Is it safe to travel to Uganda in 2021 – 2022? Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to Uganda. How about COVID-19, what is the current Status of coronavirus in Uganda? Uganda was awarded the “Safe Travels Stamp” of approval from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for its recently implemented Health Protocals. (UPDATED: 30th/JUNE/2021)
Except for the ongoing second wave of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic that has devasted countries across the globe, Uganda is generally a safe destination to travel to whether for business or leisure. However, in abide to limit further spread of the deadly Coronavirus, the Government of Uganda in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Uganda has categorized travelers arriving in Uganda into three (3) groups, category one, two, and three depending on the presence and trend of the variant of concern, high transmission rate, and the number of deaths registered in the last three months. Visitors from India (Category 1) have been banned from entering Uganda as of 01st/May/2021. Category 2 countries which include the USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania have been advised to delay any non-essential travel to Uganda. However, should one from Category 2 & 3 decide to travel to Uganda, they will be subjected to COVID-19 test at their own cost as soon as they arrive at the country’s border posts including Entebbe International Airport.
Related: Rules & regulations to govern travel to Uganda during the second Wave of the COVID-19 virus.
Following the outbreak of covid-19, the government of Uganda has put into place strict travel restrictions for both in-bound and out-bound travelers. A set of strict standard operating procedures have been put in place, and these include; mandatory testing at park gate/border/airport, a must to wear a face mask, a must to have a hand sanitizer.
Incoming or Arriving Travelers
- All Passengers arriving must have each had a negative PCR COVID-19 test done within 72 hours before arrival in Uganda, and has not shown any signs and symptoms of any infectious disease before boarding.
- The PCR test must have been done from a laboratory approved by the country where the journey is initiated.
- A passenger who shows signs and symptoms of any infectious disease on arrival will be put in a waiting infectious disease ambulance and taken to an isolation center (Entebbe Hospital) where infectious disease checks and a sample for COVID-19 tests are carried out and results will be returned within 24-48 hours.
- If a passenger is tested and turns out to be positive for COVID-19, he or she is taken to the COVID-19 treatment center or is repatriated for treatment in another facility outside Uganda at their own cost following COVID-19 medical evacuation protocol.
- Airlines and airport authorities will ensure that before boarding to Entebbe International Airport, a passenger must have met the above requirement.
- Ministry of Health will ensure there is an accessible COVID-19 PCR laboratory outside the terminal building which will be able to take samples and avail results within a short time, for exceptional circumstances.
- An infectious disease laboratory is not allowed within the vicinity of an international airport, therefore, passengers that require a PCR COVID-19 test will have to be transported to the facility by MoH or at their own cost escorted by security.
Outgoing or departing travelers Is it safe to travel to Uganda
- A passenger leaving Uganda will ensure he or she has carried out a COVID-19 PCR test and valid within 72 hours before boarding.
- Passengers with special situations that may not allow them to present a PCR test certificate will have to ensure they have a clearance from the country they are travelling to showing they may not take a PCR COVID-19 test and will be allowed to enter the country on arrival.
- A passenger who shows up with signs and symptoms of any infectious disease as detected by Port Health staff will not be allowed to board but will be taken to an isolation facility for medical investigation and treatment.
Guidelines/travel tips to ensure safety on Uganda safari
- Always cross-check for travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department/British Foreign Office or at your respective the Embassy in Uganda for any plans to go on Uganda safari
- Ensure you maintain a distance of 2 meters or more while in the public.
- Wearing a face mask is mandatory
- Hand sanitizer is mandatory even when you are visiting parks on Uganda safari
- Book your safari, hotel or accommodation with a reliable tour operator since there are people on the ground, they know the safest hotels for a Safari in Uganda.
- Don’t drive in the safari parks past 7:30 pm to 6:30 am
- Don’t leave your children unattended on a family trip
Safety and security Is it safe to travel to Uganda
Like most states across the world, crime is still recorded. However, the crime is “petty” crimes like credit card fraud, robberies, petty theft. These petty crimes are usually registered in big towns like Kampala and there is need for you to vigilant.
Most importantly, Uganda police, Uganda People’s Defense Force and other security agencies work together to ensure such crimes are wiped out. Regular patrols are done in strategic points and as you head to National Parks in Uganda, you will notice the presence of armed park rangers, tourism police and hotel or safari lodge security personnel. All this is to ensure visitor safety while visiting Uganda whether on safari or business.
We are committed to keeping you updated on whether It is safe to travel to Uganda – For any specific inquiry on safety, email us for a quick response.
