Travel Information From Switzerland to Uganda

Current Time Zone in
Uganda: UTC +3:00

No more searching for hours to find out what you need in order to travel. Berbe is completely free and gives you comprehensive information on travel requirements in order to travel from Switzerland to Uganda.

Travel rules are constantly changing from Switzerland to Uganda to keep people safe from COVID-19. Our team have been at the forefront of the pandemic since February 2020 and have pioneered innovative technologies to help reduce the spread of the virus.

The travel industry has suffered immensely and with lack of information and continuous travel restrictions, Berbe acts like your own personal travel assistant to help you get to your destination with minimum effort.

Are You Vaccinated?
Before arrival in the Uganda

Required Test

None

Test Time

None

Minimum Age Required For Test

None

Additional document(s) required

No , Advance Passenger Information is not required

On arrival in the Uganda

Required Test

None

Quarantine Required

No

Minimum Age Required For Test

None

ALERT

This country has more travel information

Useful Information About Uganda

Do I need a visa?

Online visa required before travel

Apply for visa : Click Here

Local emergency numbers

Recommended vaccinations

Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (Influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Cholera

Vaccination may be considered for adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. Areas of active cholera transmission are localized to Isingiro (last case in December 2021) and Kampala (last case in December 2021) districts in Uganda. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Uganda.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Uganda.

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to Uganda take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease):
Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to Uganda during the dry season (December to June).

Polio

A single lifetime booster dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) is recommended for adults who received the routine polio vaccination series as children; the routine series is recommended for unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children and adults and those with unknown vaccination status.

Rabies

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Uganda. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Uganda, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Uganda.

Typhoid

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Yellow Fever

Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥1 year of age.
Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age.

Passport requirements

You will need 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the date of entry.

Language and local phrases

Local Phrases Language : Swahili

Local Phrases :

Greetings

Hello = Jambo
Good morning = Habari za asubuhi
Good afternoon = mchana mwema
Goodbye = Kwaheri.

Conversational

How are you? = Habari yako?
I am good thank you = Nzuri, asante.
What’s your name? = Jina lako nani?
My name is … = Jina langu…
Do you speak English? = Unaongea Kiingereza?
I don’t speak Kiswahili = Siwezi kuongea Kiswahili.
I don’t understand = sielewi

Basics

Yes = Ndiyo.
No = Hapana.
Please = Tafadhali.
Thank you = Asante
You’re welcome = Karibu.
Excuse me = Samahani.
Wait = subiri
Go away = nenda zako
I want to go to … = Nataka kwenda

Shopping & Eating Out

Restaurant = mgahawa
It was delicious = Chakula ni kitamu
The bill, please = Naomba bili, tafadhali
How much? = Kiasi gani?
Very expensive = Ni ghali mno.
Please can I have a beer? = Bia moja, tafadhali.

Transportation & Directions

Taxi = teksi
Car = Gari
Bus = Basi
Right = kulia
Left = kushoto
Straight = moja kwa moja
Stop here = Simama hapa

Places

Downtown = mjini
Street = streeti
Hotel = Hoteli
Museum = makumbusho
Market = Soko
Hospital = Hospitali
Police = Polisi!
Bank = Benki

Time & Dates

What time is it? = Ni saa ngapi?
Today = Leo
Tomorrow = kesho
Yesterday = Jana
When? = Lini

Emergencies

Where is the toilet? = Choo kiko wapi?
Help me, please = Nisaidie tafadhali
Call an ambulance = piga gari la wagonjwa
I need a Doctor = Nahitaji daktari.

Your Embassy / Consular contact

Currency

UGX - Ugandan shilling

Currency Converter

Weather

Plug socket / Adapter type

Local laws

Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Uganda’s conservative society. Public displays of homosexuality like kissing in public places could lead to arrest and imprisonment. It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Uganda is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which bans trading in ivory. If you're caught buying or trafficking these goods you're liable to be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence or a fine. Smoking is prohibited in all public places, workplaces, transport and other outdoor places within 50 metres of a public place. Electronic cigarettes and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are banned. There are penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe. Don't take photos of military, official or diplomatic sites, including Owen Falls Dam at the source of the Nile near Jinja. If you are taking photographs of people, ask their permission first. It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in military style clothing. This includes clothing with marks, insignia and accessories associated with the Ugandan military, camouflage clothing and red berets. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when convicted. You may be stopped and asked for ID documents by officials. Carry a copy of the personal details page of your passport (the page with your photograph) with you at all times. On 22 May 2019 it became an offence punishable by a prison sentence and/or a fine to offer money, food or clothing to children living on the streets in Kampala.

