Yellow Fever Certificate No Longer Required to Enter Uganda
Planning a safari to the Pearl of Africa just got simpler. In an official clarification, Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda.
Here is what the notice says, what it means for you, and what you should still keep in mind before you travel.
What the official letter says
The clarification came from the National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was issued on 27 August 2026 in response to a request from the Uganda Tourism Board, and it is signed by the Acting Chief of Citizenship and Immigration Control. Click to view the official letter.
The key points are:
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda.
- The requirement is not listed on the official e-visa application portal or on the NCIC website.
- Travelers to Uganda therefore do not need to present a Yellow Fever certificate on arrival.
For questions, the NCIC Public Relations office can be reached on 0417102600 or at infor@immigration.go.ug.
What this means for your Uganda safari
For most visitors, this removes one document from the pre-trip checklist. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, and Nile adventures in Jinja can all be planned without worrying about being turned away at Entebbe for a missing yellow card.
Important things to keep in mind
The clarification is good news, but it is not the whole picture. Before you finalize your plans, consider the following.
- Check the rules of every country on your route.
The letter applies only to entry into Uganda. Many East Africa itineraries combine Uganda with Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania, and each country sets its own entry rules. Some countries ask for proof of vaccination, particularly from travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Confirm the current requirements for each border you will cross.
- Check your airline and transit points.
Airlines and transit countries can have their own documentation checks. Ask your airline and review the rules for any layover.
- Check the rules for your return home.
Some countries require a yellow fever certificate from travelers returning from places with a risk of transmission. If you are going home to one of them, you may still need the certificate even though Uganda no longer asks for it.
- Think about your health, not just paperwork.
Yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne disease, and the vaccine is a safe and effective protection. The end of a border requirement does not mean the health risk has changed. Speak to your doctor or a travel health clinic well before departure about whether vaccination is right for you, along with malaria prevention and other routine vaccinations.
- Carry your certificate if you already have one.
If you are already vaccinated, bring your card anyway. It costs nothing to carry and can save you trouble elsewhere on your journey.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda?
No. According to the official clarification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is no longer a mandatory entry requirement.
Is it still on the Uganda e-visa application?
No. The requirement is not listed on the e-visa portal or the NCIC website.
Can I still get vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccination remains available and is a sensible choice for many travelers. Your doctor can advise you.
Will other East African countries accept me without a certificate?
Not necessarily. Each country sets its own rules, so check the requirements for every destination on your itinerary.
Where can I confirm the latest information?
Contact the NCIC Public Relations office (0417102600 or infor@immigration.go.ug), check the official immigration websites, or ask us.
Plan your Uganda safari with confidence
At Manya Africa Tours, we want your trip to be smooth from the moment you book to the moment you head home. If you have questions about entry requirements, border crossings, or putting together a safari across East Africa, our team is happy to help.
Contact us today to start planning your adventure.
Travel entry requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with official government sources and your healthcare provider before you travel.