If you’re travelling to Uganda, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation

Overview

Security Status

High Degree of Caution.

Latest Travel Alert

Citizens should exercise caution in any decisions about international travel, taking account of their overall health, their vaccine status, and the risk of testing positive for COVID-19 while abroad. Anyone considering travelling abroad should be aware that restrictions are subject to change at short notice, and additional restrictions may be imposed by the country of your destination, including during your visit.

If considering travelling abroad, you are advised to monitor the official advice and information provided by the authorities at your destination. Information about entry restrictions applied by other countries is available below. Additional restrictions may be imposed by the country of your destination, including during your visit.

There is a high threat of terrorism across the East Africa region. Ugandan authorities have issued a number of alerts warning of a heightened risk of terrorism and Uganda experienced a number of bomb blasts in 2021. Terror attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Large crowds of people and public places may also be targets.

Travel to Uganda

Irish citizens can get a visa on arrival in Uganda and there is no fee. Irish citizens are not currently required to apply for a visa online, however, this is subject to change and we advise citizens to monitor the advice here and on the website of Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration. It may be useful to print off this page from Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration should any issue be encountered at your point of embarkation or transit. BBC

Please note that COVID-19-related entry requirements may change without warning.

All passengers arriving at Entebbe International Airport are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft to Uganda. Those without a valid test result will be denied entry. When leaving, passengers are also required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure from Uganda. Passengers travelling on flights during curfew hours will be permitted to travel to the airport on presentation of a valid ticket.

There are currently no mandatory quarantine requirements in place in Uganda for new arrivals. Further information and updates can be found on the website of Uganda’s Ministry of Health.

Public Health Measures upon arrival in Uganda

Almost all internal COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted although a 7pm curfew remains in place for boda bodas (motorbike taxis).

General Travel Advice

You are advised that political demonstrations in Uganda can take a violent turn without warning. You should avoid all political gatherings including demonstrations and rallies, remain vigilant at all times, and follow local media for updates.

Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational and stay away from military sites – taking photos of, or near, military or security installations, and some public buildings, may be prohibited.

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. You should be aware that many adventure sports operators in Uganda are unregulated, so only choose reputable tour companies.

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