Vaccinations & Health Rules for Uganda for Italian Travellers 2026

Quick Answer: What Vaccinations Do Italian Citizens Need for Uganda?

Required: Yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers aged 1 year and above, regardless of origin country. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and must be presented in WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) format—the official yellow booklet.

Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prophylaxis (not a vaccine), and hepatitis B. The CDC also recommends considering rabies pre-exposure vaccination, meningococcal meningitis, and polio boosters, depending on your activities and itinerary.

Unlike some neighbouring countries, Uganda's yellow fever requirement applies to all travellers directly from Italy—there is no "transit exemption" as seen in some Southern African nations. Plan vaccination at least 10 days before departure.

Yellow Fever: The Mandatory Entry Requirement

Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Entry?

Yes, absolutely. Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers aged 1 year and older, regardless of nationality or country of origin. This is a strict, enforced requirement with no exceptions for direct travel from Italy.

You must present your original WHO-format ICVP (the yellow booklet with your vaccination record) at immigration on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or any land border. If you do not have valid proof, you can be vaccinated at the airport for approximately USD 40 and issued a certificate on the spot—but this delays entry and is not recommended.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Timing & Validity

The yellow fever vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after administration. This means you must receive your vaccination at least 10 days before your travel date to Uganda. If you arrive within 10 days of vaccination, your certificate will not be accepted at immigration.

Validity period: Since 11 July 2016, a single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity and no booster is required for entry into Uganda or any other country. Your original ICVP remains valid for life and does not expire.

Certificate format: Only official WHO-format International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis are accepted. Confirm with your vaccination clinic that they are authorised to issue WHO certificates—not all clinics can.

Transit & Layover Rules

If your itinerary includes a stopover or transit through another yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, or Angola) for more than 12 hours, Uganda will enforce the yellow fever requirement regardless of your final destination. Even if you are connecting through a high-risk hub airport, check whether your layover exceeds 12 hours and whether you pass through immigration; if so, carry your yellow fever certificate.

Medical Exemptions

If you have a documented medical contraindication to yellow fever vaccination (e.g., severe egg allergy, pregnancy, immunocompromise, or age under 9 months), you may qualify for a medical waiver. You must obtain a formal exemption certificate from your doctor or travel clinic and carry it at all times. Exemptions are rare and Uganda immigration may still refuse entry, so discuss this urgently with a travel health specialist if it applies to you.

Recommended Vaccinations: Timing & Coverage

Beyond yellow fever, the CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for all travellers to Uganda. Consult a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to take effect.

Vaccine	Recommendation	Timing Before Travel	Notes
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travellers	2 weeks before	2-dose series; first dose effective 2 weeks later. Protects against contaminated food/water.
Typhoid	Recommended for most travellers, especially those visiting rural areas, staying with friends/relatives, or eating street food	2 weeks before	Injectable vaccine (1 dose, lasts 2–3 years) or oral vaccine (4 doses, lasts 5 years).
Hepatitis B	Recommended for all travellers	6 weeks before (3-dose series)	Protect against blood/body fluid exposure. Can be combined with Hepatitis A.
Rabies (pre-exposure)	Recommended if engaging in outdoor activities, wildlife work, or unable to access post-exposure care quickly	3 weeks before	3-dose series. Discuss with your healthcare provider based on itinerary.
Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY)	Recommended for all travellers	2 weeks before	1 dose; booster every 5 years if at ongoing risk.
Polio	Booster recommended for all adults	4 weeks before	If you haven't had a booster in 10+ years, get one. Uganda has sporadic polio cases.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap)	Recommended if not up to date	Before travel	Booster every 10 years; ensure you're current.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)	Recommended if not immune	2 weeks before	2 doses required for full immunity.
COVID-19	Up-to-date vaccination recommended	Before travel	Confirm current entry requirements on the U.S. State Department website before departure.

Routine immunisations: Ensure you are up to date with all routine childhood vaccines (MMR, chickenpox, polio, diphtheria, tetanus). These are foundational and often overlooked in adults.

Malaria: Risk, Prophylaxis & Prevention

Is Malaria a Risk in Uganda?

Yes. Malaria is present in Uganda at all altitudes and year-round, with transmission risk in all regions. There is no malaria vaccine, but antimalarial medication (prophylaxis) is strongly recommended by the CDC and WHO for all travellers.

Malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn. Prevention combines medication with personal protective measures.

