Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Uganda depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for UgandaEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 999
- Ambulance
- 999
- Fire
- 999
Currency
- Name
- Ugandan Shilling
- Code
- UGX
- Symbol
- Shs
Cash economy outside Kampala. ATMs in Kampala and Entebbe. USD exchangeable at banks and forex bureaux. Carry UGX cash for upcountry travel, national parks, and markets.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 240V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
The two dry seasons are best for gorilla trekking: June–August and December–February. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is worth visiting year-round; the wet seasons (March–May and September–November) bring fewer tourists and green landscapes.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Not always expected in local restaurants; appreciated in Kampala's tourist restaurants |
| Gorilla trekking guides / porters | $10–15 USD per day | Essential — porters can help enormously on difficult terrain |
| Safari guides | $10–15 USD per day | — |
| Hotels | Shs 5,000–10,000 for porters | — |
Dress Code
- Practical and modest throughout
- For gorilla trekking: long sleeves, long trousers, waterproof jacket, gaiters
- Modest dress in mosques and churches
- Muted colours for gorilla and chimp treks — avoid bright colours
Social Etiquette
- Ugandans are warm and deeply hospitable — greeting is important before any request
- Offer and receive with both hands or the right hand
- Matatu (minibus taxi) culture is chaotic but fascinating — boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are convenient but negotiate the fare first
- Gorilla permits (USD 800) must be booked well in advance through Uganda Wildlife Authority
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal and carries harsh penalties — exercise extreme caution; activism or public expression can lead to arrest
- Drone flying requires a Civil Aviation Authority permit
- Photography in national parks: no flash photography near gorillas or chimpanzees
- Drug offences carry severe sentences
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Luganda) | Oli otya? | OH-lee oh-TYA |
| Good (reply, Luganda) | Bulungi | boo-LOON-gee |
| Thank you (Luganda) | Webale | weh-BAH-leh |
| Thank you very much (Luganda) | Webale nyo | weh-BAH-leh NYOH |
| Welcome (Luganda) | Tukusanyukidde | too-koo-san-yoo-KEE-deh |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Uganda?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller