Uganda
East Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Yellow fever vaccination required for entry
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers aged 1 year and older, regardless of where you are coming from. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, the 'yellow card'). The vaccine must be given at an approved Swiss YF vaccination centre at least 10 days before arrival. The certificate is valid for life. Travelers with a medical contraindication need a documented exemption.
WHO / Uganda Ministry of Health ↗ · Updated 2026
Cholera transmission in some districts
Cholera transmission has been reported in parts of Uganda. The oral cholera vaccine may be considered for travelers to affected areas, those staying in conditions with poor sanitation, aid and healthcare workers, or travelers with increased individual risk. Strict food and water hygiene remains the primary protection.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Recent alerts
All alerts →On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
ECDC Epidemiological Updates · Jun 23, 2026
Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 13 June 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths have increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 915 confirmed cases; 896 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 19 from Uganda; and 234 d…
WHO Disease Outbreak News · Jun 19, 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda are experiencing outbreaks of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). CDC recommends practicing enhanced precautions for travel to Uganda or to provinces in the DRC other than those affected by the outbreak. Country List : Democratic…
CDC Travel Health Notices · Jun 15, 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
HighHigh risk year-round throughout the entire country, including the capital Kampala and all safari and gorilla-trekking destinations. P. falciparum (the most dangerous species) predominates and is chloroquine-resistant. Continuous chemoprophylaxis is recommended for essentially all travelers, in addition to strict mosquito-bite prevention.
- Risk area
- Entire country, year-round, incl. Kampala
- Species
- P. falciparum predominant; also vivax/ovale/malariae
- Resistance
- Chloroquine-resistant
- Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) + bite protection
Yellow fever
HighUganda is a yellow-fever risk country. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers aged 9 months and older, and a vaccination certificate is required for entry for travelers aged 1 year and older (see country alert). Give the vaccine at an approved Swiss YF centre at least 10 days before arrival; certificate is valid for life.
- Risk
- Endemic — domestic transmission risk
- Vaccine
- Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months
- Entry rule
- Certificate required for all arrivals ≥1 year
- Timing
- ≥10 days before travel; valid for life
Dengue
ModerateDengue transmission occurs and outbreaks have been reported. Risk is lower than in Southeast Asia but real — the Aedes mosquito bites during the daytime, so day-time bite prevention complements the dusk-to-dawn protection used for malaria.
- Distribution
- Sporadic; periodic outbreaks
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
- Prevention
- Repellent and covering up by day
General prevention
Food & water
Use bottled or treated water, avoid ice from unverified sources, and eat thoroughly cooked food served hot. Strict food and water precautions reduce the risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera — particularly important outside well-run lodges and hotels. Cholera transmission occurs in some districts.
Mosquito protection
Aggressive mosquito-bite prevention is essential — malaria is high risk year-round and country-wide, including Kampala. Use DEET or picaridin repellent, cover up at dusk and after dark, and sleep under an insecticide-treated net. Daytime protection also reduces dengue risk.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
Visiting more than one country?
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.