Uganda

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Car Hire | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

Although Uganda is located on the equator, its climate is warm rather than hot, and temperatures vary little throughout the year. Most of the country receives an annual rainfall of at least 30 inches. In the Lake Victoria region an annual rainfall of 59 inches is distributed throughout the year and the average annual temperature is 21.6°C (71°F) with a daily range of 7 - 9°C (13-16°F). Further north rainfall averages about 35 inches, with a pronounced dry season in June and July. The mean annual temperature in this region is 15.5°C (60°F) with a daily range of 11-13°C (20-23°F)

Climate Chart for Entebbe

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

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 possible to get issued a visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport as long as one satisfies the entry requirements. However, it is advisable that you get your visas before you embark on the trip to Uganda to avoid unnecessary paper work at point of entry.

On arrival in the country, you may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to support your stay and that you have an onward ticket.

Tourist Offices and Embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    Uganda Shilling
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Banks and forex bureaus are available at the airport, and in all towns. Visitors may bring in as much foreign currency as they wish. Credit cards arc accepted in the main hotels, but not in outlying areas. Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card. Traveller cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and Rands

Barclays Bank Cash Machine Locations

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0830-1400
Shops:     Monday to Saturday: 0830-1800

LOCAL TIME

Uganda is three hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights to Uganda Click for flights from Europe with KLM Click for flights from Europe with BA.com Domestic Flights Air Uganda offers a domestic service to some of the major towns. Air Charter is also available. Usually you will be required to pay for flights in hard currency.
Train:	There are services from Kampala to Kasese and Tororo but the service is slow, uncomfortable and erratic.
Lake Ferry:	Lake Victoria has a ferry service which connects Port Bell and the Ssese Islands.
Bus:	Bus services connect all the main towns but they can be slow, crowded and they make frequent stops. Minibuses and shared taxis are a good way of getting around. They have fixed rates and leave when full. Scandinavia Express Services Cross border Bus Service between Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Uganda Nelles Map (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Over 44 full-color street maps for Cairo, with clear indexes for streets, cultural centers, embassies, hotels and other points of interest. Includes the principal areas of metropolitan Cairo and Giza. This work is presented in an easy-to-use format. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Most the roads between main centres in the south are connected by sealed roads, but in the north roads are in a poor condition, often very badly potholed and sometimes during the rains they are impassable. Driving is on the left hand side and a national driving licence is required. There are a few hire car companies but often these will hire on a car with driver option. Click to Rent a car in Uganda

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Uganda, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.