Updated 20 October 2026

There are no direct flights from Singapore to Uganda, but one-stop connections are easy. The main options are Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, with total journey times of roughly 15–20 hours. Economy returns from Singapore are often available from around US$850–1,200, and more at peak times.

Uganda is five hours behind Singapore, so jet lag is mild compared with flights to Europe or the Americas. This guide compares the routes, explains how travellers from elsewhere in Asia can connect, and covers visas and timing for a gorilla trip.

Emirates via Dubai

Emirates flies several times a day from Changi to Dubai, a flight of about seven to eight hours, and connects to Entebbe in about five more. The wide choice of departure times makes it easy to build a sensible connection, and Dubai’s huge hub has everything you need for a long layover. Emirates is rarely the cheapest option in economy, but it is reliable and comfortable, and its fares can be good value in business class.

Qatar Airways via Doha

Qatar Airways offers a similar Gulf routing via Doha, with comparable flight times and a well-run transfer airport. Fares are often competitive with Emirates, so compare both for your dates. Qatar is a Oneworld member, which matters if you collect points with airlines such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific or Malaysia Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Airlines connects Singapore with Addis Ababa and then flies on to Entebbe, a hop of about two hours, several times a day. It is often among the cheapest options, and as a Star Alliance member it lets Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer members earn miles on eligible fares. Leave at least 2–3 hours for the connection at Addis Bole, which can be busy. Long layovers may qualify for the airline’s free transit hotel. See our guide to connecting through Addis Ababa.

Other one-stop or two-stop options, including Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and routes through Nairobi or Kigali, appear on flight search sites and can be worth comparing, especially if you also want to visit Kenya or Rwanda.

From elsewhere in Asia

Travellers from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong or Manila rarely need to go through Singapore. The Gulf carriers and Ethiopian fly from many Asian cities directly to their hubs, and you then make one connection to Entebbe. From India, the Gulf carriers and Ethiopian also offer good one-stop routes, and journey times are shorter. Compare total journey time rather than just price, as some cheap itineraries involve very long layovers.

Timing your arrival and the gorilla trek

Check your arrival time in Entebbe. An afternoon or evening arrival suits a night in Entebbe before driving west. Bwindi is a full day by road, or a short domestic flight away. Do not plan your gorilla trek for the day after a long-haul arrival if you can avoid it.

Permits cost US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November), are issued for a fixed date and are not refunded if a delay makes you miss the trek. If you are trekking in Bwindi’s southern sectors, flights into Kigali in Rwanda, 3–5 hours by road from those areas, are worth comparing. Our guide to getting from Entebbe to Bwindi covers the onward options.

Visas and health

Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong SAR can visit Uganda without a visa, but most other Asian nationalities need one. Check the current rules for your passport before booking. Visas are applied for online as a Uganda e-visa (US$50 single entry) or the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) if you are also visiting Rwanda or Kenya. All visitors need a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and airlines may check it at check-in. Malaria tablets are recommended. See our guides to the yellow fever certificate and arriving at Entebbe Airport.

Frequently asked questions