Uganda

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, you may wish to refer to the website of the Ministry Health of Uganda at https://health.go.ug for updates. As entry restrictions may change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest High Commission of Uganda, to ensure that you have accurate information for your specific purpose prior to departure.

Singaporeans can visit Uganda for up to three months without a visa. There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from Uganda. If you are travelling to Uganda from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into the country. 

Travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Uganda due to the threat of civil unrest and terrorism and high levels of crime. Avoid travelling to the high-risk and volatile areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Karamoja region, and South Sudan. 

Petty crime is common across the country. Incidents of violent crime including armed banditry and robbery have occurred. Avoid taxi or minibus operators with only one or two passengers as there have been incidents of robberies. 

Do not leave food or drinks unattended or accept food or drinks from strangers. These may be spiked and could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. 

Be vigilant when using ATMs in public places. Check for card skimming devices at ATMs as there have been instances of credit card and ATM fraud. 

Avoid travelling by intercity buses and vans which are often involved in fatal accidents.

Avoid all protests and demonstrations which occur regularly across Uganda and have turned violent. If there is evidence of unrest, head to a safe place immediately.

It is a requirement to carry identification at all times.

It is illegal to take photos of security forces, diplomatic sites, government installations, airports or the Owen Falls Dam.

It is illegal for civilians to wear clothing with camouflage patterns or military-style clothing. 

Prior to your travel, consult your doctor for travel health advice regarding vaccinations required or recommended and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Uganda. To fully protect yourself against yellow fever during your travels, you are advised to receive the yellow fever vaccination 10 days before your travels. All travellers, including Singapore residents, who arrive in Singapore from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (i.e. regardless of area, city or region) are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate and present it to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the immigration counter upon arrival to Singapore.

The International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is only considered valid 10 days after vaccination and the validity lasts for the life of the person vaccinated.

Travellers without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (e.g. unvaccinated individuals, including those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination, such as children aged 1 year old and below and individuals with contraindications, and travellers whose certificate has yet to become valid),are liable to be quarantined under Section 31 of the Infectious Disease Act, for six days from date of departure from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Quarantine must be served at designated vector-free government quarantine facility. Non-residents who refuse quarantine will be denied entry into Singapore.

Please refer to MOH website https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/yellow-fever for more information on yellow fever. 

There is also a risk of Meningococcal disease which may be fatal. Travellers may consider getting vaccinated before visiting Uganda. Other mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, are prevalent in certain areas. See your doctor for advice on appropriate vaccinations before you travel. Take precautions against insect bites.

Uganda experiences floods and landslides during the rainy seasons. There may be tremors or earthquakes as Uganda is located in a seismic zone. Monitor the local media and weather forecasts, and adhere to the instructions of local authorities. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure.

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.