Covid Travel Guidelines

COVID TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Covid travel guidelines. Following the outbreak of corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic on 31st Dec, 2019, different economic activities came to a standstill worldwide in a bid to prevent wide spread of the disease. The travel and tourism sector was one of the hard hit sectors not only in Uganda or Rwanda but globally following suspension of commercial flights and safari activities in the national parks.

With no cure available yet, COVID still remains a major threat to the world. Different economies have opened up including Uganda and Rwanda. Following resumption of domestic, international flights and land borders, travelers are still advised to observe the set covid-19 travel guidelines/the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The Covid travel guidelines/SOPs in place were developed by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority-ACAA, Entebbe International Airport- EBB together with aviation sector stakeholders and they have been designed in line with World Health Organization (WHO) and International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines. Anyone on Uganda safari is required to observe the SOPs in place to help prevent further spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Running nose/flu
  • Body weakness
  • Sore throat etc

Covid Travel Guidelines

  • Entry guidelines in response to COVID. As of 2022, all passengers arriving into Uganda shall be required to present a negative corona virus test certificate issued within 72 hours.
  • As of February, 2022, mandatory testing for travelers on entry into Uganda via Entebbe Airport was suspended by the Ugandan government. This follows decline in positive COVID cases identified at EBB and reduction in the global threat of new variants of concern.

However, travelers are still required to provide Covid test results/PCR taken within 72 hours’ prior arrival or departure from EBB. Before, mandatory Covid tests were done at USD30 per person with exemption of children below 6 years and airline crew with proof of full vaccination.

The mandatory testing was imposed at Entebbe Airport following the detection of more variants of Omicron imported by travelers from neighboring countries. At that time, the only thing the incoming visitors required to provide was a valid negative PCR certificate obtained from an accredited laboratory in visitor’s respective country of origin. With suspension of mandatory testing, travel into Uganda has become easier than ever before amidst covid-19 pandemic.

  • Quarantine is only mandatory to persons who test positive for COVID. For travelers who are fully vaccinated (those who received 2 doses) shall not be quarantined on entry.
  • Regular hand sanitization/washing is still mandatory for all travelers on Uganda safaris or anyone entering into Uganda.
  • Pre-entry temperature screening is mandatory across all facilities – National Parks in Uganda, Wildlife Reserves and other tourist sites etc.
  • Proper wearing of face masks should be done and applies to everyone not only travelers on safari in Uganda/Rwanda. Your face mask should cover your nose and mouth with exemption of children below six (6) years.
  • Strict adherence of physical distance should be observed.

Covid guidelines for gorilla/chimpanzee tracking

Visiting Uganda/Rwanda for gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking this Covid-19 era? The great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees etc are endangered species and for any visit to see them, there is need to ensure that safety measures are observed. Here are some of the Covid travel guidelines for gorilla/chimpanzee tracking;

  • All gorilla safari travelers visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park plus staff must wash their hands or sanitize using an alcoholic based hand sanitizer.
  • Body temperature screening shall be done for all tourists and staff. Visitors/staff with high body temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius may not be allowed to visit chimpanzees or mountain gorillas.
  • Maximum of 8 visitors shall be allowed to go visit gorillas and 6 tourists are accepted for chimpanzee tracking.
  • Distance of 8-10m from gorillas should be observed.
  • Carry at least 2 or more N95 surgical masks as it is mandatory to wear face masks.
  • Social distance of 2m apart should be observed among trekkers.