Uganda travel requirements- travel requirements in Uganda. In consideration of the global challenges brought about by the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the risk of importing new variants from high-risk nations, the Government of Uganda has come up with different travel requirements for visitors to have entry into Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is located in East Africa and it is still open to all Uganda safari holidaymakers.

In Uganda, there is a lot to explore and experience from the splendid National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, and unique wildlife including half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas, 5050 chimpanzees, 1080 bird species, magical mountains to scenic water bodies- hosting the Source of the Nile River, lush rain-forests and so on. However, there is a need for all Ugandans and tourists on Uganda safaris to be very keen and always observe the set Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as stipulated by the Ministry of Health in Uganda.

All arriving visitors or passengers on Uganda tours shall be subjected to a Coronavirus test at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). This is regardless of the tourists’ country of origin or vaccination status. The COVID-19 tests are available at USD30 per person except for the exempted groups such as children below 6 years plus airline crew with vaccination proof.

Visitors who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival shall be offered psychological support and then transferred to the gazette public or private treatment facilities where they will spend 7 days and later be discharged on the Negative PCR test. Treatment for those who test positive for COVID-19 is free in public hospitals and at a cost for those who opt for private hospitals.

All visitors travelling to Uganda whose body temperature isn’t over 37.5 degrees Celsius, and who don’t have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing/other flu-like symptoms can be let to enter or depart Uganda.

Visitors’ Negative COVID-19 PCR certificates shall be approved by Entebbe International Airport (EBB) health team upon arrival or departure. The PCR should be undertaken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection exclusive of the transit time at the terminal building.

Visitors on safari in Uganda and who have had a COVID-19 vaccination or hold certificates are required to present a Negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate. The certificate should have been taken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection to the boarding aircraft.

Travellers departing Uganda should have a Negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate which is also undertaken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection.

NOTE: Curfew in Uganda runs from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am countryside. Where a visitor arrives during curfew time or from places outside Kampala, valid air tickets or boarding passes should be carried for you to be allowed to proceed to the hotel or places of residence. This also applies to visitors departing Uganda within curfew time-a a valid air ticket must be presented.

Regular entry Uganda travel requirements

Visas are an essential requirement for visitors on Uganda safari and you can process an Uganda visa online via visas.immigration.go.ug. Other essentials you need to have entry into Uganda include 6 monthly valid passports and yellow fever vaccination certificates. There is also an alternative of applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa which should be 90 days valid and this allows tourists to access Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Accredited laboratories to carry out your COVID-19 testing in Uganda

The list of accredited laboratories that conduct COVID-19 tests in Uganda includes among others Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) laboratory, Joint Clinical Research Center, Central Public Health Laboratory, MBN Laboratory, IOM Laboratory, Test and Fly Laboratory, Case Hospital Kampala, Uganda Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchison Laboratory, Mutukula Mobile Laboratory, Safari Lab, Mulago National Referral Hospital. Contact your tour operator or company on the ground so that you are directed to the nearby laboratory.

Uganda travel requirements for departing visitors

Departing travellers via Entebbe Airport in Uganda must present an authentic Negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate. The PCR certificates should be issued to you within 3 days/72 hours from the time of sample collection to boarding the aircraft in Uganda. All visitors departing Uganda must have their PCR test certificates showing Travel as the intended purpose of the test.

All visitors departing Entebbe Airport- EBB must know, understand and interpret the COVID-19 requirements of the country he or she is travelling to.

Safari vehicle restrictions

1. The safari vehicle you plan to use must be licensed by the Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda. It should also be attached to a registered or recognized tour company and licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
2. The driver-guide must have a Negative PCR test taken within 48 hours prior start of the Uganda safari at any destination.
3. Visitors onboard must have vaccination cards, Negative PCR test certificates, passports, and air tickets to be inspected.
4. All visitors on Uganda safari must carry a detailed travel plan on our itineraries in case of visitors plans to take inter-district routes.
5. SOPs must be adhered to in safari vehicles-masks must be put on, hand sanitizing and social distancing must be observed.

National Parks travel requirements/restrictions in Uganda

1. Temperature screening is mandatory and this will be done at the various National Park gates.
2. Wearing of face masks is mandatory for all tourists on Uganda safari in National Parks-preferably, have 2 or more N95 Masks or cloth face masks plus a portable hand sanitiser.
3. At all entrances of UWA premises or protected areas, hand washing or sanitizing is mandatory.
4. A safe distance from wildlife must be observed for instance 10 meters for visitors on gorilla trekking or trekking to see chimpanzees or other primates.
5. Tourist vehicles must carry half capacity to ensure proper physical distancing is observed.

Security is often required while you are gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In each group of 8 visitors, there will be an armed park guide.