Uganda Travel Restrictions 2021: What You Need to Know Before Traveling

One of east Africa’s most popular countries, Uganda is a fantastic destination for every type of traveler. Whether it’s strolling through the incredible nature, taking a safari tour, or exploring up-and-coming cities, Uganda has it all.

However, it’s important for visitors to exercise increased caution when traveling to Uganda, especially during the pandemic. As the country battles the coronavirus, the Ugandan government has set forth a handful of restrictions for those looking to travel for tourism.

Those who already have a Uganda visa and want to travel to the country should keep the following information in mind.

Current Travel Restrictions in Uganda

One of the most important requirements to travel to Uganda is a Polymerase Chain Reaction test (also known as a PCR test).

At the moment, passengers who are coming from Category 2 countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, Turkey, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, among others, are required to have a PCR test taken 72 hours before departure.

Starting on September 17, 2021, all incoming travelers to Uganda will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival into the country. This rule is enforced across all points of entry (such as land borders and airports) and regardless of vaccination status or country of origin.

Those arriving via airplane to Entebbe International Airport will be escorted to a nearby testing site to take the PCR test. Visitors who test positive for the coronavirus will be taken to a government isolation facility.

Fully vaccinated from Category 2 countries that can show proof of their vaccination status will be exempted from the PCR test on arrival.

One very important thing to note about PCR tests is that Uganda requires them for both inbound and outbound travel. This means that travelers will need to arrange a PCR test before they leave the country. This can be done at a handful of government-approved hospitals in Kampala, the capital, as well as a handful of other cities. The results usually take 4 hours and cost around 230k Ugandan shilling (about $65 USD).

There are a handful of general coronavirus restrictions in Uganda. At the moment, there is a countrywide night curfew between 7pm to 5am. Food markets, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and business centers are allowed to work, but social distancing and wearing masks is still strictly enforced.

Likewise, intercity travel is allowed, but all public transportation (including busses and taxis) can only operate at half capacity.

The Current Coronavirus Situation in Uganda

The coronavirus pandemic has hit Uganda hard, especially with the outbreak of the new delta variant. The country, which boasts a population of almost 45 million people, had more than 120 thousand cases and three thousand deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Uganda’s peak came in mid-June of 2021, when more than two thousand cases were registered in one day. Although the second wave is seemingly over, many citizens are worried about a third outbreak.

The biggest obstacle in Uganda’s fight against the coronavirus is a lack of vaccines. The country has struggled to access vaccines in order to reach its target of vaccinating half of its population, a total of 22 million people, due to short supply.

A handful of American and European countries are coming to Uganda’s aid: last month, the United Kingdom sent almost 300 thousand doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as part of its Covax pledge, while the United States donated 647 thousand doses of Moderna.

When addressing the World Health Organization, Uganda’s COVID-19 incident manager, Dr. Misaki Wayengera, warned, “If you leave pockets of unvaccinated people in sub-Saharan Africa, there are chances that new variants could emerge [...] that could threaten the health of the people in the developed world.”

Uganda expects to receive at least 12 million doses of various vaccines by early 2022, although this may be too late. The country is facing the possibility of another lockdown if the numbers do not go down. According to Ugandan government figures, about 1.4 million people have been vaccinated since the rollout began earlier this year.

Where to Go in Uganda

Although there are some coronavirus restrictions, the majority of tourist attractions in Uganda still remain open.

One of the most famous safari parks in the entire country is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts more than 764 square miles of nature. What sets this national park apart is the fact that many rare species can be seen in their natural habitat, including hippos, hyenas, and crocodiles, among many others.

Travelers who are fans of geography should add a visit to the equator to their list. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world that is uniquely located where the equator divides the earth into two halves. There’s a special area to commemorate this special location alongside Masaka Road, which is conveniently located on the way to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Finally, the beautiful waters of Lake Victoria are a must-see on any Ugandan itinerary. Known as the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria is shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, no city boasts the same splendid views of Lake Victoria as the former capital of Uganda, Entebbe.

Besides the lake, other top attractions around Entebbe include the lavish botanical gardens, the nearby marshes, and the fascinating Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.