Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you need a visa from India to Uganda. It is easiest to avail a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. It takes one- two hours to clear customs duties for a tourist visa. A fee of 6000-8000INR is charged and a duly filled entrance form. Keep sufficient cash upon arrival as credit cards are not accepted at Airport

Visitors arriving from Yellow fever infected are required to possess a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Wildlifer travelling from India does not require (but recommended) any such certificate on arrival to Uganda.
But, if you are heading to Uganda right after a trip to African countries or America an International certificate is a must. Please note that the certificate must be issued by an approved vaccination centre (minimum ten days prior to the arrival in Tanzania). Find out your nearest vaccination centre at www.vaccineindia.com .

Tanzania is in East Africa time Zone and Standard time is 3 Hours ahead of the Greenwich Median Time (GMT)

The Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Primates and the big four are abundant in Uganda. They can be seen throughout the year in the forests of Uganda. The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season. Uganda witnesses two dry seasons from June- September and December- February. The forests become denser during the months of rain and crossing them becomes a tough deal. Also, more precautions need to be taken from insects that tend to come out during rains.

The local currency is Ugandan Shilling (USh) which is available in use as Coins and Notes
Coins of denominations: 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 USh Bank notes of denominations: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000 USh.

The banks are usually open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Monday to Friday and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday. Banks at Airports and major cities are open for longer hours.

You have following options to withdraw money-

ATMs: Visa ATMs are easily available and are functional 24*7. Stanchart ATM’s are widely available for withdrawing cash through visa ATM Cards
Credit Cards: Not a good option. Credit cards are not often accepted. There is an additional fees chargeable for Debit/ Credit card Transactions which varies between 5-8%
Banks: Indian currency is not accepted in Uganda.You can withdraw money and exchange foreign currency from Banks. Banks in Uganda do not accept currencies issued before 2003. Avoid Opening hours, After Lunch hours and Closing hours due to heavy rush at Banks.

Tipping is not a mandate but is a very common exercise. You may tip your tour guides, drivers and cook etc between 50-100USh or as a thumb rule you may tip up to 10% of the total bill due at restaurants. Pay round off amount to the taxi drivers.

Health Safety: Uganda is prone to Malaria, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Mumps, Rubella Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis. It is not mandatory but advisable to get vaccines against any of these infections. Consult your Doctor, 10-15 days before leaving for Uganda. Traveller’s Diarrhea is the most common ailment. Bilharzia (Schistomiasis) is a parasitic infection transmitted through contact with fresh water. Precaution: Avoid prolonged contact with water in fresh water lakes and streams.

Travel Safety: Uganda is a tourist friendly country and you would spend most of the time in the Parks. The people are friendly and approachable. Unlike Nairobi, the capital city of Uganda- Kampala has lesser encounters with crimes, theft and robbery. The rate is lesser in comparison to other East African Countries but Mugging, theft and robbery are still on a high count. Maintain same precautions as if you were in any other African Country. Avoid going out in Night and be vigilant while traveling; always keep your necessary items and copies of important documents in your bag. Avoid venturing out alone in the night. You must consult Indian embassy in Uganda in case of any activism/outbreak or unrest worrying you. .

If your network is compatible with GSM900/1800 system, which is used in most of the world, except North America, you will be able to use your cell phone.

SIM Card: You can buy a cheap local SIM Card (Telestial or Ekit) to avoid unnecessary high tariffs on calls and data streaming. The SIM will require a SIM-unblocked GSM900/1800 compatible International Cell phone. Please contact your Service Provider for the SIM and network mandates. Matrix Sim card can be purchased from various outlets in India (before leaving for Uganda) and used in Uganda to avoid heavy tariffs. Find out your nearest outlet and know more about Matrix SIM at http://www.matrix.in/

Cell Phone: If you will be staying for a longer time or are wary of not using your home number, a cheap Cell Phone at a throw away price is indeed a good option. .

Almost all the hotels and lodges provide internet connectivity upon request.

The local electricity supply is 240 Volts AC, 50HZ and Type ‘G’ electrical outlet. It is recommended to carry universal adapter and converter kit. If you face any problems the hotel staff will assist you by providing suitable chargers and adapters. For more information http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

Only drink sealed mineral water and prefer eating freshly cooked food to safeguard self perils of falling ill and compromising on Wildlife experiences. Avoid taking food from local vendors (guide can help in making decisions). Keep a check on regular and plentiful intake of packed fluids as a precaution against dehydration.