Uganda Removes Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Requirement for Entry

Travelers visiting Uganda no longer need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter the country, according to a new official notice from Uganda's National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC).

The notice was published on October 2, 2026, and confirms that the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer a mandatory entry requirement for travelers arriving in Uganda.

This is an important update for international travelers planning Uganda safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife tours, cultural trips and other holidays in Uganda.

Yellow Fever Certificate No Longer Mandatory for Uganda Entry

Uganda's National Citizenship and Immigration Control has officially stated that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Uganda.

According to the notice, the Yellow Fever certificate requirement is no longer listed on Uganda's official e-visa application portal or on the NCIC website. The immigration authority therefore confirms that travelers do not need to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate as a requirement for entry into Uganda.

The announcement applies to travelers entering Uganda and represents an important change from previous immigration guidance.

What Does This Mean for Travelers to Uganda?

For travelers planning a holiday in Uganda, the change means that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer required as part of the country's immigration entry requirements.

Travelers can therefore plan trips such as:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest

• Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Murchison Falls National Park safaris

• Kidepo Valley National Park safaris

• Lake Mburo National Park tours

• Cultural tours and community experiences

• Uganda safaris starting from Kigali, Rwanda

• Multi-country Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya safaris

However, travelers should still check the latest immigration and health information before departure, particularly when traveling through other countries.

Do I Need a Yellow Fever Certificate to Enter Uganda in 2026?

No.

As of October 2, 2026, Uganda's National Citizenship and Immigration Control states that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not mandatory for entry into Uganda.

The official notice specifically states that the requirement is no longer listed on Uganda's e-visa application portal or on the NCIC website.

This means travelers should no longer be required to obtain or present a Yellow Fever certificate solely to satisfy Uganda's immigration entry requirement.

What Documents Do I Need to Enter Uganda?

Although the Yellow Fever certificate is no longer mandatory, travelers must still meet Uganda's other immigration requirements.

For travelers who require a tourist visa, Uganda's official immigration website states that the Uganda Tourist Visa costs USD 50 and is available through the online immigration portal. The tourist visa can be granted for tourism, medical treatment, family visits and other permitted purposes, with a single entry period of up to three months.

Tourist visa applicants may need to provide:

• A passport with at least six months' validity

• A passport photograph

• A tour plan

• Travel itinerary or booking

• Hotel booking or accommodation information

The exact requirements can vary depending on the visa category and traveler.

What About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The removal of the Yellow Fever certificate requirement will make planning a Uganda gorilla trekking holiday simpler for international visitors.

Uganda is home to mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Travelers commonly combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, cultural experiences and visits to Lake Bunyonyi.

For travelers arriving through Kigali, Rwanda, Uganda's southwestern gorilla destinations can also be reached by road via the Rwanda–Uganda border.

A typical itinerary can combine:

Kigali → Bwindi → Gorilla Trekking → Lake Bunyonyi → Kigali

or continue deeper into Uganda for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest or other safari destinations.

Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Travelers to Rwanda?

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers arriving in Rwanda from countries that are not considered Yellow Fever endemic and where there is no active Yellow Fever outbreak. Rwanda’s health authorities state that travelers from non-endemic countries can enter without presenting a Yellow Fever certificate.

However, travelers arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries, are required to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. The Rwanda Biomedical Centre advises travelers visiting Yellow Fever endemic countries to be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Travelers arriving without a valid certificate may be vaccinated upon arrival, with the associated cost covered by the traveler.

Important Update for Uganda Safari Travelers

This announcement is particularly relevant for travelers who are booking Uganda safaris at short notice.

Previously, Yellow Fever documentation was commonly included among Uganda travel preparation requirements. The latest NCIC notice confirms that this is no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda as of October 2, 2026.

Travelers should nevertheless make sure that their passport, visa or visa exemption status, travel itinerary and other applicable entry documents are in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required to enter Uganda?

No. According to the Uganda National Citizenship and Immigration Control notice published on October 2, 2026, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Uganda.

When did Uganda remove the Yellow Fever certificate requirement?

The official NCIC notice confirming the change was published on October 2, 2026.

Do I still need a visa for Uganda?

That depends on your nationality. Travelers who require a Uganda tourist visa must apply through Uganda's online immigration system. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs USD 50.

Does the new rule apply to gorilla trekking travelers?

Yes. The immigration notice concerns entry into Uganda generally, so it also applies to travelers entering Uganda for tourism, including gorilla trekking and safari holidays.

Should I still check travel requirements before my safari?

Yes. Entry requirements can change, and travelers visiting multiple countries should check the requirements for each destination and transit country before departure.

Official source: Uganda National Citizenship and Immigration Control – Yellow Fever Notice

Last updated: October 2, 2026