EnterUganda Business

. Kampala, Uganda.

Accomodation
In Kampala, a good number of hotels are available to choose from. Outside Kampala, Reservations should be made in advance. See list of hotels/lodges.

Airport
Most tourists reach Uganda by air, landing at Entebbe airport, which is only 30 minutes drive from Kampala. Hotel courtesy coaches are available while a taxi to Kampala costs approximately US$ 20. Visitors have to pay an airport tax of US$ 20 upon departure.

AIRLINES
Airlines serving Uganda regularly are British Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Sabena, Air Tanzania, Alliance Express, and Egypt Air Click to view list of airlines and travel agencies

BANKS

BANKING There are several local and foreign owned commercial banks, as well as the main local bank, Uganda Commercial Bank, and the Central Bank (Bank of Uganda). The banks are open to the public from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm every Monday to Friday. Click here to view a list of banks

CURRENCY
The shilling is the currency issued in denominations of 100, 200 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the Central bank, commercial banks, forex bureaus, licensed hotels or tour operators. The exchange rates vary, but are obtainable at the counters of the banks. There is no limitation to the amount of foreign currency brought into the country and shillings may be reconverted into foreign currency at any commercial bank or foreign exchange bureau. Click here to view a list of forex bureaus

CLIMATE
CLIMATE Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas to the coolness of the Kigezi highlands. Mean annual temperature is between 21oC. Wet seasons are March-May and October-November, whereas dry seasons are December-February and June-August.

CLOTHING
Light summer clothes throughout the year around, supplemented by a light jacket. Jacket and tie are required in many hotel and restaurants in Kampala.

DRINKING WATER

We recommend that you do not drink tap water. All hotels and lodges provide previously boiled drinking water. Bottled water is also readily available in shops.

FOOD

There are abundant fresh tropical fruits and vegetables in the city centre markets. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, is served in hotels. The species of fish served are Tilapia and Nile Perch.

INOCULATION

Inculcation requirement of yellow fever and cholera are mandatory of Uganda. Anti- malaria medication is necessary in most parts of Uganda, though malaria is rare in most highland areas.

LANGUAGE
The official language is English. Luganda and Swahili are commonly spoken in most parts of the country.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is allowed at Entebbe International Airport, but not at military installations. In other places of tourists interest, there are no restrictions, but normal courtesies should be observed.

SECURITY
Normal precautions should be taken as in any major city. Use safety deposit boxes if they are available in your hotel, always take care of travel documents, traveler's cheque, cash and other valuables at all times. We recommend that you do not walk at night- take a tax.

VISAS REQUIREMENTS
Effective March 1, 1999, Government of Uganda introduced visa requirements for all visitors entering Uganda. Therefore: -

All foreigners travelling to Uganda will be required to obtain visas from Uganda Diplomatic and Consular missions abroad prior to their travel.
Visas can be obtained at entry point in cases where foreign nationals cannot access a Uganda Diplomatic and Consular missions abroad.

Visa Fees
At present, the following fees are being charged;

Student visa--US$ 20
Single entry visa--US$ 30
Transit visa--US$ 15
Multiple entry visa (6 months)--US$ 85
Multiple entry visa (12 months)--US$ 160

Exempt Countries
Visas requirements for countries are based on a reciprocal arrangement.
The following countries are exempt:

East African citizens
Nationals of COMESA countries (Angola, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Other countries e.g. Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands.

Additional Resources
About Uganda
Business Guide
List of Exhibitors
Travel