Health Alert | U.S. Embassy Kampala (May 6, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kampala (May 6, 2020)

Location: Uganda

Event:  There are 98 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Uganda according to the Ministry of Health.

COVID-19 Restrictions:

On May 4, President Museveni announced a 14-day extension of the lockdown measures, with some alterations. Selected businesses will be allowed to operate, but the ban on personal and public transport, as well as the curfew (1900-0630), remain in effect. Additionally, all persons are now required to wear a face covering in public. Entebbe International Airport remains closed.

Future Flights:

The Department of State is currently not organizing another commercial flight or an evacuation of U.S. citizens from Uganda. However, in the event that opportunity becomes available, let us know if you are interested by answering our survey. Please make it clear if you are prepared to depart on the first available flight, or if you have other considerations that would qualify your interest in departing Uganda.

Please also note that free repatriation flights for U.S. citizens do not exist. 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. With no plans for such a flight, we will continue to inform U.S. citizens if we are made aware of any specially arranged outgoing commercial flights or flights chartered by embassies of other nations with seat availability. To be informed of such flights, please complete the survey. Currently, we are unaware of any specific plans for such flights.

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.

Waiver of Illegal Stay for Foreign Residents and Visitors in Uganda:

The Ugandan Ministry of Internal Affairs announced for all foreign residents and visitors that any fines accruing from an illegal stay in Uganda from March 18 to May 17 have been waived. Foreign residents and visitors with expired immigration status can freely access services in the country without the threat of being arrested.

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-19 for information on conditions in Uganda.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States