A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Call 999.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Uganda overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Uganda overall due to the threat of terrorist attack, civil unrest and criminal activity. See Safety
Do not travel to within 50km of the border with South Sudan.
Do not travel within 50km of the border with South Sudan due to the serious risk of armed bandits and cross-border attacks by rebel groups. See Safety
Reconsider your need to travel to the Karamoja region and within 50km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorism is a threat in Uganda.
Somali-based terrorists have threatened to attack interests of east African governments supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This includes Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Burundi.
Attacks by Somali-based terrorists in Kenya in 2017 showed they are capable of carrying out these threats.
Uganda has increased security arrangements in public places.
This includes borders and at the international airport.
Expect body, car and luggage checks when travelling, especially in Kampala.
Possible targets for terror attacks include:
To protect yourself from terrorism:
Report any suspicious items or activities to police.
If there's a terrorist attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so.
Avoid the affected area afterwards as there may be further attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
On 2 April 2019, a foreigner was kidnapped from the Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
To protect yourself if you travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Violent protests happen in Kampala and other parts of Uganda.
There's a military presence in north-west Uganda due to cross-border threats from armed groups.
Some areas have more politically motivated violence and unrest.
Clashes between armed groups and security forces in the Kasese district caused several deaths and injuries in 2016. It's still volatile there.
Clashes between tribal groups have happened often and with no warning in the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda. Hotspots include districts north of Kate Kyoga:
There's a risk of inter-tribal violence and armed bandits.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
It's extremely unstable in the neighbouring DRC. Cross-border attacks by rebel groups can happen without notice and it's volatile. You might be at risk of attack by armed bandits.
Tourist areas, including Rwenzori Mountains and national parks, are near the border.
The LRA is no longer active in Uganda, but remains active in the DRC and Central African Republic.
More attacks could happen in Uganda.
Uncleared landmines are still a danger.
Security is usually required when gorilla trekking in:
You're at risk of armed attacks in those regions.
Travellers have been subject to violence. The security situation can change with little warning.
For your safety, don't take gorilla trekking tours that cross into the DRC.
Fly rather than drive if you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
More information:
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime happens, especially on public transport.
Theft from vehicles stuck in heavy traffic or stopped at traffic lights is common.
Armed robbery and carjacking is a risk, especially outside Kampala.
Violence occurs in other places, such as Jinja and Kasese.
Home burglaries can turn violent.
To protect yourself from crime:
Financial scams have started in Uganda.
If you fall victim to a scam, it could be dangerous to go to Uganda to try to get your money back.
Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage scams operate from some African countries.
Once an online friendship develops, you'll probably be asked by your 'friend' or planned marriage partner to send money. This is so the 'friend' can travel to Australia, or make something else possible.
Sometimes the relationship ends with very little chance of getting your money back.
Other times your 'friend' or planned partner will ask you travel to Africa to meet them. If you do this, you could be kidnapped, assaulted or robbed.
Credit card fraud is also a risk.
To avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
Don't travel to Uganda to try to get your money back.
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as white water rafting.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Some of Uganda's national parks have security risks.
For advice on security risks, park fees and other conditions in national parks, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
If you plan to visit a national park:
Don't swim in lakes and rivers. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit many lakes and rivers and are extremely dangerous.
Uganda can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:
The rainy seasons are from March to May, and October to November.
Flooding can cause landslides, leaving people without homes and blocking roads.
To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Uganda. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Many pharmaceutical products are in short supply or not available in Uganda.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Yellow fever is widespread in Uganda. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. Carry your vaccination card with you.
Malaria is common throughout the year.
Other insect-borne diseases found in Uganda include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
In January 2017, local authorities confirmed cases of avian influenza (H5N1, 'bird flu') in wild birds and domestic poultry in Lutembe Bay near Entebbe and Masaka District.
Avoid contact with dead and living birds.
In June 2019, the Ugandan Government confirmed its first cases of the Ebola virus in Western Uganda, originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Avoid areas known to have Ebola. However, if you're in an affected area, avoid contact with:
To protect yourself against the virus, practise good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser, especially:
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Check with your doctor about typhoid vaccinations.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
There are very limited medical facilities outside of Kampala.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Nairobi, Kenya or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
There are heavy penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs.
If you're convicted of a drug offence, you'll face a long jail sentence and heavy fines.
More information:
Treason and murder carry the death penalty.
Rape and robbery attract corporal punishment.
In Uganda, it's illegal to:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
You need a visa to visit Uganda.
The East African Community's EAC Tourist Visa allows travellers multiple entries to Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for 90 days. Another option is to apply for a visa from the Government of Uganda. Apply for the EAC Tourist Visa or a Ugandan visa by using Uganda's online visa application.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda. Some airlines may want to see a certificate when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
You must declare all foreign currency on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, you may have trouble taking it when you leave.
Only exchange money at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.
US dollars are widely accepted. You may not be able to change US banknotes printed before 2006.
Traveller's cheques, credit cards and debit cards aren't widely accepted in Uganda.
Bring enough cash with you.
To drive in Uganda, you need both:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
You're 5 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Uganda than in Australia.
Traffic accidents are common and there's a high risk at night.
Hazards include:
The Ugandan Government sometimes closes tourist areas if there's a risk of rebel activity.
If you plan to drive in Uganda:
More information:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use registered taxis and limousines due to the high risk of crime. It's best to arrange this through your hotel.
Don't use unofficial taxis or hail taxis on the street. You could be robbed.
Long-distance bus travel can be dangerous. Accidents are common.
Some buses travelling overnight have been robbed. They have been forced to stop by roadblocks or by criminals acting as passengers.
Minibuses ('matatus') and scooter taxis (boda-boda) are usually in poor condition and badly driven.
If you need to take public transport, don't use matatus and boda-boda. If you do take a boda-boda,
always wear a helmet.
More information:
There have been a number of passenger ferry accidents because of overcrowding. Use a trusted operator.
Wear a life jacket at all times, even if others don't.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Uganda's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, you should contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Call 999.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
The Australian Consulate in Kampala, headed by an Honorary Consul, provides limited consular help to Australians in Uganda. The consulate doesn't issue passports.
Full consular help is available from the Australian High Commission in Kenya.
Plot 22, CNOOC Building
(Next to Khana Khazana)
3rd Floor – Left Wing with Simba Signage
Acacia Avenue
Kampala, Uganda
Phone: (+256) 31 2515865 or (+256) 77 2202285
Email: australianconsulate.ug@gmail.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Limuru Road, Rosslyn
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 4277 100
Fax: +254 20 4277 139
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in East Africa
Twitter: @AusHCKenya
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.