money belt will help keep your money and passport safe.
- Insect Spray – The climate in Uganda is hot and humid. There are plenty of insects, including mosquitoes, which can carry malaria.
- Jumper – While it’s generally very warm in Uganda, it can get chilly at night.
- Sun Cream – Uganda is on the equator and has lots of direct sunlight.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Uganda
If you are in Uganda and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British High Commission Kampala
4 Windsor Loop, P. O. Box 7070
Kampala
Uganda
Telephone: +256 (0) 312 312000
Emergency Phone: 0312 312000 or +44 1908 516666
Fax: +256 (0) 414 257304
Contact Form: Click Here
If you have any questions about travelling to Uganda or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today.