Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kampala (June 26, 2020)
Location: Uganda
Event: There are 833 confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently being reported in Uganda according to the Ministry of Health.
Since the closure of Entebbe International Airport on March 23, the U.S. Embassy has worked with the Government of Uganda to allow for a number of special commercials flights to assist U.S. citizens wanting to depart Uganda.
The Department of State is currently not organizing another commercial flight or an evacuation of U.S. citizens from Uganda. However, in order to accurately understand our U.S. citizen community’s needs, please answer this survey if you want to depart Uganda within the next two weeks but you do not currently have transportation arranged.
Note: There are no free repatriation flights for U.S. citizens. According to U.S. law, departure assistance to U.S. citizens must be provided on a reimbursable basis. The U.S. Embassy has no plans to charter an evacuation flight out of Uganda but if we were to do so, the U.S. Embassy would require passengers to sign a promissory note for the loan and reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the flight.
If the U.S. Embassy arranges another repatriation flight or becomes aware of a flight organized by another embassy with available seats, we will contact you at the email address you provide in the survey to provide logistical information, including the approximate cost per seat, as well as how to book the flight.
Interested parties should verify that their passports and other documentation are current and valid for at least six months from today’s date. For emergency American Citizen Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website.
COVID-19 Restrictions:
On June 22, President Museveni announced changes to the current restrictions, including increasing the number of people allowed in private vehicles from three to four, while keeping the curfew (1900h-0630h) in place as well as the ban on boda boda drivers carrying passengers. Additionally, he announced the opening of some of the border districts to freedom of movement but kept other hot spot border districts closed to any kind of private or public transport. Schools, churches, and mosques remain closed. Entebbe International Airport, as well as all land borders, remain closed to passenger traffic.
Visa Status of Foreign Residents and Visitors in Uganda:
The Ministry of Internal Affairs opened their office for visa renewals and other routine immigration matters on June 15. Foreign residents and visitors with visa issues or questions can visit their office Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1500.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs under the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration is the issuing authority for Uganda visas and is the entity that may be able to provide guidance:
● Toll Free Numbers 0800 199 003/4
● Tel: 0414 595 945/ 0752 451 811
● Email: info@immigration.go.ug
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the Government of Uganda website on COVID-19
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19for information on conditions in Uganda.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
● U.S. Embassy Kampala
1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov
https://ug.usembassy.gov
● State Department – Consular Affairs
● 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
● Uganda Country Information
● Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
● Follow us on Facebook and Twitter