{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624895,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:35"}},"data":{"country-iso":"UG","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Uganda","url-slug":"uganda","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 13:55 ","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Uganda. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of civil unrest, crime and armed banditry.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to the districts near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Eastern Route to Karamoja, due to sporadic clashes and banditry. Consult the Security tab for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n
Ethnic tensions have led to clashes and attacks in the past, including in rural areas of the western district of Hoima. Heightened security measures may be put in place. You should follow any instructions from local authorities and monitor local media. <\/p>\n
Avoid traveling at night along the areas bordering the DRC because of possible cross-border banditry by groups operating in the DRC.<\/p>\n
You should avoid non-essential travel to the Eastern overland route to Karamoja (near the border with South Sudan) from Kampala due to banditry and occasional clashes between ethnic communities.<\/p>\n
Regional terror groups, including those associated with al Qaeda and al-Shabaab, continue to threaten Western interests and other potential targets in Uganda. The September 21, 2013 attack on an upscale Nairobi mall illustrates the threat of attacks on civilians in East Africa. In recent years, attacks, some resulting in large numbers of casualties, have been carried out in areas popular among tourists and expatriates in Uganda. Although no major attack has occurred recently, further attacks of a similar nature cannot be ruled out.<\/p>\n
On February 10, 2014, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala issued a security message<\/a> providing the following information to their nationals: “The U.S. Embassy has received information regarding a specific terrorist threat to Kampala. The threat information indicates that a group of attackers is possibly in place and ready to strike targets inside Kampala in February or March. There are indications that the Ugandan National Museum is one of the potential targets. As potential targets can change, the Embassy cautions U.S. citizens to avoid this site and other crowded public places and\/or events that are potential targets to terrorists.”<\/p>\n Banditry and car thefts occur throughout the country. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse and jewellery snatching, and theft from hotel rooms and vehicles, is common. Keep vehicle doors locked at all times, windows closed, and personal belongings, including handbags, safely stored. Items such as laptops and briefcases should not be left in unattended vehicles. Remain vigilant when using public transportation or walking along deserted streets, as pickpocketing and the theft of purses and bags often occur.<\/p>\n There has been an increase in reports of taxi\/matatu (minibus) operators robbing their passengers and deserting them far from their destination. Avoid taxis\/matatus that have only one or two passengers and ensure that your personal belongings (wallet\/bags) are secure at all times when using public transportation.<\/p>\n Demonstrations occur in many parts of the country. Avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, as they may turn violent without warning. Monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n Traffic drives on the left. A lack of traffic signs, local driving habits, wandering animals, pedestrians and poor road conditions pose risks. Pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing roads. There are many fatal road accidents in Uganda. Alcohol is often a contributing factor, particularly at night. Highway travel is dangerous, especially after dark, because of banditry and poor road conditions.<\/p>\n In the event of an accident, Ugandan law requires drivers to stop and exchange information and assistance. There is a possibility of mob anger if the accident has caused serious injury. In such cases, you are advised to remain in your vehicle and drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.<\/p>\n If travelling to Uganda by road, you should get information at border police stations regarding the security situation at the destinations you intend to visit.<\/p>\n Avoid intercity buses (especially overnight long-distance buses) and vans. Fatal accidents caused by reckless driving, excessive speed and poor vehicle maintenance have occurred in the past.<\/p>\n There has been no passenger rail service for many years.<\/p>\n Exercise caution when using other forms of public transportation such as matatus (minibuses) and boda-bodas (scooter taxis) and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before departure. If you opt to travel by boda-boda, wear a helmet at all times.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n You are advised to contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority before visiting any parks or wildlife reserves. Visits to game parks and reserves should be undertaken only with a reputable tour company.<\/p>\n Fraud involving credit cards, traveller’s cheques and wire transfers is common in Uganda. Exercise caution when using automated banking machines (ABMs) and protect your personal banking information. Business fraud also occurs frequently. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfillment of non-existent Ugandan government contracts. Any unsolicited business proposal, particularly land transactions, should be carefully scrutinized before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken. See our Overseas Fraud<\/a> page for more information on scams abroad.<\/p>\n You should not show signs of affluence or venture out alone after dark in dimly lit backstreets. Travelling in groups is recommended.<\/p>\n Carry a photocopy of your passport, specifically the identification page and of the page containing your visa, and keep the original in a secure place.<\/p>\n Do not accept food or drink from strangers, even children, as it may be drugged. If attacked, do not resist, as offering resistance may result in violence.<\/p>\n Women should be particularly cautious when travelling alone in Uganda. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide<\/a> for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women.<\/p>\n Tourist facilities and infrastructure are adequate in Kampala but limited elsewhere in the country.<\/p>\n In the event of an emergency, call 999.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Ugandan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Uganda<\/a> and its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Uganda, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.<\/p>\n Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. It is strongly recommended that visas be obtained prior to arrival in the country. Canadians intending to work in Uganda should insist that the employer ascertain from the Uganda Immigration Department what type of permit will be required.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tThis country is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area where there are many cases of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease<\/a> (meningitis) is a serious and sometimes fatal infection of the tissue around the brain and the spinal cord. Travellers who may be at high risk should consider getting vaccinated. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers), those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings, or those travelling for a longer period of time.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tThere is a risk of polio<\/a> in this country. Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up-to-date.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Crime<\/h3>\n
Demonstrations<\/h3>\n
Road travel<\/h3>\n
Public transportation<\/h3>\n
Game parks and reserves<\/h3>\n
Fraud<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Transit visa: Required
Official visa: Required<\/p>\nSame-sex marriages<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Meningitis<\/summary>
Polio<\/summary>
Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>