Antimalarial Prophylaxis Options

Consult a travel health specialist 6 weeks before departure to determine the best antimalarial for you, as options vary by region, pregnancy status, and individual factors.

Common options recommended for Uganda:

• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) – Start 1–2 days before, continue daily during stay, and for 7 days after departure.
• Doxycycline – Start 1–2 days before, continue daily, and for 4 weeks after departure. Avoid if pregnant or nursing.
• Mefloquine – Start 2–3 weeks before, continue weekly during stay, and for 4 weeks after departure.
• Tafenoquine – Single-dose option; discuss timing with your provider.

Important: Chloroquine resistance is present in Uganda, so chloroquine alone is not effective. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific regimen and timing.

Personal Protective Measures Against Mosquitoes

Antimalarial medication alone is not sufficient. Combine it with:

• Use insect repellent containing 20–30% DEET on exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn.
• Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, particularly in the evening.
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net or in air-conditioned accommodation with screened windows.
• Avoid standing water and areas with high mosquito activity.

Other Health Risks Present in Uganda

Beyond yellow fever and malaria, Uganda has reported cases of the following diseases. Awareness and precautions reduce risk:

• Ebola & Marburg Virus: Sporadic outbreaks occur in Uganda. Avoid contact with wildlife, especially primates and bats. Practice strict hygiene and seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, muscle pain, or haemorrhagic symptoms.
• Typhoid: Transmitted via contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended (see table above).
• Hepatitis A & B: Hepatitis A spreads via contaminated food/water; hepatitis B via blood and body fluids. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
• Meningitis: Meningococcal meningitis occurs in Uganda. Vaccination is recommended.
• Polio: Rare but reported. Ensure your polio booster is current.
• Mpox (monkeypox): Cases have been reported. Avoid contact with animals and practice safe hygiene.
• Schistosomiasis (bilharzia): Parasitic infection acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater (lakes, rivers, streams). Avoid swimming in natural water sources.
• Tuberculosis & HIV: Both are present. Practice standard precautions and avoid blood/body fluid exposure.
• Dengue fever & Chikungunya: Mosquito-borne illnesses. Use insect repellent and protective clothing.
• Altitude sickness: A risk in mountainous regions (e.g., Mt. Rwenzori, Mt. Elgon). Ascend slowly and stay hydrated.

Health Documents & Travel Insurance

Documents to Carry

• Original WHO ICVP (yellow booklet) with yellow fever vaccination record. This is mandatory for entry.
• Copies of all vaccination records (hepatitis A, B, typhoid, etc.) for your own reference and in case of medical emergencies.
• Prescription copies for any antimalarial or other medications you're carrying.
• Medical exemption certificate (if applicable) if you cannot receive yellow fever vaccination.
• Travel insurance documentation with medical evacuation coverage (see below).

Travel Insurance & Medical Evacuation

Uganda's healthcare infrastructure in major cities (Kampala) is reasonable, but outside urban areas, medical facilities are limited and emergency care may not meet European standards. Strongly consider comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Medical expenses (hospitalisation, outpatient care).
• Medical evacuation to a higher-level facility or back to Italy.
• Repatriation of remains (in rare cases).

Confirm coverage includes tropical diseases, malaria treatment, and evacuation costs before departure. Keep your insurance documents with you at all times.

Medications: What You Can & Cannot Bring

Bringing Medications into Uganda

Uganda permits personal medication for medical use, but regulations vary. To avoid problems:

• Carry original packaging with your name, the drug name, dosage, and prescriber's name visible.
• Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the medication is for your personal use.
• Keep quantities reasonable – enough for your stay plus a few weeks' buffer. Large quantities may raise suspicion of trafficking.
• Check specific drugs: Some medications legal in Italy (e.g., certain benzodiazepines, codeine-containing products) are controlled or restricted in Uganda. If you take prescription medications, check Uganda's drug regulations with your embassy or a travel health clinic.
• Avoid over-the-counter antibiotics and antihistamines unless prescribed; Uganda restricts sale of some over-the-counter drugs.

What to Pack in Your Travel Health Kit

• Antimalarial medication (as prescribed by your doctor).
• DEET-based insect repellent (20–30%).
• Oral rehydration salts (for traveller's diarrhoea).
• Antidiarrhoeal medication (e.g., loperamide), if approved by your doctor.
• Antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine) for allergic reactions and insect bites.
• Pain reliever (paracetamol or ibuprofen).
• Anti-nausea medication (e.g., ondansetron), if prone to motion sickness.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., azithromycin), if recommended by your doctor for traveller's diarrhoea.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm.
• First aid supplies: bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment.
• Any personal prescription medications in original packaging with copies of prescriptions.

