COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Uganda (20 October Update)

Entry By Foreigner

Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter the country.

Entry By Resident

Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Test Certificate Required

Yes

• All travellers arriving or departing Uganda must have a COVID-19 negative test certificate issued within 72 hours prior to travel, regardless of vaccine status. The certificates must indicate TRAVEL for the intended purpose of the test. Foreigners will be denied entry if they are unable to provide a valid negative test certificate.

• Children aged three and under are exempted from pre-departure testing, when accompanied by parents arriving with a valid negative test certificate.

Test On Arrival

No with exceptions

• Arriving passengers will undergo health screening and have their temperature checked. Passengers showing signs or symptoms of any infectious disease will be taken to an isolation centre to undergo a COVID-19 test at their own expense and remain there until they receive their test report which can take 24 to 48 hours.

• All travellers arriving from India regardless of vaccination status will be required to undergo PCR COVID-19 testing on arrival at their own expense. 

• All unvaccinated travellers arriving in Uganda from the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America (Category 2 countries) will be required to undergo PCR COVID-19 testing on arrival, including at Entebbe International Airport. Fully vaccinated passengers are exempted from this requirement. However, these procedures are not always uniformly implemented and in some cases, a PCR test may be required on arrival in addition to proof of vaccination.

Test Certificate Allowed

Yes

• A COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test conducted in a different country is accepted.

Insurance Required

No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Quarantine On Arrival

No with exceptions

• Arriving foreign nationals, who have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done by an accredited laboratory, will not be required to undergo mandatory quarantine. However, travelers who exhibit signs or symptoms or have a positive test on arrival will be moved to an isolation centre and must remain there until the results of the COVID-19 test are known. Test results are returned within 24-48 hours.

• Adults over the age of 18 who test positive will be taken to a designated COVID-19 isolation facility. Children under 18 who test positive will be allowed to undergo home quarantine with their parents or guardian.

• Returning Ugandan citizens with a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate will be allowed to return home.

Vaccination Required

No

•  A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Vaccine Details

Yes with exceptions

• Astra-Zeneca - AZD1222

Form Required

No

• Entry form is not required.

Airline Entry

Moderate

•  Entebbe Airport is open and international flight operations to and from Uganda have resumed.

•  Arrivals and departures from Entebbe International Airport are only allowed to be picked up or dropped off by a maximum of two people, including the driver. Vehicles with more than the permitted number of people will not be allowed to access the airport.

Curfew

Moderate

• There is an overnight curfew in place from 19:00 to 05:30 (local time). Passengers travelling on flights departing during curfew hours will be allowed to travel to the airport upon presentation of a valid ticket.

Social Distancing

Significant

• COVID restrictions relating to businesses, schools, and places of worship may change with little notice.

•  Gatherings of more than 20 people are banned

•  Wearing a face mask is mandatory for everyone aged 6 or above.

Transportation

Significant

• Private and public transportation services are operating with limited capacity.

• Inter-district travel by private vehicles is allowed with limited capacity.

• Cargo vehicles, registered tourist vehicles, and vehicles for any essential purposes are allowed to operate.

• Boda-Bodas (motorcycle taxis) services are allowed to carry only cargo and must stop operating by 18:00 (local time).

Is there a recommended app?

No

• Currently, no COVID-19 tracing app has been recommended.

Are non-essential stores open?

Yes

• Food markets and retail shops (including pharmacies) are open.

• Other service sectors, such as malls, arcades, kikuubo, and businesses are allowed to operate under strict adherence to COVID-19 guidance.

Are accomodations open?

Yes

• Hotels are open.

Are restaurants open?

Yes

• Restaurants are operating. Food delivery services are also available outside curfew hours.

Are bars & cafes open?

No

• Bars are closed.

Are beaches & tourism spots open?

No

• Domestic tourism sites are closed.

Are personal care services open?

Yes with exceptions

•  Salons and massage parlours are open.

•  Gyms are open until 18:00 (local time).

Are places of worship open?

Yes

• Places of worship are open with limited capacity.

Are events & gatherings open?

Yes with exceptions

• Marriages and funerals are allowed but with a maximum of 200 attendees.

• Entertainment venues, such as cinemas, and theatres. remain closed.

• Outdoor sports events are allowed but without spectators, and testing is mandatory for both players and officials. 

• Casinos, betting shops are open until 18:00 (local time).

Are masks in public required?

Yes

• Wearing a face mask is mandatory in public places and on public transport for everyone 6 years of age and older.

Other Considerations

Not Applicable

• Dance halls are closed.

• Outdoor sports events are allowed but without spectators and mandatory testing within 72 hours of the event for players and officials. Indoor sports are prohibited. 

•  Schools and any other educational institutes are closed until further notice.

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.