The information shared by 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 UpToDate information and ensure that you/your clients meet required travel procedures.
Quick overview
Tourist Entry and exit: Allowed.
Land borders: Open other than Uganda/Rwanda border that is still closed as of end 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 5:00am 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, Tourism sector remained among those that were left to operate. All land borders (other than Uganda-Rwanda borders), international airport and commercial flights are operating normal. Travels to all tourist destinations including Uganda’s 10 National parks are fully operational.
On 23rd August 2021, the Ministry of Health announced new measure following the review of covid 19 situation 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 unform travel procedures as listed below. This is irrespective of country of origin or vaccination status.
Before/prior Travelling 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 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.
We have partnered with Uganda Tourism Board, through our Association Of Uganda Tour Operators for more organized private transfer from the airport to the testing center. Afte clearing customs, you will meet Adventure Consults’ guide and transfer to the testing center. You will then transfer to one of the designated hotels and wait for the results. Results will be released within 2 to 3 hours.
We recommend booking the first night in Entebbe before heading out to the field. This will give you a more relaxed and organized holiday.
Cost: As of 1st Sept 2021, 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 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 own cost.
Any child/children who tests positive for covid 19, will be evacuated by the Ministry of Health to a designated covid 19 isolation facility with their parents/guardian.
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 nature and duration of the safari/itinerary, Adventure Consults’ team will always coordinate with you 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, send to the lab and carry out tests. Results are released within the required timelines. Such arrangements shall be communicated in advance with respective individuals and will be treated on 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 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..
Adventure consults’ involvement is within the set guidelines and procedures, so kindly be corporative and observe procedures in place.
The Ministry of health has advised that the guidelines shall where necessary be analyzed and updated periodically depending on the situation.
Adventure Consults urges all travelers, partners, staff and everyone world over to follow the scientifically proven prevention measures and these include among others;
· Consistently and correctly wearing masks while in public.
· Social distancing of at least 2 meters while in public places.
· Avoid crowded places.
· Always wash hands with soap or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Always check out Adventure Stories and updates for UpToDate information or get in touch.