Uganda Airport Smoking Areas

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Uganda has one of Africa’s stricter tobacco laws, and Entebbe reflects it: the terminal interior is smoke-free, with smoking at a designated outdoor area by the Arrivals Hall — and, since the lounge’s 2024 refurbishment, a designated smoking area inside the airside Karibuni Lounge for lounge guests. The same law bans bringing vapes into the country, which every arriving traveller should note.

For international travel through Uganda, Entebbe (EBB) is the airport that matters.

How Ugandan Airport Smoking Works

Uganda’s Tobacco Control Act 2015 is strict:

  • 100% smoke-free indoor public places — the terminal concourses, gates and halls have no public smoking room
  • A designated outdoor smoking area by the Arrivals Hall (landside), open to everyone
  • The airside Karibuni Lounge in International Departures keeps a designated smoking area for lounge guests (traveller-reported; added in the 2024 refurbishment)
  • Smoking outdoors must be at least 50 m from building entrances
  • E-cigarettes/vapes are banned from import — do not bring one into Uganda

The Hub

Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Uganda’s main gateway on Lake Victoria, with a new terminal opening in phases from early 2026. The terminal interior is smoke-free; the designated outdoor smoking area is at the landside Arrivals Hall, and the airside Karibuni Lounge — near the International Departures boarding gates — offers a designated smoking area to lounge guests. Transit passengers stay airside for the whole layover, so the Karibuni Lounge is effectively their only smoking option; budget for lounge access on a long connection.

Tips for Smokers at Ugandan Airports

  • Without lounge access, smoke at the outdoor Arrivals Hall area before security — the concourse past the checkpoint is smoke-free
  • On a layover, the airside Karibuni Lounge’s smoking area is the option — entry via premium cabin, Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or a paid walk-in
  • Do not bring a vape to Uganda — e-cigarettes are banned from import
  • Keep at least 50 m from terminal entrances when smoking outdoors

Uganda Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security

AirportAfter securityIndoor roomOutdoor area
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)Yes–Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Entebbe Airport (EBB)?

Yes — at the designated outdoor smoking area by the landside Arrivals Hall, and in the airside Karibuni Lounge’s designated smoking area if you have lounge access. The terminal interior is smoke-free under Uganda’s Tobacco Control Act 2015, which also requires outdoor smoking to be at least 50 metres from building entrances.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes legal in Uganda?

No — Uganda’s Tobacco Control Act 2015 bans the import, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and vapes. Bringing a vape into Uganda is illegal, so do not carry one; treat vaping as prohibited at the airport.

Is there smoking after security at Entebbe Airport?

Yes — the Karibuni Lounge in International Departures keeps a designated smoking area for lounge guests (premium cabin, Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or a paid walk-in). The concourse and gates outside the lounge are smoke-free, so passengers without lounge access should smoke at the landside Arrivals Hall area before clearing security.

Where can I smoke at Entebbe Airport?

At the designated outdoor smoking area by the Arrivals Hall, landside — open to everyone — or inside the airside Karibuni Lounge with lounge access. The terminal has no public indoor smoking room.

How strict is Uganda on airport smoking?

Very — the Tobacco Control Act 2015 imposes 100% smoke-free indoor public places, a 50-metre buffer from entrances, and a comprehensive e-cigarette import ban. Smoke only at the designated outdoor area or the lounge smoking area.