Uganda doesn’t require mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers as of October 2026. While applying for the Ugandan visa online and at different crossing border posts across the country, visitors don’t officially require yellow fever vaccination certificate and is no longer listed as part of the required supporting documents on the e-Visa application Portal.
However, this doesn’t not change yellow fever requirements for other countries across East Africa while planning to apply for an East African visa covering Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan and Tanzania or while transiting via cities like Nairobi, Kilimanjaro or Addis Ababa.
While the Ugandan government has removed mandatory yellow fever certificate requirement, travelers must note that taking the yellow fever vaccine is necessary for personal health protection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda remains a country where yellow fever transmission occurs, and WHO continues to recommend yellow fever vaccination for eligible travelers.
Recommended facilities for yellow fever vaccination in Uganda?
Visitors who want protection against yellow fever can use accredited travel-health facilities and vaccination centers while on safari in Uganda.
Yellow fever vaccination Clinics in Kampala include:
– Travel Clinic International — Plot 2A Mviri Lane, Kololo. The clinic specializes in travel medicine and provides travel vaccinations and certificates. Travel Clinic International
– Medical World is a travel clinic on Kanjokya Street.
– RK Medical Clinic Bukoto — a travel clinic in Bukoto.
– Jabez Vaccination Clinic in Kololo Upper Hill Road.
What to know before you go
Call and make an appointment to confirm availability of vaccine at the hospital. Be sure that the hospital can ably issue you an internationally recognized yellow fever certificate
Uganda also has an official online system for checking yellow fever vaccination records and verifying certificates.
Cost of fever vaccination in Uganda
There is no single nationwide private-clinic price. The cost varies according to the provider and whether the charge includes the vaccine, consultation and international vaccination certificate.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has previously provided yellow fever
Although yellow fever vaccination through government campaigns has been free for everyone, private facilities have varying prices per facility. The yellow fever vaccine is a single dose which provides lifelong protection. Ministry of Health Uganda
Visitors who need a certificate based on vaccination received during a government campaign, a 2026 report said vaccinated people could exchange campaign cards for an international yellow fever certificate at regional referral hospitals for UGX 10,000.
What age can receive the yellow fever vaccine?
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for person of 9 months and above for general travel-health purposes, while travelling to areas where yellow fever occurs. Currently, Uganda has incorporated yellow fever vaccination into routine childhood immunization, with vaccination given at 9 months of age according to CDC.
Yellow fever vaccine is a single-dose vaccine and provides long-lasting, generally lifelong protection for all people.
Who may be exempt from yellow fever vaccination?
A number of classified cases of people should not receive the vaccine or require a careful medical assessment before vaccination. Countries with mandatory requirement always accept documentation of persons who cannot receive yellow fever vaccination.
Important groups include:
– Infants younger than 9 months — Any routine vaccination is not recommended.
– Persons with certain severe immune-system disorders.
– People with a history of allergic reaction to a vaccine component.
– Persons with certain thymus disorders.
– Pregnant women may require an individual risk-benefit assessment.
– Adults aged 60 and above, particularly first-time vaccine recipients, should discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
A report from a clinician should determine if the vaccine is appropriate for an individual traveler.
How long is the yellow fever vaccine valid for?
The yellow fever vaccination card is considered valid for life with reference to the International Health Regulations (IHR). A booster every 10 years is no longer necessary generally.
When receiving the yellow fever vaccine for the first time, the certificate issued is valid after 10 days after vaccination for international travel purposes. Hence visitors should receive the vaccine 10 days before travelling to a country where yellow fever is mandatory.
What other vaccinations are recommended for Uganda?
Travelers should note that the removal of the yellow fever entry requirement does not eliminate the importance of travel vaccination.
Other vaccinations which can be considered but are not mandatory when visiting Uganda Include:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated visitors to Uganda. The disease can be contracted through contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travelers who havent yet received the vaccine, particularly those who may have prolonged stays in the country or potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is also recommended for visitors on longer periods of stay, volunteering, visiting friends and relatives.
Other Routine vaccinations to Uganda
Visitors should make sure routine immunizations are up to date, including:
– Mumps, Measles and rubella
– Diphtheria, Tetanus and pertussis
– Polio
– Influenza
– Chickenpox, where appropriate
– COVID-19, according to current individual recommendations.
Rabies
Rabies vaccination may be worth considering for travellers who will have significant contact with animals, spend extended periods in rural areas, cycle or hike extensively, or may have difficulty reaching medical care quickly after an animal bite. Rabies occurs in Uganda, including among dogs and wildlife.
Yellow fever vaccination is still worth considering
The most important distinction for travelers in 2026 is this:
Uganda no longer requires a yellow fever certificate for entry, but yellow fever vaccination remains a recommended health measure for eligible travelers.
Uganda still has a threat of yellow fever transmission, and the CDC recommends vaccination for travelers 9 months and older going to areas at risk. The amended change therefore removes a border requirement, not the underlying health risk.
A conclusion for travelers to note
International travel restrictions can differ between entry requirements and health recommendations depending on the health ministry systems. A traveler who does not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda may still need one later if Uganda is only one stop on a wider African itinerary. Some countries require proof of vaccination from travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever occurs.
