Traveling to Uganda

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Traveling to Uganda is a land-locked country with in the East African Region bordered by Kenya in the East, Tanzania to the south, Sudan in the North and Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, and Rwanda south West. Uganda has 40 border entry/ exit points connecting from different neighboring countries, however, most tourists coming into the country use the main Entry Entebbe international airport. (EBB)

Uganda borders five countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, and Sudan. A high proportion of visitors to Uganda enters and leaves the country overland at the borders of Kenya or Tanzania. Uganda’s immigration operates 40 entry/exit points, 13 passport centers, and 9 regional offices around the country’s borders ready to serve your travel needs.

There are over 12 airports with one main entry and exit airport. Despite being many, Entebbe International Airport is your landing point when getting to Uganda Kampala – the Airport is located approximately 40 Kilometers to the south of Kampala (capital city) about 30 minutes’ drive using the newly constructed road. The other airports connect to the major cities within the country and some traveling to Uganda destinations such as Murchison Falls National park, Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lastly Mgahinga and Bwindi forest National Park among others.

More than a dozen international Airlines currently have operations to and from Entebbe International Airport connecting to the rest of the world. Traveling to Uganda, Uganda has also sealed Bilateral Air Service Agreements with about 30 countries. The airport is located on the equator and 320°E.

Entebbe has a tropical climate all year round, with temperatures ranging between 17° and 27° Celsius. Uganda is geographically located in the heart of Africa, giving Entebbe International Airport an advantage for a travel hub in the Great Lakes region. Many flights to other cities in Africa therefore takeoff at Entebbe.

Some of the International Airlines operating at Entebbe international Airport include:

Uganda Airlines
Qatar Airways
Kenya Airways
Rwandair
Ethiopian Airlines
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Brussels Airlines
Egypt Air
Emirates
Fly Dubai
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Precision Air Services
South African Airways
Turkish Airlines
African Express Airways
EA Safari Air Express Limited
Jambo jet Limited
British Airways
Kenya Airways
South African Airways
Sudan Airways
TMK Air Commuter

Travelling to Uganda by Air

Air transport is the most convenient means of accessing Uganda although there is no direct flight especially from the US, UK, and other countries in Europe, the connecting flights bridge the gap. Traveling to Uganda, It is easy to book connecting flights through Kigali, Addis Ababa, Nairobi international airport to Entebbe to the international airport.

In August 2019, Uganda airlines was launched with hope in the near future to operate direct flights but currently it covers the east African regions and Somalia. As of now Uganda airlines, Rwandair, Jambo jet, Kenya airways operate regional flights to Nairobi, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Dar-es-salaam, Zanzibar and juba.

Land boarder entry points

Most traveler’s especially tourists looking for adventure and experience on road trip use on land border entries. Some of the on-land border entry points include;

Rwanda-Uganda border entry, this entry is most especially used by tourists coming to Uganda for gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks, the parks are located in southwestern Uganda close to Rwanda which borders Uganda in the southwest on the East African Map. The drive from Kigali international park to access the parks is a short distance of 3-4 hours’ drive compared to a drive from Entebbe international airport which is an approximate 9-10 hours’ drive. The border entry points are Kabale- Katuna border and Kisoro-Cyanika border.

Kenya – Uganda border entry, it is easy to cross to Uganda by road from Kenya through Busia- Malaba border entry either on self-drive or by bus. The access road is well tarmacked all the way to Kampala, this access is especially used by business people bringing in goods and commodities and a few tourists on a road trip experience, for luxury and on time traveler’s air transport is advised. There are designated public buses operating on a daily basis operating however you need advance ticket booking.

Uganda – Tanzania border, Tanzania is the largest country on the east African map, it also takes the large portion of Lake Victoria, therefore traveling from Tanzania will depend on which part you are accessing from.

The easiest direct road between Uganda and Tanzania via Masaka crossing from Mutukula border point. Alternatively, there is a speed vessel between the Port Bell in Kampala and Mwanza Tanzania side of Lake Victoria, which takes about 3 hours.

Democratic Republic of Congo- Uganda border entry, civil unrest in central Africa limit leisure travels, however commercial and business people cross through Nimule, Moyo, and Oraba. The only foreign travelers allowed with easy access are those attached to NGOs with identification.

South Sudan-Uganda, you can travel from South Sudan to Uganda overland through Gulu, Moyo, Koboko by charter Aero link charter flights. It is closed for tourists from South Sudan to Kidepo valley National park.

Border entry requirements

Just like any other country, there are varying entry requirement from travelers depending on your origin. Endeavor to keep checking with the country’s Embassy to keep updated with the latest information. Below is a list of the Border entry requirements;

All foreign visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months ahead. A Passport is a must to have a clean page to stamp the Visa entry. East Africa citizens and nationals from Tonga, Zambia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Bahamas among many listed Nationals don’t require a visa to enter Uganda
All incoming visitors must have a visa, a Ugandan visa can be obtained online through Visa- application portal, alternatively it can be obtained on arrival at the airport, the disadvantage is that you may find a long que at the offices and you need time to wait. A single-entry visa costs usd 50 valid for 3 months. Tourist visitors who would love to tour the East African community are recommended to apply for the East Africa tourist visa at usd 100 valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Travelling to Uganda you require a valid yellow vaccine certificate and a covid- negative test certificate. The test should be done with in 72 hours to travel. These certificates will be required as you apply for the Visa and on arrival.
All incoming visitors must prove sufficient funds to sustain them in Uganda, it’s there for important to arrive with one away ticket.