Immigration and Customs:
Upon arrival, all visitors will be required to pass through immigration and customs. Visas are required for entry, and are available on arrival. Please note that there will be an immigration assistance counter where someone will assist in the process of clearing immigration; however, each person is responsible to go through customs and abide by the laws and processes of Uganda. Having cleared customs and immigration, the hospitality committee will be at the arrivals terminal to greet visitors.
Visas:
Single entry visas (valid for thirty days) may be obtained from your country of origin through a local Ugandan embassy or consulate or upon arrival (better option). The cost of visa is $50 USD per person or $40 for students. Multiple entry visas are available; please contact the Ugandan embassy or consulate in your country of origin. For security purposes, please keep with you your return or onward ticket and all documents required for your next destination. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry.
Immunizations:
All visitors are required to have yellow fever vaccination with a valid certificate as proof. Other recommended immunizations include: meningitis, hepatitis B and cholera. Anti malarial medication is strongly recommended.
Currency
The Uganda shilling is the major currency used in Uganda, and is relatively stable, though Exchange rates change. Small denomination dollar rates carry a much lower rate of Exchange and Lager bills normally attract good rates. Many forex bureaus also operate across the country, and they can be used to exchange money. You carry American dollars, travelers cheques. Credit cards arc accepted in the main hotels, but not in outlying areas. Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card. The rates vary from time to time but are posted at all banks and forex bureaus.
Banking and Foreign Exchange
Uganda has a wide range of international Banks including Barclays Bank, Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered and Bank of Baroda. Banking hours are between Monday to Friday: 0830-1400. There are no legal restrictions for foreign exchange transactions and Forex is easily convertible. United States dollar (notes from 2000 above), the Euro & pound are accepted.
Accommodation:
Uganda offers very good accommodation facilities, ranging from campsites to hotels ranging from 5 star hotels to comfortable lodges and Inns to fit every budget. Elsewhere across the country and in the National parks, hotels and Inns are generally available, but quality of service and rooms vary greatly. You require pre or post safari hotel bookings in Kampala or Airport transfers to and from Entebbe.
Visa Requirements:
Visas are generally available at all the entry points in Uganda, including Entebbe Airport at a cost of USD $30 per person.Visas are required by all except nationals from Angola, Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Comoros, Cypress, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Italy, (only Diplomatic passports), Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Singapore, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe These can be obtained from Uganda’s Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad.
It is advisable that you get your visas before you start your trip to Uganda to avoid paper work at point of entry. However, it is possible to get issued a visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport as long as one satisfies the entry requirements.
Airlines:
Uganda is linked to the rest of the world by international airlines i.e. K SN Brussels, British Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, South African airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Gulf air, Ethiopian Airlines.
There are also several domestic services to some of the major towns in the country, as well as Air Charter.
Cameras and Videos:
While in Uganda, it is quite easy to buy films in towns as well as batteries in case you need them for a digital camera.
Please note that it is not allowed to take photographs of military, State buildings and military personnel. Please ask your guide in case you need to take photographs and he will direct you accordingly. Taking photos and filming for personal reasons and not commercial within the national parks and mountains gorillas is allowed.
Safety:
Uganda is a safe country. However, be aware of pick pockets and therefore precautions should be taken as in any major city. Do not walk alone late in the night as it’s advisable that you take a taxi. It’s important that you always carry all your valuables with you like travel documents and cash. In case you are staying in a hotel with a deposit box, its safe to leave your valuables at the Hotel.
Telephone:
Uganda has a well developed mobile phone network as well as telephone boxes.
Transport:
Uganda has generally good roads, in good condition. There is a developed network of tarmac roads connecting Kampala with the main towns and regions. While visiting up-country regions or National parks, four-wheel Drive vehicles may be required for use especially during the rainy seasons. We have a wide range of 4X4 Wheel drive vehicles, mini-buses and saloon cars. Please contact us for further details and tariffs.
Sports:
There are various sporting activities in the country ranging from fishing, mountain climbing and hiking, White water rafting and canoeing, Golfing, Squat Biking. Please contact us in case of any special inquiries.
Clothing:
Light summer clothing is comfortable as Ugandan dressing is usually informal. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons and bring a hat, sun screen for protection and a swim suit in case you need to go swimming.
Cotton slacks, flat-heeled walking shoes, jeans and shorts are recommended on safari.
