Location: Uganda
Event: There are 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 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 two special commercial flights through Qatar Airways 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 the event that opportunity becomes available, let us know if you are interested by answering our survey.
Please 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 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.
Background:
On March 22, President Museveni announced a number of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, including a ban on the use of public transportation and closure of Uganda’s borders. On March 30, he announced additional measures including a ban on the use of all private transportation, the closure of all non-food businesses, and a national curfew from 19h00 until 06h30, among other restrictions. Enforcement of these restrictions has been extended through May 5.
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-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.
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