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Last Updated:
November 8, 2007 12:11
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:05 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 5 has been updated (contact phone numbers). See our Current Issues page for more information on flooding in Uganda. See our Current Issues page for more information the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Uganda
Incidents of political violence do occur, particularly in Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan (particularly Adjumani, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Lira, and Apac districts), due to banditry, transborder armed clashes and the continued possibility of attacks by rebel groups, especially the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). In August 2006, the Government of Uganda and the LRA signed a ceasefire aimed at ending their twenty-year armed conflict in Some gorilla trekking tours cross into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We strongly recommend against crossing the border into eastern If you wish to visit You should avoid overland travel to and within the North-Eastern districts of Kotido, Nakapiripiriti, and Moroto and the adjoining district of Katakwi due to banditry and clashes between ethnic communities. However, you may visit OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. 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. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country 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 the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Armed robberies have increased. Banditry and carjacking occur throughout the country. Carjackings periodically take place on the road from Petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse and jewellery snatching, and theft from vehicles, is common. Do not show signs of affluence and do not venture out alone after dark in dimly lit or unlit back streets. Travelling in groups is recommended. Vehicle doors should be locked, windows shut, and personal belongings, including handbags, safely stored. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, even children, as it may be drugged. In an emergency, call 999. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ugandan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 19, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Republic of Uganda and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Uganda. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. It is strongly recommended that visas be obtained prior to arrival in the country. Canadians should be aware that six or twelve month visas are given on the basis of multiple entries for short stays over the predetermined periods. Canadians intending on working in Uganda should insist that the employer ascertain from the Uganda Immigration Department what type of permit will be required. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Transit Visa: Required Official Visa: Required Travellers with visas for Uganda, Rwanda, or Burundi could be refused entry upon arrival in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever and cholera vaccinations. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Uganda - KAMPALA, Consulate of Canada Address: Jubilee Insurance Centre, 14 Parliament Avenue, Kampala Postal Address: P.O. Box 37434, Kampala, Uganda, Tel.: 256 414 258141 / 256 414 348141 / 256 312 260511 cellular phone: 256 752 758141 / 256 752 735768 Fax: 256 414 349484 E-Mail: canada.consulate@utlonline.co.ug The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Uganda. The address is as follows: Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621 Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000 Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900 E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.nairobi.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Kampala and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexual activity is illegal. Photography of security forces or government installations, including airports, is prohibited. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Traffic drives on the left. A lack of traffic signs, local driving habits, pedestrians, and poor road conditions pose risks. You should avoid undertaking any overland travel after dark. In the event of an accident, Ugandan law requires drivers to stop and exchange information and assistance. Intercity bus or van service should be avoided due to reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance. There has been no passenger rail service for many years. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the Uganda shilling (UGX). There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies. Credit cards are accepted only by major hotels, airlines, and some car rental agencies. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. You will find foreign exchange bureaus at most border posts and in all major cities. Since the elimination of the black market and the introduction of foreign exchange (forex) bureaus, Uganda is one of the most expensive countries in East Africa. Fraud involving credit cards, traveller’s checks and wire transfers, is common in Uganda. Be cautious when using ATMs and protect your personal banking information. Business fraud also occurs frequently. Caution should be exercised when contemplating any business transaction involving Uganda. 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 should be carefully scrutinized before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The rainy seasons extend from March to May and from October to November. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Natural disasters are possible due to regional volcanic activity. At the moment Mount Elgon is stable. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued, especially for the Mount Elgon volcano area. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities are extremely poor outside Kampala. Serious illness or emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Travellers should ensure they have a sufficient supply of prescription medicine and medical supplies. You should be cautious about water-borne diseases. Water used for consumption should be previously boiled or otherwise sterilized. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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