Uganda Travel Restrictions & Covid-19 Information for Tourists

Azas Safaris Uganda regularly updates this page to give you the latest travel restrictions related to COVID-19 in Uganda. Last updated on: Thursday, November 4, 2021

Tourism in Uganda remains open and accessible to all. To continuously explore and relish Uganda’s beauty, we call upon all Ugandans and tourists to be vigilant and follow the recommended measures by the Ministry of Health and report any suspicious cases through these toll-free numbers: 0800 100066 and 0800 203033

This Covid-19 information will help you plan your safari trip to Uganda and fix the best dates to travel to Uganda.

Airport & Border Travel Restrictions

The Government of the Republic of Uganda has issued the following directives effective 27th October 2021 until further notice, on COVID-19 health measures at Entebbe International Airport:

• All arriving passengers at Entebbe International Airport will be subjected to a COVID-19 test, regardless of country of origin or vaccination status for a cost of USD 30 per person. Children below 6 years and airline crew with vaccination proof are exempt. Pre-book your PCR test at arrivals.healthdesk.go.ug
• After having their samples for COVID-19 taken, all travelers will be allowed to proceed home or to their hotels for self-isolation until they receive their results. The test results will be sent to their phones/emails or they can personally check at  arrivals.healthdesk.go.ug/results/check with the travel document number & DoB.
• Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 on arrival will be provided psychological support and transferred to the gazetted public and private treatment facilities where they will be managed for 7 days and discharged on a negative PCR test. The treatment for passengers for travelers that test positive will be free in the Public Hospitals. However, Passengers who opt for Private Hospitals will meet their costs.
• In the case of arriving tourists, if they are asymptomatic or with mild disease, they will be managed in the designated tourists Hotels. The tourists who progress to severe disease will be transferred to the hospitals of
  their choice.
• All travelers whose body temperature is NOT above 37.5° C (99.5°F), do not have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms shall be allowed to enter or depart Uganda.
• Entebbe International Airport Port Health shall approve for arrival or departure a negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate undertaken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection. This excludes transit time at the terminal building.
• Travelers who have had COVID-19 vaccination and hold certificate must still present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection to boarding aircraft. This is because the vaccine is not 100% protective, and it also takes several days/weeks to begin protection.
• Passengers travelling out of the country, will be required to have negative COVID-19 PCR test Certificate taken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection. They will abide by the health travel requirements of the destination country.
• There’s a nationwide curfew from 19:00 to 05:00. Passengers arriving in the curfew time, and/or from districts beyond Kampala with a valid Air Ticket and Boarding Pass shall be allowed to proceed to their hotels and/or residences.
• Passengers departing in the curfew time, and/or from districts beyond Kampala with a valid air ticket shall be allowed to proceed to their destination airport by presentation of the passenger ticket to the authorities as evidence of going to the airport. Drivers should have evidence that they have come from the Airport (such as Airport parking ticket or passenger ticket) to drop or pick-up passengers

All Uganda visas are processed online at visas.immigration.go.ug. No visa processing at entry points. You’ll need a six months valid passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate to be allowed entry. Find other details at Uganda Visa Requirements.

Covid-19 travel restrictions for getting around Uganda

• Countrywide night curfew is now from 19:00 to 05:00 hours.
• Concerts, disco halls, performing artists and beaches remain closed.
• Religious, Weddings, Burials and other social events: The number of persons attending these events is restricted to under 200 people with strict observance of SOPs. No congregation for worship after curfew hours.
• Food markets, shopping malls, arcades, business centers, spas, salons, and restaurants are now open for business.
• Schools remain closed until all teachers receive vaccination jabs.
• Social, physical distancing a must for everyone. Wearing masks is mandatory in Uganda, and you would be punished if nabbed without one around human traffic.
• All public transport (Buses, Taxis, Boda Bodas) operate at half capacity. Boda Bodas should carry one person and stop buisness at 18:00.
• All inter-district travel is now allowed.
• Marriage ceremonies, parties, and all other social gatherings are only allowed with a maximum of 200 people under strict observance of SOPs. House parties are strictly banned, and this must be enforced without fail. All guests should wear masks and keep their physical distance.
• Keep your mask on and watch the things you touch. Sanitize your hands frequently to minimize Coronavirus infections while travelling.

