Do I need a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate to access a national park?
Do I need a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate to access a national park? : No, you don’t need a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate to access a national park but you will be screened for COVID-19 signs and symptoms at the entrance. You will also be required to observe all the recommended COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures – (SOPs).
In this COVID-19 era, travel and tourism has been redefined with requirement to adhere to the COVID-19 Sops as we travel and have our safaris. The requirement to adhere to the SOPs though may seem inconveniencing is not a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing; the continuous observance of these SOPs is one way to ensure our safety from COVID-19 as we travel and enjoy our safaris.
In Uganda, there are several COVID-19 SOPs that you are required to observe as you enter, stay and exit the country, so below we are going to share with you the COVID-19 SOPs you need to remember and adhere to, while in the country.
To access the country you will need to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a COVID-19 test done 72 hours from the time of sample collection. Without this negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate you will not be allowed access into the country. This certificate is a requirement for anyone from any country, vaccinated or not.
At the point of entry you will be subjected to screening for COVID-19 signs and symptoms that include checking for a body temperature; body temperature higher than 37 degrees will be considered high and a sign of COVID-19. You will also be screened for other signs like cough, flu and any other signs of illness. This screening is mandatory.
As of 22nd September 2021, all persons entering the country will be required to have a COVID-19 test done at the point of entry; irrespective of your country of origin. This means you will be required to do a COVID-19 test at the point of entry at your own cost. COVID-19 tests cost 30 USD.
If you test positive at the point of entry you will be taken to a designated ministry of health centre for isolation, further observation and treatment. You will be required to pay for your stay at this facility. However if you wish to be repatriated, you will be allowed to do so under the Uganda government’s guidelines of health and repatriation.
While in the country you will be required to observe all the health preventive measures which include wearing a face mask at all times when in public, keeping a 2 meter social distance between you and other persons, washing your hands with soap regularly or sanitizing your hands regularly and isolating immediately you feel ill or have signs of COVID-19. You will have to observe these SOPs while moving in the country and on your safari.
If you are trekking primates you will be required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate done 72 hours before the trek. Because primates share DNA with humans the can easily catch anything from humans so it’s important that we protect them from this deadly virus for their continued conservation.
For other Safari activities a negative COVID-19 PCR test will not be required but strict observation of all the COVID-19 SOPs will be mandatory and any objection to observing the SOPs may lead to termination of your admission to the tourism facility.
Therefore as you plan your visit to this beautiful land of Uganda while on Uganda Safaris, you should remember all these SOPs and make sure you adhere to them and required for you to stay safe and keep others safe as you enjoy your safari.
