

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Uganda
The east African country of Uganda was called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. That title is unsurprising if one looks at the sheer beauty of the country.
In Uganda is the world’s longest river, the Nile, snowy mountains, and wildlife reserves. The country has a diverse culture, comprised of more than 50 local tribes, each with their own traditions and history. There’s also a lively night life, particularly in Kampala, with tons of parties, bars, and dance floors around.
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Uganda. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Uganda: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travelers
to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travelers over 1 year of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Uganda |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travelers over 1 year of age. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Uganda |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria spreads through infected mosquitoes. Travelers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites and take antimalarials.
Chikungunya and dengue, two other mosquito-borne diseases are also present in the region.
There is a risk of yellow fever in Uganda. All travelers over the age of one year must be vaccinated for entry.
The CDC recommends travelers planning on visiting certain parts of Uganda during the dry season (December – June) receive a meningitis vaccine.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
American travelers to Uganda must have a valid passport and visa for entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required.
Uganda Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Uganda? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ![]() |
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Tourist Visa | ![]() |
|
Business Visa | ![]() |
|
Vaccinations | ![]() |
Sources: Embassy of Uganda and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Uganda?
Uganda is a country with many popular tourist destinations, each with its own unique weather patterns.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in the southwest and is known for mountain gorillas. The weather there is generally cool and wet throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 70 degrees. It is wettest from March to May and September to November, and driest from June to August and December to February.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is in the west and has a lot of wildlife like elephants, lions and hippos. The weather is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 85. It is wettest from March to May and September to November, and driest from June to August and December to February.
Murchison Falls National Park is in the north and has a waterfall and wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and crocodiles. The weather is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90. It is wettest from March to May and September to November, and driest from June to August and December to February.
Kibale National Park is in the west and is known for chimpanzees and tropical forests. The weather is generally warm and wet, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80. It is wettest from March to May and September to November, and driest from June to August and December to February.
Uganda has a tropical climate, and it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting any of these destinations.
Is It Safe to Travel to Uganda?
Before traveling, it is a good idea to research the places you plan to visit to get an idea of the safety situation in those areas. Use reliable tour operators and transportation providers. Be cautious of strangers who approach you.
Keep your valuables such as cash, passport, and electronics in a safe place like a hotel safe or a money belt. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry and electronics. Always wear a seatbelt and drive carefully.
These tips can help you stay safe while traveling in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
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Get protected with Passport Health’s
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Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular tourist destination in Uganda because of its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Tourists can see many different kinds of animals on a safari, like elephants, lions and chimpanzees.
They can also take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and many types of birds. Birdwatchers will be especially happy in the park, as there are over 600 species of birds. There are cultural tours where tourists can visit local communities and learn about the different tribes that live there.
Tourists can go on hikes and explore the different trails in the park, such as the Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo Forest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers many fun activities for tourists interested in nature, wildlife, and culture, and is a must-visit destination in Uganda.
What Should I Take to Uganda?
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, you should pack light, comfortable clothes because it’s warm and humid there. Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket or umbrella for occasional rain showers. You should also bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Sunscreen with a high SPF and sunglasses will protect your skin and eyes from the intense equatorial sun.
It’s also a good idea to pack a small first-aid kit with basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers. A camera and binoculars will allow you to capture the beauty of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes. Bring enough cash or a credit card to cover expenses, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
You’ll need your passport and any necessary visas, as well as proof of yellow fever vaccination. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. Uganda uses Type G electrical outlets, bring a travel adapter if you plan to bring electronic devices.
U.S. Embassy in Uganda
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy Kampala
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001
Fax: +(256)(0) 414-259-794
Email: KampalaUScitizen@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to Uganda or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Uganda
Overall rating: 5 stars – 13 reviews
★★★★★
“Hep A… Gets A+“
“Great experience… again! Informative, helpful and extremely pleasant nurse (so sorry I don’t recall his name) gave great feedback to upcoming return trip to Uganda! But, was most informative about Hep A shot so was truly an A+ (not positive for Hep A) experience! (A little medical humor)… Have a great one and thanks for the fantastic service! Oh! And the shot was not even a pinch! Thanks for that, too!”
Submitted by: Ericka
★★★★★
“Passport health clinic“
“We had an extremely positive experience. The person was knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with our questions. We also appreciated that we were given a booklet made specifically for us and our trip to Uganda.”
Submitted by: Lynne
★★★★★
“Very helpful“
“The nurse was very informed and helpful in explaining my needs, medical and otherwise, for my upcoming trip to Uganda.”
Submitted by: Kim
★★★★★
“Expertise is worth the price“
“I feel very confident that I am well prepared for my journey to Uganda. Information offered was extensive and useful. Never felt pressured to buy anything extra.”
Submitted by: Caroline
★★★★★
“Great experience from start to finish“
“We are going to Uganda on a veterinary mission to help the dogs on the Jane Goodall Islands and will also be doing some Gorilla trekking, therefore we needed 20 vaccines (as per the Gorilla sanctuary and the country of Uganda). Passport health explained to us each vaccine, why it might be necessary, which are optional and which were up to us based on personal risk factor of what we would be doing. They were not pushy and their pricing was competitive. They also showed us an informative video, as well as sold some necessary items that we would need for our trip. We were given a bound booklet specific to us and our travel and what information we needed, which was great to have and the receptionist and the nurse could not have been nicer. The vaccines did not hurt at all and we had no side effects. Overall we were very impressed and found it to be a great experience.”