Tourist Vehicle Restrictions

• All tourist vehicles must be licensed by the Ministry of Works and Transport and attached to tourism companies registered and licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board.
• The tourist vehicles must be licensed, insured, with masks, sanitisers, spaced visitor seating, proper vehicle labelling and belonging to a UTB licensed tour company.
• The guide driving the vehicle must have a negative PCR test taken within 48Hours before the trip started.
• All vehicles should leave the driver co seat vacant and reduce seating capacity to allow proper spacing of not less than 1.5 meters.
• Vehicle occupants and the driver must wear masks and sanitize regularly
• Guests onboard must carry their vaccination cards, negative PCR test certificates, passports and their air tickets ready for inspection on the spot.
• All tourists are encouraged to carry their detailed travel itineraries, especially for inter-district routes.
• The driver/guide must have proper identification, a negative PCR certificate, the journey’s itinerary, proof of bookings for accommodation and park entry permits for all the guests onboard.
• COVID-19 SOPs must be adhered to in tourist vehicles with attention to social distancing, wearing masks and sanitizing.
• Breach of condition automatically cancels the sticker, and the sticker is withdrawn, and the company suspended.

Wildlife Parks Travel Restrictions

• There will be mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the different protected areas’ key tourism gates.
• Wearing masks is mandatory for all visitors in the park. And you’re recommended to carry with you at least 2 N95 or cloth face masks and portable hand sanitizer with you.
• Tourists will also be subjected to mandatory hand washing / sanitizing at the entrances of all UWA premises and protected areas.
• Government guidelines of carrying “half capacity” to observe physical distancing shall apply to vehicles and boats in the parks. These include concessionaire delivery vehicles. Salon cars shall not be permitted in the park.
• All tour guides/drivers must have a negative coronavirus test certificate issued not more than 10 days before the Uganda safari trip. They are also required to disinfect the safari vehicles before and after the game drive watching out for main touchpoints like door handles and car seats.
• Please a safe distance from animals that could contract human diseases. Travelers will keep a 10-meter distance from the gorillas, chimps, and other primates.
• Staff on duty shall sensitize the visitors to the general government-approved COVID-19 operational guidelines, including those developed and approved by UWA management.
• Staff is provided with appropriate wear to protect everyone from any possible infection.

For more information on Uganda wildlife COVID guidelines, 

For hotels and lodges in Uganda, the Uganda Travel Board (UTB), with the help of WHO and MoH, has released a document underlining operating procedures to be observed by all players to keep all hospitality facilities and their occupants free of Coronavirus infections. 

Non-Compliance Consequences

According to the latest presidential directive, violation of these measures will lead to arrest with hefty fines mentioned in a Statutory Instrument signed by the Permanent Secretary (PS) Treasury. Those who do not care about the health of Ugandans will pay financially.

For the police to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 safety protocols, local defense Units are deployed nightly.

Important links and recommendations

• Pre-book Entebbe International Airport COVID PCR Test pre arrival at arrivals.healthdesk.go.ug
• Check for my Covid Test Results online  arrivals.healthdesk.go.ug/results/check
• Uganda Mandatory PCR Test on arrival FAQs 
• In some instances traveling to Uganda, the airline may require a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), here’s where to get it
• Official CAA October Communication
• Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit your Embassy web page on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Uganda.
• Latest: LIVE: Museveni Sept 22nd address on schools, security and COVID-19
• Where to find COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in Uganda (pdf)
• Full list of MoH Approved testing facilities and labs in Uganda (pdf)
• Uganda Ministry Of Health Coronavirus page
• MoH Uganda: Uganda COVID-19 Information Portal
• World Health Organization: WHO Coronavirus dashboard page for Uganda
• Wikipedia: Uganda Coronavirus page
• Google News: Uganda Covid-19 news
• To keep up-to-date with the most recent information on the risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.

• Australia travel advisory
• EU countries travel advisories
• US travel advisory
• US Embassy Uganda Advisory
• CDC uganda travel advisory
• UK travel advisory

Onward,

Uganda is safer than most destinations in Africa. You can still enjoy the vast savannah drama and mountain jungles with confidence. Our expert local tour operator on the ground is in the know, and their immediate priority is to keep you protected from infections. We have made sure that all the properties they book you comply with the latest MoH, WHO, UWA, and GoH guidelines to keep tourists safe.

The Uganda safari vehicles are well maintained and at every stop disinfected to protect you from Covid. You’ll receive a free mask, sanitizer and recommend things and places to avoid and stay safe. When you send us an email/inquiry (info@azas-safarisuganda.com), you’ll be connected directly to the operator, no third parties. Plan your safari trip to Uganda with confidence.