Preparing For The Trip
Passport
To enter Uganda, you will need a valid passport with an expiration date of three months beyond your date of departure from the country. US citizens can apply for a passport at most post offices or go to www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
In Canada you can apply for a passport online at www.pptc/gc.ca/cdn/direct.aspx
Visa
Uganda requires an entry visa for visitors from most countries to enter the country. US citizens may obtain a visa from the Uganda Embassy in Washington DC, www.ugandaembassy.com/visa.html. Canadian citizens can apply for a visa with the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa, www.ugandahighcommission.com/visas.htm. The normal visitor’s visa is for three months, it may be extended if necessary after you are in Uganda.
For other countries please check The Republic of Uganda official website.
Immunizations
A yellow international immunization card with a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Uganda. In addition, all visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs.
Please visit your local physician or travel clinic for the latest travel information to determine what other immunizations based on your personal situation may be required. You may also check the Center for Disease Control, CDC for the latest information regarding immunizations and other issues regarding traveling to Uganda, wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationUganda.aspx.
Things to Consider Bringing
Small first aid kit
Rain jacket
LED lights, flash light, or head lamps
Hand sanitizer
Tissues and wipes to carry with you
Snack food
Flip-flops for the shower
A copy of your health and evacuation insurance
Wash cloth and towel
Backpack
Insurance
It is recommended all volunteers purchase some evacuation insurance and health coverage during their stay in Uganda. There are many online companies who offer travel insurance. Some of the companies offering this coverage are Travelex, CSA Travel Protection, Travel Insured International, and Assess America which has local offices in Uganda. These can be found at www.travelinsurancereview.net.
Traveling to Uganda
Entebbe International Airport, the official airport for Uganda, is serviced by a number of airlines, including Brussels Airlines, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Emirates Airlines, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania and Rwandair Express.
There are many options to choose from and sometimes very inexpensive fares can be found. The airfare is not included in the cost of the volunteer program, but can be used for a tax deduction if you provide United with a copy of your paid ticket voucher.
Once you have your itinerary please forward it to United so we can arrange to meet you when you arrive at Entebbe.
You can also travel to Uganda overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. United representatives would meet you in Kampala, the capital city.
Extra money
The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but the Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Other currencies such as the Canadian dollar are accepted but heavily discounted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns, but traveler’s checks are not widely accepted and heavily discounted.
Major credit cards can be used in Kampala at large hotels and better restaurants. Local currency can be drawn from your Visa and other major credit cards at selected ATM’s, in Kampala and Entebbe International Airport and at some banks.
When bringing cash, bring large denomination bills, small bills will also be heavily discounted, bring new uncirculated bills if possible. Old out of print bills, while legal tender will not be accepted by most banks and exchanges.
