COVID-19 TESTING PROCESS AT ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Covid-19 Testing Process : As we all know, since the declaration of the 42 day lockdown in Uganda new travel guidelines were issued for all persons entering and exiting Uganda. One the major prerequisites for every traveller being a negative covid-19 PCR test results. This is the requirement even if you have been vaccinated for all people coming in and going out of the country.
Since the lockdown, the ministry of Health Uganda has declared that every person coming in or going out of the country should have negative test results done 72 hours prior to arrival at Entebbe International airport; and the 72 hours are said to begin the day your sample is taken.
All tourists coming into the country you will be subjected to a mandatory PCR covid-19 test the moment they arrive in Uganda; especially for travellers arriving in the country from category 1 and category 2 countries.
Category 1 countries include India and Category 2 countries include Ethopia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America.
You should note that the government of Uganda can adjust this list at any one time.
Because you’re subjected to mandatory testing on arrival at Entebbe airport, below we have outlined the step by step covid-19 testing process at Entebbe International airport.
- Before your travel
Before your travel apply pay and print your passenger locator online on the test and fly link found on the Uganda tourism Board website but you can also get the link from your tour operator.
It’s very important that you do this and have the locator printed out to avoid unnecessary hustles at the airport.
- Arrival and Customs
When you arrive at Entebbe international airport you will get off the plane and head to customs desk to clear with the customs office. Remember to have your mask on and to observe all the recommended Covid-19 SOPs.
- Tourism Help desk
After customs you will head to the tourism help desk where you will present your passenger locator form and you will be given further details on how you proceed.
- Meet your tour guide
You will then meet your tour guide who will drive you to the testing centre. The drive form Entebbe International airport to the testing centre is about 30 to 40 mins.
- Testing centre and Sample Collection
You will then head to the sample collection where a health worker will take samples from your nose and mouth and then take them to the lab for testing.
- Waiting for results
You will then wait for the results. You have the option of waiting for the results at the collection centre or you can wait for the results at any of the five ministry of health designated hotels. The wait for the results is about 1 hour and half to 2 hours.
- Receiving Results
When your results are ready, you will be informed and then you will go and pick them. If they are negative you will be cleared to continue on with your safari. However if your results are positive you be required to go into isolation for 14 days in one of the ministry of health designated hotels.
- Enjoy your Safari
After receiving your results and you’re cleared to continue on with your safari you will then set off to your safari destination.
Please remember to wear your mask always and observe covid-19 SOPs always. Then please have your documents close to you to present at the different road blocks as you travel to your safari destination.
