Uganda has removed proof of yellow fever vaccination as a mandatory entry requirement, according to a clarification by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC). The change means passengers arriving at Uganda's airports and other points of entry will no longer be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate as a condition for entry.
What the clarification says
The clarification was made in a letter dated August 27, 2026, addressed to the Chief Executive of the Uganda Tourism Board, following a request for guidance on the status of the requirement.
"This is to formally clarify that a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate is no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda," the letter reads.
The Directorate said the certificate requirement is also no longer listed on Uganda's e-visa application portal or the National Citizenship and Immigration Control website.
"Accordingly, travellers to Uganda do not require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for entry," the letter states.
What changes for travellers
The clarification marks a shift from previous entry arrangements under which some travellers could be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when arriving in Uganda.
The development is expected to simplify entry procedures for international visitors, particularly tourists and other travellers who previously had to carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, commonly known as the yellow card.
Other countries still require it
However, yellow fever vaccination requirements remain in place in a number of countries, with rules varying depending on a traveller's country of origin and transit route.
Some countries require vaccination certificates from all incoming travellers above a specified age, while others require them only from passengers arriving from, or transiting through, countries where yellow fever transmission occurs.
The World Health Organisation's international health regulations recognise a properly issued yellow fever vaccination certificate as valid for life, with protection recognised from 10 days after vaccination.
Official confirmation
The Uganda clarification was also confirmed publicly on X after a user asked Immigration Uganda whether the change had been verified. The official Immigration Uganda account responded: "Yes it is."
The Directorate said travellers requiring further clarification can contact its Public Relations office.
Source: Nilepost — "Uganda drops yellow fever certificate requirement for travellers" by Samuel Muhimba (nilepost.co.ug, Uganda). The original article and image are © Nilepost.
