Entebbe Airport


Entebbe Airport


Entebbe Airport is the only international airport in Uganda and so, unless travelling in by road, it will probably be your entry point into the country. Opened in 1952, it is probably best known for the scene of a hostage rescue operation by the Israelis after an Arab-German hijacking of an Air France airplane in 1976. From the summer of 2016 it is now a requirement that visitors arriving in Uganda have a visa before arrival. These can be applied for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. The process is fairly simple but remember to upload a copy of your ticket with both arrival and departure dates and preferably an itinerary. The process takes just a few days but apply early in case the application is deferred pending clarifications of your travel.



When first arriving, the airport looks somewhat Spartan as you walk along a corridor, down some stairs then queue to get your visa, without sight of the cafes and duty free shops that are accessible to those flying out from the airport and which have recently been remodernized. Nowadays the queues at immigration control are dealt with speedily. Your fingerprints will be taken and your passport scanned then take the short walk to collect your baggage and leave the airport. Allow 30-40 minutes to exit the airport if booking a taxi to collect you. Best to have a Yellow Fever vaccination document to hand depending on recent health issues in the country. If it's required, and you don't have the document, you will have to take the vaccination there and then and pay for it.


Entebbe Airport Runway


On your return you will normally have to undertake a security scan before your transport can even enter the airport car park (always amusing as your bags in the car go unchecked) then a full baggage scan before actually entering the airport itself. One tip ~ you are required to complete a country exit form before departure but no pens are provided so long queues result so best remember to take a pen otherwise you will have to wait until a fellow traveller lends you theirs! Then there is a further body and hand-luggage scan before you enter the departure area. Uganda takes security very seriously as you will discover when exploring the country and it's normal to have a body scan before entering larger shops and all banks.



Visit the website entebbe-airport.com




Uganda Currency Converter

Uganda Currency Converter


You can't purchase Ugandan Shillings outside of the country and the exchange rate at Entebbe Airport isn't very good so maybe exchange a limited amount of money to see you overnight then head off into Entebbe the following day to get a better rate. Use our currency converter to see what your money is worth with some advice about using ATMs in Uganda.

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Entebbe Guide

Entebbe Guide


Not strictly in Western Uganda but we've included a guide to Entebbe as it's probably your gateway to Uganda so find out all about the former capital of Uganda, its tourist attractions, and accommodation.

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Tourist Attractions

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Western Uganda has many tourist
attractions for the explorer to visit.

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Accommodation Guide

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