Post-Covid 19 in Uganda – Travel Requirements and Sops

Post COVID-19 – Coronavirus in Uganda has had its negative effects and it continues to prove to be one of the major threats not only to the travel and tourism sector but also to other economic activities worldwide. Many economies have opened up and Uganda like others has fully opened its tourism industry to all nature travelers to come and explore its natural endowment.

It has been a while since when the majority of you last stepped into the wild to interact with nature and with the resumption of travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still a need to be cautious on your Uganda safaris. Here are some of the important post-COVID-19 travel requirements and SOPs to be put into consideration while in Uganda

Post-COVID-19 New Travel Requirements & SOPs to follow in Uganda

1. All inbound or outbound Uganda safari travelers are required to present proof of a complete coronavirus vaccination with exception of children of 5 years and below.
2. As of February 16, 2022, mandatory testing of all inbound travelers on arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) was suspended.
3. For departing visitors via EBB, all travelers departing should have an authentic negative coronavirus PCR test certificate provided within 72 hours of pre-boarding the aircraft.
4. All fully vaccinated inbound and outbound travelers no longer require a negative PCR test. However, where the destination country/carrier airline requires a PCR test done 72 hours pre-boarding, then you will be required to carry the test.
5. Travelers partially vaccinated or completely not vaccinated should provide a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours with exception of children below 5 years.
6. Fully vaccinated travelers won’t need to put on facemasks while outdoors, except only when in crowds.
7. All high-risk/vulnerable persons such as the elderly above 50 years and those living with co-morbidities irrespective of age, should wear facemasks regardless of vaccination.
8. Mandatory body temperature checks are still conducted at entry points to help identify coronavirus carriers.
9. When visiting great apes such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and others in any of Uganda’s National Parks, a distance of 10m should be kept at all times.
10. A 2 meters distance should also be kept from person to person.
11. Obtaining Uganda visas are available for booking, but only online- visit visas.immigration.go.ug.

Post-COVID-19 SOPs to observe during gorilla trekking/tracking in Uganda

1. Upon arrival at briefing points (Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo in Bwindi, or Ntebeko for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), it is mandatory to wash your hands or hand sanitizer.
2. Body temperature checks are mandatory before visiting a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
3. Briefing on gorilla trekking rules is carried out in small groups comprising of 8 visitors who later, shall be allowed to track a single habituated gorilla group family in Bwindi or at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
4. Wear a facemask and we recommend you to use N95, a cloth mask with the filter, or a surgical mask. And to be on the safer side, carry at least two of N95 or surgical masks.
5. During the close interaction with a gorilla family, regularly hand sanitize before viewing, photography, etc.
6. Always stay 10m from the group of mountain gorillas.
7. Gorilla trekking is unpredictable activity, breaks shall be made to allow you to catch some fresh air but social distancing must be observed. This should be maintained between 2 and 4 meters from one person to another.
8. For all your journeys to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, we recommend a spacious safari vehicle with window seats for each visitor.
9. Touching gorillas is highly prohibited and don’t be tempted even if they rub themselves against your body.