What travelers need to know about revised baggage and tax policies at Entebbe Airport.
Planning a trip to Uganda or returning home after some time abroad? Whether you’re a first-time tourist, a returning resident or expat, or basummer visiting family and friends, it’s essential to be aware of the revised baggage clearance procedures at Entebbe International Airport, announced in July 2024. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know to avoid any surprises at the airport. The updated baggage clearance procedures are crucial for all travelers to understand, especially when it comes to bringing gifts or second-hand items.
Looking for the latest travel health advice at Entebbe Airport? Click here.
The Muzungu adds: when expats travel back to their home country, we often bring back little treats that you just can’t get in Uganda! Marmite, crumpets, dark chocolate digestive biscuits, and Coleman’s English mustard are high on my list! You might not be aware, but we’re not supposed to bring in second-hand laptops, for example, that well-meaning relatives would like to donate to a worthy cause. I’ve never had any problems with customs at Entebbe, but I know they keep a watchful eye on Ugandans who return home with bulging suitcases!
All passenger baggage is scanned at Entebbe Airport after passport control. “If scanner images show any items concealed/hidden, the baggage will be subjected to physical examination by a Customs Officer in the presence of the passenger.” Here’s what you need to know:
Key changes to baggage allowances at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport (and their tax implications)
No. 1. Higher allowances – better baggage values for travelers:
- The allowable limit for the value of passenger baggage has been increased from USD 500 to USD 2000.
- Important notes: This allowance is for personal use only and does not apply to gifts, items for sale, or goods you plan to distribute. This allowance applies to passengers who have been outside Uganda for more than 24 hours.
- The exemption does not apply to goods sent by others for delivery to someone else.
No. 2. Declaring to URA? Bring receipts:
Passengers must declare their baggage to URA officers and provide authentic receipts in the names of the traveling passenger, confirming the value of the items.
No. 3. Know before you go: info for traders
- “Dutiable” goods exceeding 50kg in commercial value will be transferred to the cargo terminal for customs clearance. Here, traders will have to use their tax identification numbers.
- Included in this category are phones and phone accessories, shoes, perfumes, vehicle spare parts, and IT equipment.
No. 4. Be aware of prohibited and restricted items
- Prohibited items include used fridges, second-hand computers/laptops, TVs (and even second-hand underwear!). You may ask: why are used laptops prohibited yet Ugandan schools in rural areas can’t afford to buy new ones? According to the URA, “Used computers were prohibited in the Finance Act of 2009. This is largely aimed at protecting the environment. When the government banned used computers, it dropped the import duty to 0% for new laptops.”
- Restricted items require clearance before you enter Uganda. Examples include drones and animal products or items related to wildlife. Penalties for importing or exporting wildlife products (elephant or hippo ivory, teeth, animal skins, pangolin scales, and more) are very high.
No. 5. Booze and smokes: Duty-free allowances explained:
Call this a party? Hmmm. You’re allowed to bring in the following without paying duty:
- Spirits: Up to 1 litre
- Wine: Up to 2 litres
- Perfumes and eau de toilette: Up to 250ml
- Tobacco/cigarettes: Up to 250 grams
No. 6. Kuli kayo! Welcome home: What you can bring tax-free as a returning resident:
- Ugandan residents returning after at least one year abroad can bring personal and household effects without paying taxes, provided the items were used in their previous residence. These individuals will also clear their items through the cargo terminal.
- Prohibited items will be forfeited “after payment of the applicable penalty.”
No. 7. Pay taxes quickly (to avoid the cargo terminal):
- Passengers who arrive with goods they need to pay duty on must pay the relevant taxes within two hours to avoid congestion. Non-compliance will result in the baggage being transferred to the cargo terminal.
This information is based on my summary of an article published by the Uganda Revenue Authority.
I haven’t listed all restricted or prohibited items because I’m not an expert (just a regular traveller who likes sharing a few tips). For more information about customs, read URA Customs FAQs.
I regularly travel through Entebbe Airport. If you have any questions about visas, travel health – or any other aspect of travel to Uganda, you’ll find this page very helpful.
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