TRAVELLERS CHECKLIST

a. you are less likely to be familiar with local conditions and risks;

b. Meet life-challenging situations

c. Your safety and good health is our pride.

So, to stay safe and secure abroad, and to be prepared in case things go wrong, it is important to take a few simple precautions before you go and while you are there. These should include the following.

                   Before you go

• Personal safety precaution includes political unrest, conflicts, terrorist activities, anti-British demonstrations, lawlessness, violence, natural disasters, epidemics, and aircraft and shipping safety. Travel websites also contains important general information on safety abroad, under the heading ‘Know Before You Go’. You should also keep an eye on the news for reports of any problems in places that you plan to visit.

• Always make sure that you have full travel insurance. You should consider private health-care plans to cover treatment in the country where you live. You cannot expect public funds to be used to pay for people who have not taken out insurance, whether going on holiday or going to live overseas, and you should remember that the costs of, for example, a medical emergency abroad can be very expensive.

• Make sure your insurance is up to date, valid for the entire trip and covers everyone who is travelling. Check exactly what is covered, for example, cover for all the activities you want to do, including any dangerous sports, all your luggage and equipment, personal injury as a result of terrorist activity, and legal costs. You should also look carefully at exemptions to the insurance policy, including any relating to pre-existing medical conditions, or alcohol and drugs. Be sure to tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have, including any psychiatric illness. The policy may not be valid if you fail to do this, resulting in you or your family and friends having to pay for any treatment yourself. Remember to take the policy number and the 24-hour emergency number with you.

• Make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date and find out about any other suggested medical advice by visiting your health-care provider. Follow this advice and be aware of possible health risks during your trip. Websites such as www.dh.gov.uk/travellers are also a useful source of information. Pack enough supplies of any medication that you are taking in your hand luggage. You should keep your medication in its original packaging and take any prescription documents with you. Check with the nearest embassy of the country you are going to (which may be based in another European city) that your medication will be legal in that country and find out whether you will need to take a doctor’s letter with you. For longer trips, visit your dentist and optician before travelling.

• Fill in the contact details at the back of your passport for your next-of-kin or someone who can be contacted in an emergency. Apart from your passport, take another form of identification with you (preferably one with a photograph, such as a driving license).

• Make sure you are aware of the immigration and customs controls of the country you are travelling to, including any necessary visas. You should note that for many countries your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date you travel. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct visa for your stay in another country. If you are experiencing difficulties entering a country, for example if you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid, it is unlikely that consular staff will be able to help you enter the country. They cannot get involved in another country’s immigration policy or procedures.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Leave an itinerary and details of where you might be able to be contacted during your time abroad. You should also make two copies of your passport (including pages with relevant visas), insurance details and any other important travel documents. Leave one copy at home with a family member or a reliable friend and take one copy with you, packed separately from your passport.

• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, such as traveller’s cheques, some cash (sterling or US dollars) or credit cards. Before you leave, check that your cards are valid, and find out how you can replace them and your traveller’s cheques if they are lost or stolen. Keep a separate note of their numbers and of the number you would need to ring to stop any credit cards if they are lost or stolen.

• Buy a good travel guide that includes basic information on local laws and customs. Talk to your travel agent or tour operator about possible risks.

• If you are planning to drive, make sure your driving license is current and valid. Make sure you know the driving laws, license requirements and driving conditions in the country you are visiting. In some countries you will need to have an international driving permit as well as your national license. Never drink and drive. Be aware that in many countries there are on-the-spot fines for traffic offences.
• If you are travelling in uncertain local conditions or remote areas, you should consider contacting the local Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to see if you need to register with them. In some countries, travel websites may recommend that all their nationals register in this way. For some countries, you can register on-line.
  
  Special considerations
• Travel can be tiring and difficult for everyone. But some travellers may want to plan trips with particular care. As well as the above general information, some travellers may have to take into account other considerations depending on their circumstances.

These travellers might include:

• women travelling alone;

• young travellers;

• backpackers and independent travellers;

• travellers with disabilities

• You should take the usual precautions against crime, especially when going out at night.  Keep a photocopy of your passport data page and Ugandan visa in a safe place.
• Not to travel to Risky areas without precaution.
• We strongly advise that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see Travel Insurance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism

Uganda shares with neighbouring countries a threat from terrorism.  You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.  Please read Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas
Crime

Kampala is a relatively safe city.  By day you can walk the streets and visit local markets.  But opportunistic crime such as burglaries, muggings and drive-by bag do occur occasionally in Kampala.  We strongly recommend that you avoid going out on foot, after dark.  You should not make yourself an obvious target for muggers and pickpockets by carrying large sums of cash in the streets or wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches. 

In urban or rural community areas keep car doors locked and windows shut at all times.  There have been a number of thefts of personal property from cars and taxis while stationary in traffic.  If stopped by armed men, do not attempt to resist.   We advise against travel outside main towns after dark.

Like in any parts of the world, risks of facing robbery with violence may occur un expectedly.  So be aware of such happenings.  Night movements should be avoided. Take care of your passport and other valuable documents.

Political Situation

Uganda Country Profile

A rebel group known as the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has been active in northern Uganda and southern Sudan for 20 years and has been responsible for a large number of murders and abductions.  More than 1.4 million people are currently living in camps for internally displaced people in northern Uganda.  In October 2005, the International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealed arrest warrants for five LRA Commanders.

Talks between the Government of Uganda and the LRA have been ongoing in Southern Sudan since July 2006.  On 29 August 2006 a “Cessation of Hostilities Agreement” came into force.  The Cessation of Hostilities agreement was renewed on 13 April 07.  However the situation remains fragile.  We are keeping the situation under close review.