Country population

44,269,594

Capital city

Kampala

Kampala is Uganda's national and commercial capital bordering Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. Hills covered with red-tile villas and trees surround an urban centre of contemporary skyscrapers. In this downtown area, the Uganda Museum explores the country's tribal heritage through an extensive collection of artefacts. On nearby Mengo Hill is Lubiri Palace, the former seat of the Buganda Kingdom.

Customs Allowances

Customs Allowances : Click Here

Crimes

Crime in Uganda

Uganda is generally a safe destination for travelers, but like any place in the world, there are some potential crime risks that visitors should be aware of. Here are some of the common crime risks in Uganda:

Petty Theft: Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and theft of unattended belongings, can occur in tourist areas, particularly in crowded markets and bus stations. Visitors should take basic precautions and keep their valuables secure.

Fraud: There have been reports of scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced taxi fares or fake tour packages. Visitors should be cautious of any offers that seem too good to be true and verify the legitimacy of any tour operators or transportation services.

Robbery and Mugging: There have been reports of armed robberies and muggings, particularly in Kampala and other urban areas. Visitors should avoid traveling alone at night and should be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Sexual Assault: Sexual assaults, including rape, have occurred in Uganda. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.

Political Demonstrations: Political demonstrations can occur in Uganda, particularly in the capital city of Kampala. Visitors should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow local news for any updates.

Terrorism: There is a low risk of terrorism in Uganda, particularly in the border regions with South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. Visitors should be cautious and avoid traveling to these areas unless it is essential.

Overall, Uganda is a relatively safe destination for travelers, and most visitors do not experience any problems. However, visitors should take basic precautions to protect themselves and their belongings and should be aware of the unique risks associated with this East African country.

Driving License

International Driving Permit 1949 is required

Public Holidays

01, January
2025

New Year

Monday

26, January
2025

Liberation Day

Friday

16, February
2025

Remembrance of Archbishop Janani Luwum

Friday

08, March
2025

International Women's Day

Friday

29, March
2025

Good Friday

Friday

01, April
2025

Easter Monday

Monday

10, April
2025

Eid al-Fitr

Wednesday

01, May
2025

Labour Day

Wednesday

10, May
2025

Census Day

Friday

03, June
2025

Martyr's Day

Monday

09, June
2025

National Heroes Day

Sunday

17, June
2025

Eid al-Adha

Monday

09, October
2025

Independence Day

Wednesday

25, December
2025

Christmas Day

Wednesday

26, December
2025

Boxing Day

Thursday

Religion/Things Not to Do

  • The most common religion in Uganda is Christianity.
  • Don't show off with expensive clothes or jewellery in public - keep a low profile to avoid unwanted attention.
  • Don't leave your drink or food unattended.
  • Don't forget consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalised in Uganda.

Insurance Information

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Uganda?

Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas. We strongly recommend that you take out cover to travel to Uganda. You can usually take out single trip or annual multi-trip cover to give you peace of mind should anything happen.

It can be a better and cheaper option to take annual multi-trip cover as it usually covers any number of trips taken in one year with a maximum of up to around 60 days away per trip.

We work with the top names in the industry and have already pre-selected the easiest, cheapest and best quality travel insurance on the market to save you time and money trying to find the best cover.

Travel insurance typically covers the following; however, you can tailor a policy to suit your needs depending on where you are traveling to, your activities and how long you are away.

  • Medical Expenses
    Medical treatment can be extremely costly and add up very quickly, and include Overnight stays in hospital, minor or major surgery, accident and emergency treatment, drugs, COVID-19 treatment, journey home if you cannot use the original ticket, dental treatment, and many more unexpected expenses.
  • Baggage and personal belongings
    If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed it is extremely frustrating. If you must buy new clothes, toiletry products or personal belongings it can be very expensive and time consuming.
  • Cancellation
    Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you may need to cancel your trip. This could be due to several reasons such as illness, injury, a bereavement or many other scenarios. Usually airlines, tour operators and hotels have large cancellation fees, so buying travel insurance that covers this is recommended.

Health Risk/Care

Health Care

Healthcare System in Uganda

Healthcare of Uganda is ranked 133rd in the world. Health systems in Uganda have been criticized for being inequitable , with the poor receiving less services than needed, and the rich receiving more than needed.

Health Risk

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Schistosomiasis

Caused by wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated water body.

African Sleeping Sickness (African Trypanosomiasis)

Caused from Tsetse fly bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Caused by touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF.

Chikungunya

Caused by Mosquito bite.

African Tick-Bite Fever

Caused by Tick bite.

Zika

Occurs from mosquito bite.

Dengue

Occurs from insect bites, including mosquitoes.

Hantavirus

Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Caused from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.