Water, Food & Hygiene Safety

Drinking water: Only drink boiled, bottled, or treated water. Avoid tap water, ice cubes made from tap water, and drinks with ice unless you are certain the water source is safe. In remote areas, carry water purification tablets as a backup.

Food safety: Eat only food that has been freshly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and food prepared by unlicensed vendors or in kitchens with questionable hygiene. Peel fruits yourself if possible.

Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Use hand sanitiser when soap is unavailable. Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Healthcare Facilities & Emergency Contacts in Uganda

Quality of Healthcare

Healthcare in Kampala and other major cities meets reasonable standards, with private clinics and hospitals offering good care. Outside urban areas, facilities are limited, and emergency services may be slow. Medical costs are generally lower than in Europe, but quality and availability vary widely.

Emergency Medical Number

In Uganda, dial 999 and request an ambulance. However, response times may be slow, particularly outside Kampala. It is highly recommended to arrange private medical evacuation insurance in advance.

Recommended Hospitals in Kampala

• Kampala International Hospital – Private facility with English-speaking staff and modern equipment.
• Case Clinic – Private clinic offering outpatient and emergency services.
• Mulago National Referral Hospital – Uganda's largest public hospital; used as a last resort due to overcrowding and limited resources.

Before You Travel: Prepare

• Locate the nearest clinic or hospital to your accommodation and note the address and phone number.
• Register with your country's embassy or consulate in Uganda (Italian Embassy in Kampala) so they can assist in emergencies.
• Confirm your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation to Italy.
• Carry a list of your allergies, blood type, and emergency contacts in both Italian and English.

When to Schedule Vaccinations: Timeline for Italian Travellers

Start planning 8–12 weeks before your departure date to Uganda:

• Week 12–8 before travel: Schedule a travel health appointment. Book yellow fever vaccination at an authorised clinic. Begin hepatitis A/B series if needed (multiple doses required).
• Week 8–6 before travel: Complete hepatitis A/B series if using 3-dose schedules.
• Week 6–4 before travel: Receive rabies pre-exposure vaccination (if recommended) and meningococcal meningitis vaccine.
• Week 4–2 before travel: Receive typhoid vaccination and polio booster (if needed).
• Week 2–10 days before travel: Receive yellow fever vaccination. Do not travel until 10 days have passed after vaccination.
• Week 1 before travel: Collect antimalarial prescription and begin taking it per your doctor's schedule (typically 1–2 days before arrival).
• Day of travel: Carry your original WHO ICVP (yellow booklet) and all vaccination records.

Note: If you are planning a Uganda safari in July 2026 or another specific time, start vaccination planning immediately. Delays in securing appointments or vaccine availability are common, especially during peak travel seasons.

Italy-Specific Vaccination & Health Resources

Italian citizens can access travel health services through:

• Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale): Many regions offer free or subsidised travel vaccinations at local health centres (ambulatori). Contact your local "Azienda Sanitaria Locale" (ASL) for details.
• Private travel clinics in major Italian cities: Milan, Rome, and other major cities have dedicated travel medicine clinics offering all recommended vaccines, often with same-day appointments.
• Pharmacies: Some Italian pharmacies can administer vaccines; ask your local pharmacy about yellow fever vaccination and referrals to authorised clinics.
• Your general practitioner (medico di base): Can advise on vaccinations and provide referrals to travel health specialists.

Confirm that any clinic issuing your yellow fever certificate is WHO-authorised and will provide the official ICVP (yellow booklet). This is critical for entry into Uganda.

Visa & Travel Document Requirements (Related to Health Rules)

In addition to health requirements, Italian citizens must meet Uganda's visa and passport requirements. For a complete guide, see Uganda Visa for Italian Citizens 2026 — Complete Requirements & Guide. Briefly:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your date of arrival and at least 1 blank page for entry stamps.
• An eVisa or tourist visa, applied for online via the Government of Uganda's Electronic Visa and Permit Application System. Your yellow fever vaccination certificate must be uploaded as part of the eVisa application.

Plan your vaccinations before applying for your eVisa, as you will need to upload proof of yellow fever vaccination as part of the application.