Political tensions can flare up, often with little warning.  There are cases ongoing in the courts relating to opposition figures that can also be a potential cause of friction.  You should exercise caution and avoid demonstrations and rallies in Kampala and other towns. 

 
Local Travel

Northern Uganda

Because of the risk of renewed rebel insurgency and banditry we advise against all but essential travel to the districts of Kitgum, Pader, Adjumani, Gulu, Apac and Lira.  Although there have been no attacks by the LRA in these districts since August 2006, and none against foreigners since late 2005, the fragile peace process means the situation could change with little or no warning. You should only travel outside of the main towns (Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader) in the company of persons or organisations experienced in local conditions as travel can be difficult and dangerous.  If you are travelling in northern Uganda you should take your security seriously and have a plan in place to leave the area quickly if the conflict resumes.

North West Uganda

We advise against all but essential travel to the region known as West Nile (Nebbi, Arua, Moyo and Yumbe districts in Uganda’s far north west), The LRA is present in Democratic Republic of Congo, in the areas bordering Sudan and Uganda.  In response, the Ugandan armed forces have built up a stronger presence in West Nile, particularly along the border with the DRC. If the peace process fails, there is a risk that the LRA could launch attacks in this region.

National Parks

Whilst in Uganda, we strongly recommend that you only use reputable, registered tour operators.

Visiting Kidepo and Murchison Falls National Parks, remains risky. We advise you not to visit this Park.

All facilities in the Kidepo Valley National Park are open and aircraft are flying into the Park as usual.  If you wish to visit the Park you should only travel there by air. The situation may change rapidly and you should seek local advice before embarking on any journey to the Park.

The National Parks in the extreme south-western corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park border the DRC and Rwanda.  The situation over the border in DRC has a history of instability and problems can flare up with little notice, most recently in December 2006 when clashes between dissidents and Government troops, resulted in a number of refugees fleeing into Uganda.  Anyone planning to visit this south-west corner of Uganda, including the National Parks should exercise caution and seek local advice before embarking on their journey.

Uganda's other National parks attract thousands of overseas visitors each year.  Queen Elizabeth National Park and those in its vicinity are popular with tourists and locals.

Other national parks include Mount Elgon National Park, Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo, and Rwenzori Mountains.  You may travel to these parks by road (though see below for advice on road safety).

Road Safety

The Ugandan authorities accept International driving licenses.

When out of your vehicle, always keep doors and windows locked.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained and risky to travel at night.   You are advised not to travel on the overnight long distance buses.

Great care must be taken if you choose to travel by long distance bus.  The “Post Bus” service run by the Ugandan Post Office currently has the best safety record and many volunteer and NGO organisations recommend to their staff to use this service when travelling between towns in Uganda.

Other common forms of public transport are public taxis (matatus)which is usually a private minibus using a specific route. and boda-bodas (scooter taxis), Public Taxis and bodaboda though very cheap to use, usually are generally in poor condition.  We therefore advise great caution before using public transport and boda bodas.  If doing so you should select a vehicle that appears in good condition, consult other passengers and if using a boda-boda always wear a crash helmet.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Ugandans are by nature outgoing and welcoming people.  But their culture is socially conservative and formal, e.g. dress codes for business.  Homosexuality is illegal and social tolerance of it is low. 

Penalties for drug trafficking are severe.  Drug abuse is neither widespread nor accepted. 

Do not take photos of military, official or diplomatic sites, including Owen Falls Dam at the source of the Nile near Jinja. If taking photos of people it is best to ask their permission first as some may object.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Most travellers need to have a visa to enter Uganda.  This can be obtained from the Ugandan Embassy or representatives in your country, or at the International airport at Entebbe (though expect a long queue if travelling at peak holiday times).  If travelling by road, it is usually easier to get a visa from the Ugandan High Commission or Embassy or at the Border of either country before leaving.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Uganda Embassy or High Commission in your country before travelling.

HEALTH

We strongly advise that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  This should include cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash cards, passport or luggage.  You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. 

Only limited medical facilities are available outside Kampala and, in the case of serious accident or illness an evacuation by air ambulance may be required. IAA in Kampala is readily available to help in such cases.

Serious illnesses, such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, are widespread in Uganda.  Ttravellers who contract malaria do not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets.  However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in country or in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country.  Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Uganda.  The risk of malaria is as high in Kampala as elsewhere in the country.

You should take medical advice on appropriate vaccinations before travelling.  You should have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate with you on arrival.

Heavy rains at the end of 2006 and poor sanitation caused outbreaks of cholera in Kampala and throughout Uganda. Drink only sealed or boiled water.  Care should be taken when eating out as levels of hygiene at some eating places can be very low.

You should ensure vaccination against measles is up to date, this is particularly import for any young children travelling with you.

Even if you have been vaccinated, there is still a risk of infection; if you fall ill during or after visiting one of the affected areas you should seek immediate medical attention.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. 

GENERAL

There are currently power shortages in Kampala and across Uganda.  Power supply can therefore be intermittent and can fail without warning.

Money

Credit cards are not widely used in Uganda.  Fraud is commonplace.  We advise you to carry sufficient travellers’ cheques to meet normal expenses, though be aware that they can only be cashed in major towns and at a significantly lower rate of exchange than cash.  So also bring sufficient US dollars or Euros or British Pounds in cash to meet any essential or emergency expenses.  US dollars dated earlier than 2000 and notes smaller than US $50 are usually only exchanged at a less favorable rate and in some cases not accepted for exchange at all.

Upon your arrival to your placement you are advised to report to your Embassy in Uganda or Kenya (depending where you are going to)

Our AVN representative in the county of  your placement can help you find the Embassy or Consulate