You fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), usually with one connection, apply for an eVisa online before you leave, and carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Plan on a full day of travel from Europe and longer from North America or Australia.
Flights
There are very few nonstop routes from outside the region, so most travellers connect through a hub. Common routings run through Amsterdam, Brussels, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Cairo. Airlines and schedules change, so compare current options a few months out. If you are adding Rwanda or Kenya to your trip, flying into one country and out of another can save days.
Entebbe sits on Lake Victoria about 40 km from Kampala. Your driver meets you at arrivals, which matters after a long flight.
Visa
Most visitors apply for the Uganda eVisa through the official government portal before travelling. Apply well ahead of departure and print the approval. If you plan to visit Kenya or Rwanda as well, ask about the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers all three countries. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site.
Your passport should have at least six months of validity and blank pages.
Health documents
Bring your yellow fever certificate. Airlines and border officials can ask for it.
Money and practicalities
Uganda’s currency is the shilling. Many lodges quote in US dollars and accept cards, but bring some clean, recent-series US dollar notes for tips and small purchases. Electricity is 240V with UK-style Type G plugs. East Africa Time is UTC+3, so expect jet lag if you arrive from the Americas.
From Entebbe to the parks
Bwindi, where the mountain gorillas live, is a long drive from the capital, often eight to ten hours. Scheduled and charter flights to airstrips near the forest cut that to roughly an hour and a half. Murchison Falls and Kibale sit closer, with drives of around five to six hours. We usually recommend an overnight near the airport on arrival so you start the safari rested.
FAQ
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival?
Apply for the eVisa in advance rather than relying on arrival processing.
How long is the flight from New York or London to Entebbe?
It depends on the connection. Count on a travel day, not a few hours.
Is it easy to combine Uganda with Rwanda?
Yes. See our
Adventure Rwanda and Uganda route.
Let us handle transfers, domestic flights and permits: explore our
custom safari itinerarie
