Uganda
Last update 09 March 2026Travel advice
Risk index
Level 4: Avoid all travels (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
Select passport type
Republic of Uganda
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Kampala. Bulgarian citizens residing in Uganda for a short or long term may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, for consular matters.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O.Box 987
Tel.: +251 91 125 2514
Emergency telephone number outside working hours: +251 91 125 2514;
Working hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Reception hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (by appointment via email)
E-mail: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg ; bul.addis@gmail.com
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Berlin (accredited to Bulgaria)
Address: Katharinenstraße 18, 10711 Berlin
Tel.: +49-30-2060990
Email addresses:
general inquiries office@ugandaembassyberlin.de
consular въпроси: consular@ugandaembassyberlin.de
Website: https://berlin.mofa.go.ug/
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Uganda in the Republic of Bulgaria - Ivaylo Yotov
Office: 1303 Sofia, 84 Alexander Stamboliyski Blvd., 11th floor
Tel./fax: +359 2 421 76 06/26
Mobile: +359 884 730 406
Email: ugconsul@mail.bg
General information
Security level:
Avoid all travel to:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- The area bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo around Lake Edward
- Semuliki National Park
Avoid demonstrations, rallies, and large gatherings of people, and stay informed about local and international events.
If you learn of protests nearby, leave the area immediately and monitor local media for updates. Access to some communication platforms may be restricted by the authorities.
Burglaries, robberies, bag snatchings from passing motorcycles, and thefts from vehicles occur in Kampala and other areas of Uganda. Be vigilant at all times, especially in public places, hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as during large gatherings such as sporting or religious events.
There is a risk of foreigners being kidnapped for ransom in the country. Do not travel alone. Keep in touch with trusted local contacts and avoid traveling at night.
There is a high risk of terrorism throughout the East African region. The Ugandan authorities issue warnings about this from time to time.
Healthcare:
Citizens should obtain comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to Uganda.
Hospital services generally do not meet European standards, especially outside the capital. Particular attention should be paid to food hygiene, including the consumption of fresh fruit and salads. Water should be drunk bottled or, as a last resort, boiled.
Malaria is prevalent throughout Uganda. If you suspect you have symptoms of the disease, go to a medical facility immediately for testing and/or treatment.
There are periodic outbreaks of Ebola in Uganda. Travelers should follow the instructions of the health authorities to prevent infection.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccinations, as well as health risks, please contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country.
Local legislation:
Ugandan law strictly prohibits the photographing of military installations, police and military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airports, etc.). Photographing prohibited sites may result in confiscation of the camera and repressive measures.
The use of unlicensed telecommunications equipment, including StarLink satellite internet, is punishable by law and may result in detention, fines, and/or imprisonment.
The 2015 Tobacco Control Law prohibits the use of cigarettes, hookahs, etc. in public places such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. Local law enforcement authorities enforce the ban, and the law must be obeyed by everyone.
Importing drones requires prior authorization from the authorities:
https://www.gcic.go.ug/faqs/drone-importation-and-operations-in-uganda/
The import and use of plastic bags is prohibited in Uganda. Visitors may be asked to surrender them upon entering the country.
The import and export of animal products to and from Uganda is prohibited. A permit from the authorities is required for the export of hunting trophies:
In Uganda, homosexuality is punishable by law and the penalties are severe.
Customs requirements:
You must declare all foreign currency upon arrival. If you fail to do so, you may have problems taking it out of the country.
Only exchange money at commercial banks and exchange offices.
US dollars are widely accepted. You may not be able to exchange banknotes printed before 2006.
You will probably need cash in Uganda. Some larger shops, restaurants, and hotels, especially in tourist areas, accept card payments.
Travelers can bring in up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars. As well as 1 liter of spirits and goods for personal use.
More information on customs requirements for imports and exports is available here:
https://ura.go.ug/en/frequently-asked-questions-for-goods-handled-at-entebbe-airport/
https://www.gcic.go.ug/faqs/passenger-clearance-at-entebbe-airport/
Road traffic:
In Uganda, traffic drives on the left. The condition of roads and public transport is unsatisfactory. Foreigners are advised not to travel by public transport. It is advisable to use licensed taxis to hotels and airports.
Avoid traveling on highways outside major cities at night, as well as between Kampala and Entebbe Airport between midnight and dawn.
A local or international and Bulgarian driver's license is required to drive in Uganda. Drinking and driving is prohibited.
Always lock the doors of your vehicle and keep the windows up.
Travel outside major cities can be dangerous. We recommend that you do not travel outside cities after sunset.
Practical advice:
Local emergency telephone number: 999
Police telephone number: 112
Fire department telephone number: 0800199299
Emergency medical assistance telephone number: 0800990000
Always carry a copy of your passport's personal page and the visa affixed to it. Keep your passport in a safe place.
Do not carry large amounts of cash with you and do not display expensive jewelry and watches. Avoid showing large amounts of cash in public places and do not use ATMs after sunset, especially if you are alone. Check to see if anyone is following you.
When traveling on the highway in the city, keep the doors of the vehicle locked and your bags and phones hidden.
Do not carry your bank card, travel tickets, and money together—leave spare money and valuables in a safe place.
Be careful with your personal belongings and keep them safe in public places such as internet cafes and train stations.
Avoid walking after sunset and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close as possible to the entrance of your hotel or apartment.
Theft of valuables by motorcycle thieves is becoming increasingly common, so always be aware of your surroundings, day and night.
Alcoholic beverages containing deadly methyl alcohol are found in the country. Only consume alcohol in verified establishments.
Local currency:
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX).
Information about the banking system and exchange rates can be found on the Bank of Uganda website: https://www.bou.or.ug
Travel papers and visas
A visa is required to visit Uganda.
The East African Community (EAC) tourist visa allows travelers multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days.
Citizens can also apply for a Ugandan visa.
Applications for both types of visas can be submitted through the portal https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Citizens should ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their entry into Uganda, even if they do not intend to stay that long. Their passport should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps and visas. Citizens may be asked to show their return flight ticket.
Consular service
Certification and legalization
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be accepted by Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the Ugandan authorities must bear the stamp of the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They must then be certified by the Ugandan Embassy in Berlin, accredited for Bulgaria. The third and final step is to have the documents certified by the Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin.
Once completed, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a translation agency in Bulgaria and certified by the "Certification and Legalization" department of the "Consular Relations" directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Preparation of personal documents
In case of damage, loss, or theft of a passport, the Bulgarian Embassy in Addis Ababa can assist Bulgarian citizens in obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the embassy of another EU member state in Kampala.