Health and vaccinations in Uganda

Good health preparation is an essential part of planning your trip to Uganda.

We recommend seeking advice from your family doctor, a tropical medicine specialist, or tropical medicine institute several weeks before departure. They can advise you on the vaccinations and preventive measures that are right for you.

The advice will depend on your travel route, how long you plan to stay and your personal health. It is best to get advice early, so you have enough time to arrange any recommended vaccinations or medication.

Yellow fever vaccination

Updated 15 October 2026: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Uganda. This change has been officially confirmed by Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

Proof of vaccination is also no longer listed as a requirement on the official e-visa application portal.

However, this does not mean that yellow fever vaccination is no longer recommended for travellers visiting Uganda. We advise you to consult a travel health specialist before your trip.

If you are travelling from Uganda to another country, or continuing your journey to other destinations, you may still need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Requirements depend on your destination and, in some cases, the countries you have visited or passed through.

Other recommended vaccinations

Before your trip to Uganda, it is worth checking whether your routine vaccinations are up to date. You may need booster doses if some vaccinations were given a long time ago.

Depending on your health, travel plans and the activities you have planned, your doctor may also recommend vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A or hepatitis B.

Vaccination advice is not the same for everyone. We recommend discussing your itinerary with your family doctor or a travel medicine specialist several weeks before departure. They can help you decide which vaccinations are appropriate for your trip.

Malaria and mosquito protection

Malaria is present in Uganda, so it is important to prepare before your trip. Speak to your doctor or a travel health specialist about whether malaria prevention medication is recommended for you. The right advice depends on your health and travel plans.

Medication alone is not enough. Protecting yourself against mosquito bites is also important, especially in the evening and at night. Here are a few simple precautions:

Wear long clothing: Choose long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, particularly in the evening.
Use insect repellent: Apply a suitable mosquito repellent and follow the instructions on the label.
Sleep under a mosquito net: Use one where available, especially if your accommodation does not have effective insect screens or other protection.

Even if you take malaria prevention medication, continue protecting yourself against mosquito bites throughout your stay.

Malaria prevention in East Africa – tips and information

Medical care in Uganda

Medical facilities in Uganda differ from those you may be used to in Europe or North America. Kampala has the widest choice of hospitals and medical services in the country. Outside the capital, facilities are more limited, especially in remote safari areas.

You will find smaller hospitals and health centres in many parts of the country, but they may not be equipped to deal with every medical emergency. Depending on where you are travelling, reaching a major hospital can take several hours.

It is therefore important to prepare before your trip. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation if needed. If you take regular medication, bring enough for your stay, along with a little extra in case of delays.

Travel pharmacy and insurance

A well-stocked travel first-aid kit is therefore essential. You should also bring an adequate supply of any medications you personally require from home.

We also recommend taking out international health insurance that includes medically necessary repatriation or evacuation coverage. This way, you are adequately protected even in the event of a serious medical emergency.

Our recommendation

Plan your health-related travel preparations well in advance and seek personalized advice. Check your vaccination status, clarify malaria prevention measures, and pack a suitable first-aid kit. This way, you can enjoy your safari and your experiences in Uganda well-prepared.

When you book your Uganda trip with Greenway Nature Tours, we can also give you comprehensive travel information with practical tips and a detailed packing list. This ensures you have all the essential information for your trip readily available.

Please Note: Vaccination and entry requirements as well as medical recommendations are subject to change. Before your departure, please consult a tropical medicine institute, your doctor, and the latest official travel and health advice.

Greenway nature tours

We are a fully licensed tour company accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board. We design and operate safaris in Uganda and East Africa. Our operations are based in Kampala, Uganda, the heart of our safari planning and coordination. Though our company was officially established in 2025, our team brings deep, hands-on knowledge of East Africa.