Submitted by: Suzanne
★★★★★
“Trip to Uganda“
“Our nurse/advisor on the recommended shots for traveling to Uganda. She was very personable and helpful and made it a very nice experience . Would use them again for sure”
Submitted by: Becky
★★★★★
“Very helpful“
“I had a 6 week notice on a trip to Uganda, so I was nervous that I didn’t have enough time to prepare with vaccinations, etc. The staff was very helpful, she looked at my timeline and budget helped me come up with a plan t get everything ready.”
Submitted by: Elise
★★★★★
“Great Experience“
“Today my husband and I met with the nurse at Passport Health in Pleasant Hill, Ca. She was very helpful, knowledgeable, through, and patient. She clearly answered all our questions and gave us lots of information that we need to know for our upcoming trip to rural Uganda. We also appreciated the detailed guide about travel to Uganda that was prepared in advance for us.”
Submitted by: Mary
★★★★★
“Great experience“
“Great experience with my travel vaccines for mission trip to Uganda. Great staff”
Submitted by: Robert
★★★★★
“Great Experience!“
“From the second I walked in the door the nurse was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was able to answer all of my questions and provided valuable information that I had not even considered for things that I need to bring on my trip. The entire experience was pleasant and I left feeling prepared for my trip to Uganda. I will definitely use Passport Health in the future when traveling internationally!”
Submitted by: Niki
★★★★★
“Very Friendly & knowledgeable Clinic“
“The nurse was very friendly, knowledgeable and loved that she was ready with information regarding my trip to Uganda. I felt very comfortable with her.”
Submitted by: Adelia
★★★★★
“Machu Picchu“
“The young lady working there was more than helpful in helping prepare for my upcoming travels to Uganda. I will most definitely return when preparing for dream trip!”
Submitted by: Jermaine
★★★★★
“Great experience“
“answered questions I had and made me feel confident about our upcoming trip to Uganda. I will definitely recommend friends to passport health.”
Submitted by: Kay
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
What is the Climate Like in Uganda?
Is It Safe to Travel to is Uganda?
Queen Elizabeth National Park
What Should I Take To Uganda?
U.S. Embassy in Uganda
“Great experience… again! Informative, helpful and extremely pleasant nurse (so sorry I don’t recall his name) gave great feedback to upcoming return trip to Uganda! But, was most informative about Hep A shot so was truly an A+ (not positive for Hep A) experience! (A little medical humor)… Have a great one and thanks for the fantastic service! Oh! And the shot was not even a pinch! Thanks for that, too!”
“We had an extremely positive experience. The person was knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with our questions. We also appreciated that we were given a booklet made specifically for us and our trip to Uganda.”
“The nurse was very informed and helpful in explaining my needs, medical and otherwise, for my upcoming trip to Uganda.”
“I feel very confident that I am well prepared for my journey to Uganda. Information offered was extensive and useful. Never felt pressured to buy anything extra.”
“We are going to Uganda on a veterinary mission to help the dogs on the Jane Goodall Islands and will also be doing some Gorilla trekking, therefore we needed 20 vaccines (as per the Gorilla sanctuary and the country of Uganda). Passport health explained to us each vaccine, why it might be necessary, which are optional and which were up to us based on personal risk factor of what we would be doing. They were not pushy and their pricing was competitive. They also showed us an informative video, as well as sold some necessary items that we would need for our trip. We were given a bound booklet specific to us and our travel and what information we needed, which was great to have and the receptionist and the nurse could not have been nicer. The vaccines did not hurt at all and we had no side effects. Overall we were very impressed and found it to be a great experience.”
“Our nurse/advisor on the recommended shots for traveling to Uganda. She was very personable and helpful and made it a very nice experience . Would use them again for sure”
“I had a 6 week notice on a trip to Uganda, so I was nervous that I didn’t have enough time to prepare with vaccinations, etc. The staff was very helpful, she looked at my timeline and budget helped me come up with a plan t get everything ready.”
“Today my husband and I met with the nurse at Passport Health in Pleasant Hill, Ca. She was very helpful, knowledgeable, through, and patient. She clearly answered all our questions and gave us lots of information that we need to know for our upcoming trip to rural Uganda. We also appreciated the detailed guide about travel to Uganda that was prepared in advance for us.”
“Great experience with my travel vaccines for mission trip to Uganda. Great staff”
“From the second I walked in the door the nurse was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was able to answer all of my questions and provided valuable information that I had not even considered for things that I need to bring on my trip. The entire experience was pleasant and I left feeling prepared for my trip to Uganda. I will definitely use Passport Health in the future when traveling internationally!”
“The nurse was very friendly, knowledgeable and loved that she was ready with information regarding my trip to Uganda. I felt very comfortable with her.”
“The young lady working there was more than helpful in helping prepare for my upcoming travels to Uganda. I will most definitely return when preparing for dream trip!”
“answered questions I had and made me feel confident about our upcoming trip to Uganda. I will definitely recommend friends to passport health.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
What is the Climate Like in Uganda?
Is It Safe to Travel to is Uganda?
Queen Elizabeth National Park
What Should I Take To Uganda?
U.S. Embassy in Uganda