Bringing Vaccination Records Back to Italy

Your WHO ICVP (yellow booklet) serves as official proof of vaccination and is recognised internationally. Keep it with you and store a digital copy (photo or PDF) in your email or cloud storage. Upon return to Italy, you may be asked to present proof of vaccination or test results depending on Italy's entry requirements at the time of your return. Check the Italian Ministry of Health website for current re-entry rules before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs are displayed in the dedicated section below.

Key Takeaways

• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all Italian travellers to Uganda, aged 1 year and above. Certificate must be valid (10+ days post-vaccination) and in WHO ICVP format.
• Plan vaccinations 8–12 weeks ahead. Schedule appointments early; yellow fever vaccination must be completed at least 10 days before travel.
• Malaria is a year-round risk in all regions of Uganda. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended; combine with insect protection.
• Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, B, typhoid, meningococcal meningitis, and polio booster. Discuss individual risk factors with a travel health specialist.
• Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Healthcare outside Kampala is limited.
• Practice food and water safety. Drink only boiled or bottled water; eat freshly cooked, hot food from reputable sources.
• Register with the Italian Embassy in Kampala and keep emergency contact details with you.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Vaccination requirements and health recommendations can change; verify the latest guidance from the CDC, WHO, and the Italian Ministry of Health before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Italian citizens need yellow fever vaccination for Uganda?

Yes, absolutely. All travellers aged 1 year and above, regardless of nationality or country of origin, must present a valid WHO yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry into Uganda. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and must be presented at immigration on arrival.

How long before travel must I get the yellow fever vaccine for Uganda?

You must receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before your travel date to Uganda. The certificate is not valid until 10 days after administration. Plan vaccination 2–4 weeks ahead to allow time for appointment scheduling and to meet the 10-day requirement.

Is the yellow fever vaccination certificate valid for life?

Yes. Since 11 July 2016, a single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity, and the WHO no longer requires booster doses for entry into any country, including Uganda. Your original ICVP (yellow booklet) remains valid for life and does not expire.

What other vaccinations are recommended for Italian travellers to Uganda?

The CDC and WHO recommend hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningococcal meningitis, and polio booster for all travellers. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is recommended if you plan outdoor activities or wildlife work. Consult a travel health specialist 6–8 weeks before departure to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your itinerary.

Is malaria a risk in Uganda, and what should I take?

Yes, malaria is present year-round in all regions of Uganda. There is no malaria vaccine, but antimalarial medication (prophylaxis) is strongly recommended. Common options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, and tafenoquine. Consult your doctor 6 weeks before travel to determine the best option for you, as chloroquine-resistant malaria is present in Uganda.

What health risks are present in Uganda besides yellow fever and malaria?

Uganda has reported cases of Ebola, Marburg virus, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, polio, tuberculosis, HIV, mpox, dengue fever, chikungunya, schistosomiasis, and altitude sickness. Practise food and water safety, avoid contact with wildlife, and use insect repellent to reduce risk.

Can I bring antimalarial medication from Italy into Uganda?

Yes, you can bring personal antimalarial medication prescribed by your doctor, provided it is in original packaging with your name and prescription details visible. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. Keep quantities reasonable (enough for your stay plus a few weeks' buffer).

Do I need travel insurance for Uganda?

Yes, strongly recommended. Travel insurance should include medical expenses, medical evacuation to a higher-level facility, and repatriation to Italy, as healthcare outside Kampala is limited. Confirm coverage includes tropical diseases and malaria treatment before departure.

What is the yellow fever vaccination certificate format required for Uganda?

Only the official WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)—the yellow booklet—is accepted by Uganda immigration. Ensure your vaccination clinic is WHO-authorised and will issue the official certificate, not just a receipt or printout.

If I have a layover in Kenya or Tanzania, do I need yellow fever vaccination?

Yes. If your itinerary includes a stopover or transit through a yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, or Angola) for more than 12 hours and you pass through immigration, Uganda will enforce the yellow fever requirement upon arrival in Uganda. Always carry your yellow fever certificate if your full itinerary includes time in high-risk zones.

How much does yellow fever vaccination cost in Italy?

Yellow fever vaccination costs vary: public health centres may offer it free or at a subsidised rate (€50–150) through the Italian National Health Service, while private travel clinics typically charge €150–300. Some private clinics may charge more. Contact your local health centre (ASL) or a travel clinic for specific pricing.

Can I get yellow fever vaccination at the airport if I forget before travel?

Yes, you can be vaccinated at Entebbe International Airport if you arrive without a certificate, but the process is slow, costly (approximately USD 40), and delays entry. This is not recommended. Plan vaccination at least 10 days before departure to avoid this scenario.