Destination Uganda regularly updates this page to give you the latest travel restrictions related to COVID-19 in Uganda. Last updated on: Saturday, July 31, 2021

The GoU recommends all travelers to have fully completed their vaccination process before coming to Uganda or avoid any non-essential travel.

MoH

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.

Every traveler thinking of visiting Uganda should have all the available coronavirus information at their fingertips to avoid inconveniences during the trip. Besides, we considerably understand how much excitement for the Africa safari experience you’ve built up during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown of worldwide travel and how much you would like to burst that bubble. The people who work in the national parks and all attractions that you come to experience heavily rely on your visit.

While planning your safari trip to Uganda before you fix the best dates to travel and consider which attractions to see, make sure you’re up-to-date with Uganda’s current coronavirus travel information and entry restrictions. In this post, we try to keep up with the MoH, GoU, and WHO and give you verified links you can visit later.

CAA Covid travel guidelines through Entebbe International Airport

Airport & Border Travel Restrictions

Uganda borders are still open to all inbound/outbound travel except for countries from Category-1 (India). Travelers from Category-2 & Category-3 are allowed entry/exit only when they fulfill restrictions set by the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health. These operating guidelines minimize infections and keep everyone protected while enjoying the destination. The entry restrictions include:

  • Officials have put health screening procedures at entry points, including temperature checks, compulsory wearing of facemask required, hand sanitization, and physical distancing. If a health official finds you with coronavirus symptoms, they’ll hand you over to MoH’s Emergency Operations Center for isolation and treatment. Hotline: (+256) 0800 203 033, 0800-100-066, or 0800-303-033
  • Passengers from Category 1 countries (India) are banned from entry into the country except returning citizens who have to present a negative covid test certificate not more than 72 hours from the time of sample collection to your flight boarding time.
  • All arriving passengers from category 2 countries will be subjected to a PCR COVID-19 test (at their own cost of USD 65) at all entry points, including Entebbe International Airport. Category 2—includes the USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
  • Travelers of countries in category 3—includes all not in categories 1 & 2— will not be subject to PCR tests but shall present an authentic and valid negative PCR COVID-19 diagnostic test certificate issued within 72 hours from the test sample collection time to the time you board your flight to Uganda.
  • All outbound travellers can get a PCR COVID-19 test at approved hospitals (see bellow) in Kampala & Entebbe, with results given within 4 hours at about $65.
  • Individuals from category 2 countries who have received full COVID-19 vaccinations and have no signs of any infection will be exempted from mandatory PCR tests at entry points.
  • After finishing with the immigration and health desk, your driver or Uganda tour manager will have to ensure that you proceed directly to your place of stay and not mix with Ugandans.
  • There will be no requirement to self-isolate or need to submit themselves to institutional quarantine on arrival.
  • There’s a nationwide curfew from 19:00 to 05:00. However, the curfew will not affect anyone traveling through the airport. All security operatives have been informed to let any traveler with proof of travel documents through.
  • Uganda or East Africa Visa can be gotten at the entry point but to avoid contact. Please process your online at visas.immigration.go.ug. You’ll need a six months valid passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate to be allowed entry. Find other details at Uganda Visa Requirements.
  • You can take the PCR COVID-19 test in Uganda at any of these MoH authorized hospitals and laboratories: Makerere University Hospital, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Lancet Laboratories (041-4341621), MBN Laboratories (0700-533-954), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI +256 41 4320631), Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL +256 414 – 230265), Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) Laboratory (+256-31-2211422), Mild May Laboratory (08009 20202), Tororo Mobile laboratory, Mutukula Mobile laboratory, Adjumani Mobile laboratory, Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Medipal International Hospital, Test and Fly Laboratory (+256 (0) 313306900 or place order at testandfly.co.ug/place_order.php), Uganda Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchison Laboratory, IOM Laboratory. Download the full list by MOH (452kb pdf file). You are required to cover the cost (about US$65), and a results certificate could be issued in a time frame of 4-12 hours.
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Covid-19 travel restrictions for getting around Uganda

