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East Africa

🇺🇬 Vaccines for Uganda

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Uganda

Uganda requires Yellow Fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year of age — a firm requirement. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, making antimalarial medication essential for any visit. Rabies is particularly relevant for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, given animal exposure including from the gorillas themselves and other wildlife. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended generally. Ebola has occurred in periodic outbreaks in Uganda, with the situation requiring checking current status before travel, particularly if your itinerary is near affected areas or the DRC/South Sudan borders. Healthcare in Kampala is reasonable; gorilla trekking areas have limited facilities, with evacuation insurance important.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
⚠️ Active outbreak — May 2026: Confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases have been reported in Uganda linked to the ongoing DRC outbreak. CDC has issued a Level 1 travel notice. Monitor CDC and WHO guidance closely before travel.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for all travellers over 1 year.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk including from gorillas — required for gorilla trekking areas.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk throughout)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
  • ⚠Ebola (periodic outbreaks — South Sudan/DRC border)
  • ⚠Plague (rare)
Notes: Yellow Fever certificate required. Malaria prophylaxis essential. Check current Ebola outbreak status before travel. Rabies important for gorilla trekking.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
KenyaTanzaniaEthiopiaRwanda
Common questions
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Uganda?
Yes, this is a firm requirement for entry to Uganda for all travellers over 1 year of age, and proof of vaccination is checked. The certificate must be at least 10 days old before arrival.
Do I need malaria tablets for Uganda?
Yes, essential for any visit, including Kampala and gorilla trekking areas. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout Uganda with no low-risk areas.
What vaccines do I need for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Beyond the general Uganda recommendations (Yellow Fever, malaria prophylaxis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid), Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is particularly worth considering given animal exposure in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest environment. Note that gorilla trekking also has health screening requirements for participants given gorillas' vulnerability to human diseases — check current guidance from the trekking operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Is there Ebola risk in Uganda?
Uganda has experienced periodic Ebola outbreaks, and checking current outbreak status through official sources before travel is genuinely important, particularly if your itinerary is near areas that have previously been affected or close to the DRC and South Sudan borders. This isn't a constant background risk but something requiring current, specific information close to your travel dates.