One of the questions asked by travelers planning a business trip or safari vacation to Uganda is what the required vaccinations are for one to be allowed entry into Uganda. However, beyond the requirement of vaccination for entry, safety from disease is perhaps one of the biggest concerns for any traveler planning a trip to Africa, a continent many see as a cradle for disease and epidemics. So, beyond the mandatory vaccinations, it is important to protect against many other illnesses that you may be at risk of contracting and these too we are going to highlight in this article..
What are the mandatory vaccinations for visiting Uganda?
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers coming into and leaving Uganda.
Normally it should be that visitors from yellow fever low risk countries do not need to have a yellow vaccination, BUT then Uganda is one of the WHO (World Health Organization) listed countries that are high risk with reported positive cases, so it is an absolute must to get vaccinated for your protection. After vaccination from yellow fever, you get the “International Certificated of Vaccination or Prophylaxis”, also commonly referred to as the “Yellow Card”, which is in fact a yellow card.
If you depart from Uganda a high-risk country you will need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate wherever you will go, including your low-risk home country.
If flying into Entebbe Airport, Uganda, without the Yellow Card (irrespective of whether you are already vaccinated), there is a health facility on site where you will be sent to receive the shot and get a yellow card before you will be cleared by the immigrations.
To contain yellow fever outbreak in Uganda the government continues to carry countrywide vaccinations.
Covid-19
Vaccination against covid-19 (at least two shots) is mandatory for arrivals and departures but if not vaccinated you need to present a negative PCR covid-19 test result that is not older 72 hours from the time of taking the test.
Not required but essential vaccinations
- Malaria
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies
- Hepatitis
- Polio
- Meningitis
Is there a vaccination requirement for trekking gorillas in Uganda
No, there is not vaccination requirement for the gorilla trekking in Uganda. Not even vaccination against covid 19. However you will be required to put on a mask during coming into contact with the gorillas.