Uganda COVID travel protocols – August 2021

Here is the latest info on Uganda’s travel protocols. The information shared by the Adventure Consults team covers protocols as they are at the time of compilation. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) keep changing and sometimes at very short notice. We, therefore, recommend that you keep checking with our team (sales@adventureconsults.com) for more Up-to-date information and ensure that you/your clients meet required travel procedures.

Quick overview

Tourist Entry and exit: Allowed.

Land borders: Open other than the Uganda/Rwanda border that is still closed as of the end of August 2021.

International Tourist Travel around Uganda: Allowed.

Testing prior arrival: Required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 certificate.
Testing upon arrival: Mandatory PCR Covid-19 test on arrival.
Local Restrictions:

Lockdown in Effect: Drive restricted between 5:00 am and 07:00 PM, but doesn’t affect Licensed Tour operator vehicles & guides.
Hotels: Open under strict SOPs.
Shopping places and craft shops: Open under strict SOPs
Restaurants: Open under strict SOPs.
On 31st July 2021, the president of Uganda partially lifted the lockdown and announced new guidelines to help curb and control the spread of covid-19. On a good note, the Tourism sector remained among those that were left to operate. All land borders (other than Uganda-Rwanda borders), international airports, and commercial flights are operating normally. Travel between all entry points and any tourist destinations (hotels/National parks etc) are strict with registered and licensed tour operators.

On 23rd August 2021, the Ministry of Health announced measured following the review of covid 19 situations across the world.

India which was earlier listed under category 1, was removed and is now listed among Category 2 countries.

Travelers from all over the world will undergo uniform travel procedures as listed below. This is irrespective of country of origin or vaccination status.

Before/prior Traveling to Uganda: All travelers (including children) irrespective of Nationality or vaccination status are required to present Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) negative COVID-19 test certificate, issued no more than 72 hours before departing the country of origin. The certificate is a requirement at the point of entry.

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport/Uganda’s entry points:

All travelers irrespective of their covid-19 vaccination status, shall undergo screening and also be subjected to PCR-COVID-19 test at all points of entry including Entebbe International airport.

Where to test from;

The testing center is in Entebbe (less than 10 minutes drive from Entebbe airport, close to Protea Hotel – Entebbe. Note that Adventure consults’ involvement is within the set guidelines and procedures, so please respect the guidelines as shall be instructed.

Important to mention is that we have partnered with Uganda Tourism Board, through our Association Of Uganda Tour Operators for a more swift testing process. With this new arrangement, you are able to meet Adventure Consults’ guide after clearing with customs, transfer to the testing center, and get your results in less than 2 hours.

In order to have a more organized and relaxed trip, we recommend booking the first night in Entebbe.

Cost: As of 1st Sept 2021, the cost for testing on arrival is sixty-five US dollars (USD 65) or equivalent.

What’s the next step after getting negative results?

Any traveler who tests negative for covid 19, will be permitted to proceed with his/her onward journey/safari. Adventure Consults’ guide/s will be on standby to proceed with the trip as per the planned itinerary.

What would be the next step after getting results and are unfortunately positive?

Any traveler who tests positive for covid 19, will be evacuated by the Ministry of Health to a designated covid 19 isolation facility for treatment at their own cost.

Any child/children who test positive for covid 19, will be evacuated by the Ministry of Health to a designated covid 19 isolation facility with their parents/guardians.

Before exiting Uganda:

All travelers (including children) irrespective of Nationality or vaccination status are required to present Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) negative COVID-19 test certificate, issued no more than 72 hours before departing the country. The certificate is a requirement at the point of exit including Entebbe international airport.

Where to test from in preparation for departure:

Depending on the nature and duration of the safari/itinerary, the Adventure Consults team will always coordinate to ensure relevant and timely tests are carried out. Most testing centers are in the main capital (Kampala) and Entebbe (near the airport).

There are also a few accredited labs in the countryside/near specific National Parks that carry out tests. We have had cases and there might be more such scenarios that will require private arrangements to take samples from the field/lodges, carry out tests, and issue results within the given timelines. Such arrangements shall be communicated in advance with respective individuals and will be treated on a case-by-case basis. There will certainly be an extra cost to cater for private, professional services and facilitation. We have good working relationships with a number of labs and have negotiated for favorable and reasonable rates to keep our clients’ testing costs as minimal as possible. Please get in touch for more info.

Note that these measures are meant to ensure that there’s no importation of any more variants into the country and limit the spread of the Covid 19. So kindly be corporative and observe the given procedures.

The Ministry of Health has advised that this information shall where necessary be analyzed and updated periodically depending on the situation.

Ndoba Hakim

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