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29 Jun 2021 | 03:11 PM UTC

Uganda: Authorities amend testing requirement for international travelers from July 3 /update 19

Officials in Uganda amend testing timeline for international travelers from 120 to 72 hours from July 3. Other restrictions remain in place.

Critical

Event

Authorities have amended the testing period for international travelers arriving or departing Uganda from 120 hours to 72 hours from July 3. Travelers will therefore need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. There will be no requirement to self-isolate, but all travelers will be subject to temperature screening on departure and arrival. Children aged three and under are exempt from the test requirement provided accompanying adults have a valid negative test certificate. Authorities will place travelers displaying symptoms in isolation while they undergo testing; officials may repatriate foreign nationals who test positive at their own cost. A similar test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before travel is necessary for departure from Uganda.

Uganda has banned all flights to and from India until further notice. Passengers traveling from the US, the UK, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania may need to undergo testing at all points of entry.

Authorities also maintain nationwide domestic restrictions through at least late July following an increase in COVID-19 cases. Officials have expanded curfew hours to run from 19:00-05:30. Only essential workers and authorized persons are allowed to move during the curfew hours.

The following restrictions are also in force:

  • There are restrictions on public and private transport, particularly on interdistrict travel. Only vehicles of essential workers, police, and army, registered tourists are allowed to operate.

  • Boda-Bodas (motorcycle taxis) must stop operating by 17:00.

  • All schools and institutions of learning will remain closed.

  • Kikuubo and other business centers should be closed.

  • Burial will be restricted to the core family and must be observed at a maximum of 20 persons.

  • Bars, nightclubs, sports betting, and cinema halls will remain closed.

  • The physical operation of non-core ministries, departments, and agencies will remain at a maximum of 10 percent.

  • All places of worship and sports events will remain suspended for 42 days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Reconfirm all planned travel arrangements. Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health of Uganda