  • Countrywide night curfew is now from 19:00 to 05:00 hours.
  • Night clubs, weddings with large gatherings exceeding 20 people are banned.
  • 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.
  • Churches and religious gatherings are currently banned.
  • All public transport (Buses, Taxis, Boda Bodas) can operate at half capacity effective Aug 2, 2021. Boda Bodas should carry one person and stop buisness at 18:00.
  • All inter-district travel is now allowed.
  • Private cars can now move between districts.
  • Marriage ceremonies, parties, and all other social gatherings are only allowed with a maximum of 20 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.
  • See links below for the official June 6 Presidential Address.
AD: Uganda Gorilla Trekking Adventures by Nkuringo Safari

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, download the full SOPs document.

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 Coronavirus infections. Download the hospitality SOPs document.

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 Recommendations and links to stay up-to-date

Health Advisory For Travelling to Uganda

Advisory on your health before you travel to Uganda

Financial protection in the event of a change of travel

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we travel and compel us to watch how we handle our finances. You should know how to handle your bookings accordingly if there are travel restrictions. Here are a few ways we think can help:

Should you pay a deposit on your trip to Uganda?


Paying less money upfront is one of the best ways to lower your financial risk. It is common practice for Uganda safari tour operators to request a 20-40% deposit upon booking a safari. They need this money to confirm your reservation with the accommodations being used on your safari. But these are exceptional times, and the safari industry requires clients. Therefore, it’s worth checking with tour operators because they might be able to arrange a lower deposit or waive a deposit completely.

Please only agree to a lower deposit if the operator can agree with the accommodations to lower or waive their required deposit. Otherwise, the tour operator will have to take a great financial risk by paying the deposit for the accommodation themselves. And that is not sustainable for you or other people who travel with this tour operator.

Lowering the deposit will be easier to achieve if you plan to go on a safari within a couple of weeks versus planning a safari in 12 months. It is more likely that accommodations will be flexible for short-term bookings.

Does paying by credit card provide protection?


Depending on the terms and conditions of your credit card, you might be protected financially if your tour operator is not able to honor their obligations. We recommend that you contact your bank or card provider and ask if your credit card protects if the tour operator goes bankrupt or cannot provide a refund (in a situation where you are entitled to a refund). If your credit card offers financial protection, we recommend using a credit card to pay for your safari trip to Uganda.

Please note that accepting credit card payments is expensive for tour operators, and it is common practice to apply a 3-4% surcharge. Please also ensure that you have your paperwork in order: a booking confirmation, proof of payment, the cancellation policy, and other terms and conditions provided by the tour operator. You will need those in the event you want to apply for a refund or chargeback from your credit card company.

What is the best cancelation policy?


Be sure to ask the tour manager for their cancellation policy and other terms and conditions. If a tour operator offers highly flexible cancellation conditions, but you are still required to pay a large deposit, we recommend being a bit watchful. The only sustainable way for a tour operator to offer flexible cancellation conditions is if the tour operator’s accommodations offer similar flexible conditions. If a tour operator offers flexible cancellation conditions, we recommend contacting the accommodations yourself to verify whether they offer similar flexible conditions to the tour operator.

Is there travel insurance and cancellation coverage for coronavirus?


Around the second half of March 2020, most travel insurance policies stopped covering coronavirus risks for new bookings. Insurance companies consider the pandemic to be a ‘known event.’ But as the coronavirus risk gets smaller over time, insurance companies have introduced coronavirus coverage as a premium add-on to their travel insurance. Therefore, it is always worth searching on the internet to see if such policies are being offered.

Do Uganda tour operators offer protection schemes?


Some countries have organizations that offer a protection scheme for residents when they book a holiday or vacation with a travel agent located in their home country. Often the laws in these countries require all travel agents to be a member of these organizations. The ABTA and ATOL are examples of such organizations in the UK. If a protection scheme is available in your country, you might want to consider booking your Uganda safari with a travel agent in your country.

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 in complying with the latest MoH, WHO, UWA, and GoH guidelines 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 (travel@destinationuganda.com), you’ll be connected directly to the operator, no third parties. Plan your safari trip to Uganda with confidence.