COVID-19 Update | Msafiri Tours covid19 travel protocols for Uganda

Covid19 travel protocols for Uganda 2021

TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR UGANDA 2021

Travelling to Uganda during the covid19 pandemic

In these uncertain times, people considering taking a Uganda tour or safari may understandably have concerns about their health and safety. But with Msafiri tours’ professionally qualified tour guides, you will be in extremely capable hands.

Covid19 travel protocols for Uganda -Entry Requirements

Uganda opened borders and airports on October 1, 2020. Travellers are only allowed entry when they fulfil restrictions set by the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health.

Fresh air. Sunshine. Wide-open spaces. Open vehicle safari drives. The sheer expanse and diverse beauty of the Ugandan savanna make Uganda a great post-lockdown destination for travellers looking for somewhere safe, remote, and away from large crowds, to enjoy a well-earned Africa holiday. A Uganda safari is just what you might need.

The operating guidelines minimize infections and keep everyone protected while enjoying the destination.

Health screening and COVID-19 protocols for Uganda:

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 Centre for isolation and treatment. Hotline: (+256) 0800 203 033, 0800-100-066, or 0800-303-033
Arrivals to Uganda must present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure for Uganda. In order for the PCR test to be considered valid, it must have the name and signature of the certified medical practitioner who conducted the test. Your test result must be printed (not on your phone) and in English. The same applies to outbound. An outbound traveller can get a PCR COVID-19 test at several hospitals in Kampala & Entebbe, with results given within 8-24 hours at about $65.
Uganda Arrivals will be screened for signs of COVID-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the coronavirus.
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’s a nationwide curfew from 21:00 to 06:00. However, the curfew will not affect anyone travelling through the airport. All security operatives have been informed to let any traveller with proof of travel documents through.
All foreign nationals must have travel insurance. Make sure that your travel insurance covers the cost of any coronavirus testing or quarantine measures.

Mandatory Quarantine

Mandatory quarantine is not required, unless:

you fail to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test. Should this be the case, you will be required to enter mandatory quarantine at your own cost and remain there until (1) you have either tested negative for COVID-19 or (2) the quarantine period of 10 days has been completed.
you show any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person in which case you will be required to take a mandatory COVID-19 test at your own cost. If the test result comes back positive, you will be required to enter a 10-day quarantine period at a designated site at your own cost.

A PCR COVID-19 test in Uganda can be taken at these authorized hospitals:

Makerere University Hospital, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Lancet Laboratories (041-4341621), MBN Laboratories (0700-533-954), Nakasero Hospital (0312 531400), Kampala Hospital (0312 563400), City Medicals at City Ambulance Acacia (0392 177174), Ruby Medical Centre (0800 833 111), Case Clinic (0312 250 700), Mengo Hospital (041 4270222), Mbarara Doctors’ plaza (0703206832).

You are required to cover the cost (about US$65), and a results certificate could be issued in a time frame of 8-24 hours.

Coronavirus restrictions for travelling around Uganda

Night clubs, weddings with large gatherings have been banned.

Social, physical distancing is mandatory for everyone. Wearing masks is advised, and you could be prosecuted if a cough without one in public.

Churches and religious meetings have been restricted to only 70 people per session

Public transportation has been eased but wearing a mask on public transport is mandatory. Public transport like minibuses, buses, and ferries can only take passengers at half capacity.

Uganda Wildlife and Safari Parks Restrictions

There is mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the different protected areas’ and key tourist entry points
Wearing of masks is mandatory for all visitors on safari or tracking mountain gorillas in the park. And you are advised to carry a minimum of 2 N95 or cloth face masks and portable hand sanitiser to your safari.
There is mandatory hand washing / sanitizing at the entrances of all Uganda Wildlife Authority premises and protected areas.
Government guidelines to carry “half capacity” passengers to observe physical distancing shall apply to tourist vehicles and boats in the Uganda safari parks. These include concessionaire delivery vehicles. Saloon cars are not permitted in safari parks.
All Uganda tour guides/drivers must have a negative coronavirus test certificate issued not more than 10 days before the trip. They are also required to disinfect the safari vehicles before and after every game, drive putting specific attention on door handles, car seats and any parts of the safari vehicle tourist touch.