Frequently asked Covid-19 related questions in Uganda

Monkey logo with mask

Considering the growing pandemic situation worldwide,The Republic of Uganda has laid out some strict protocols for all its travellers who are entering Uganda and also for those who are exiting the country. We have summarized the rules and regulations imposed on the travellers as FAQs (frequently asked questions) for you to plan your travel in a better way.

Do I need a negative COVID-19 certificate to enter the country?

All travellers (Including children) irrespective of vaccination status or country of origin are required to with a negative PCR test which is done 72 hours before travel, and will be required to undergo mandatory screening and carry out a PCR test at their own cost at all points of entry including Entebbe International airport. This new measure will be effective from September 3rd, 2021. The PCR test in the airport will cost USD 65 - USD 100. Test results will take up to 4 hours. Travellers have the option of waiting at the testing site for their results or checking into a designated hotel at their own expense.

Do children also need a negative COVID-19 certificate?

Until 3 September children aged three and under are exempt when accompanying parents arrive with a negative test certificate.However, from 3 September all travellers including children aged three and under will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate on arrival and additionally undergo PCR testing (at their own expense) on arrival.

Do I need a negative COVID-19 test certificate while departing Uganda even when my destination country does not require it?

Yes, an authentic and valid negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test certificate issued within 72 hours from the time of sample collection to the time of boarding the aircraft even if the country the passenger is going to does not require it. This is to protect the airport workers, airline workers and other passengers in the aircraft.

What are the travel restrictions on those who are travelling to Uganda?

As of 3 September 2021 new COVID-19 measures are in place at all points of entry including Entebbe International Airport. All arriving passengers are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft to Uganda or crossing land borders. Foreign nationals without a valid negative test certificate will be denied entry. Until 3 September children aged three and under are exempt when accompanying parents arrive with a negative test certificate.

Travellers from the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States who enter Uganda before 3 September are also required to undergo PCR testing at the border at their own expense, including at Entebbe International Airport. This applies unless they have received their full COVID-19 vaccination, can provide evidence of this and show no COVID-19 symptoms.

From 3 September all travellers (including children aged three and under), irrespective of country of origin or vaccination status, will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate on arrival and additionally undergo PCR testing (at their own expense) on arrival at all points of entry including at Entebbe International Airport.

The cost of the PCR test on arrival is $65. Passengers who arrive by air will be taken from the airport to a nearby testing site. Test results will take up to 4 hours. Travellers have the option of waiting at the testing site for their results or checking into a designated hotel at their own expense. Adults over the age of 18 who test positive will be taken to a Ministry of Health designated COVID-19 isolation facility. Children under 18 who test positive will be allowed to undergo home quarantine with their parents or guardian.

From 20 August 2021 passengers who have been in India in the previous 14 days are permitted entry into Uganda and are also subject to the measures above.

Passengers arriving or departing from Entebbe International Airport can only be picked up or dropped off by a maximum of two people, including the driver, in order to avoid crowding.

Vehicles with more than the authorised number of people will not be allowed access to the airport.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. Some airlines have refused to allow passengers who have used NHS tests to travel. You should arrange to take a private test.

If Vaccinated, can I travel to Uganda without Covid test/upon arrival?

What is the process of screening on Arrival?

Arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and will be screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health authorities. If passengers show signs or symptoms of any infectious disease they will be taken by ambulance to a local isolation centre to undergo a COVID-19 test at their own cost. Test results will be returned within 24 to 48 hours; passengers will be expected to remain at the isolation centre until the test results are returned.

What is the process of screening on Departure?

Departing passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, issued no more than 72 hours before travel. The 72 hours begins on the day the sample is collected for testing. Children aged three and under are exempt when accompanying parents have a negative test certificate. Departing passengers will be required to wear a face mask inside the terminal and will be subject to temperature checks. Social distancing will also be in place and only passengers with valid tickets and airport officials will be allowed into the terminal building. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before departure.

Where can I get tests done in Uganda?

Below is the list of private laboratories that are assessed and certified to support the Ministry of health at port of entry in Uganda: - MBN laboratory - Medipal International Hospital - Test and Fly Laboratory - Case Hospital Kampala - Lancet Laboratories - ANCA Biotech Laboratories - City Medicals - TesXpress (now called Safari Lab) - ATCG Laboratories - MAIA Group Labs - Same Day COVID-19 Labs

Is prior appointment required?

Yes, prior appointment is required. You can share your travel plans and required documents with your travel consultant and they will make an appointment for the requested date and time.

How much does the test PCR cost and how long will it take to get the results?

The RT PCR test costs 65 USD per person for results between 12-24 hours and 100 USD per person for results within 3 hours.

Can we get a Rapid test? If yes, How much and where?

Yes Rapid Antigen tests are available at all hospitals outlined by the Ministry of Health. The cost for these tests is 120 USD per person.

How will I get my certificate?

You will have to provide a working contact number/email ID while giving the sample, so that the hospital can contact you when you need to collect your results (Online/Offline). Below is the screenshot of a sample certificate issued at one of the Ministry approved hospital and is for reference purpose only:

uganda certificate

When and where should you get the tests done?

We recommend you to share your travel plan and your flight schedule with our travel consultant. They will go through your schedule, analyse and suggest the best time and location to get the test done so that you don’t spend extra time waiting for results.

What can you do while you are waiting for results?

While you wait for your test results, depending on your interest and time availability, you can opt for any of these activities - White water rafting at Jinja or Boat ride at Lake Victoria or Shoebill Birding tour at Mabamba swamp.

You can reach out to our team at [email protected] for any queries and we shall be happy to assist you accordingly.