Health Alert– U.S. Embassy Kampala (June 14, 2021)

Location: Uganda

Event: There have been 63,071 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 434 deaths due to COVID-19 reported in Uganda since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Ministry of Health.

Consular Operations:

As of June 14, U.S. Embassy Kampala temporarily suspended all visa services and non-emergency U.S. citizen services. U.S. citizens in Uganda who require assistance should contact the Embassy using the contact information at the end of this Health Alert.

Uganda Entry Restrictions and COVID Protocols:

As of June 11, all arrivals from Category 1 (India) and Category 2 countries (USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania) to Uganda will be subjected to PCR COVID-19 testing on arrival, regardless of vaccination status. The Ministry of Health has stated that these tests should not cost more than USD 65. These travelers will be transported to a holding area 5-10 km from the airport to be tested and wait there for their test results. Travelers have an option to wait at that location or to check into a designated hotel at their own cost until they receive their test results. Any traveler who tests positive for COVID-19 will be evacuated by the Ministry of Health to a designated COVID-19 isolation facility, at the traveler’s expense.
Uganda is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, especially in Kampala. For the most recent statistics, please visit the Government of Uganda, Ministry of Health’s webpage.
As of May 1, the Government of Uganda recommends that all travelers from the United States (and all other Category 2 countries) postpone any non-essential travel to Uganda.
The Ministry of Health’s requirement that COVID-19 tests be taken at an approved facility within 120 hours of departure for both inbound and outbound travel to Uganda remains in place for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. The new requirement for travelers to test upon arrival in Uganda does not eliminate the need to have a negative COVID-19 test within 120 hours of departure from your point of origin.
New restrictions announced by the Government of Uganda on June 6 include:
All schools are to close for 42 days, starting June 7, 2021;
Communal prayers are suspended for 42 days. Public gatherings, except for the cabinet and legislature, are banned for 42 days;
Social gatherings (including burials and weddings) must have no more than 20 persons provided masks are worn and social distancing of two meters is followed. House parties are banned.
All inter-district public and private transport is suspended for 42 days, starting June 10, 2021, except for cargo vehicles, registered tourist vehicles, and emergency vehicles. Additionally, travel between Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono is permitted, but not between other districts;
Private vehicles are permitted to move within the district in which they are registered, but may only contain up to three people, including the driver. Cargo trucks are allowed to have only two people. Public transport is allowed to operate within the same district and only if in observance of health SOPs (limited capacity, social distancing, mandatory mask wearing); The curfew (9:00pm-5:30am) remains in place. Motorcycle taxi (boda-boda) drivers must cease their movements by 6:00pm and they may not carry more than one passenger;
Workplaces should ensure that not more than 30 percent of staff work from the office at any one time;
Weekly non-food markets have been suspended for 42 days. Bars, cinemas, and music concerts remain closed. Sports activities may continue without spectators;
Shopping arcades, hardware shops, salons, lodges, and garages must close by 7:00pm. Pharmacies may remain open beyond 7:00pm.

Travel Advisory Remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The Department of State maintains a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Uganda recommending that travelers reconsider travel to Uganda due to COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Uganda. Travelers in Uganda should exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a Level 2 Travel Notice for Uganda. CDC recommends travelers get fully vaccinated before traveling to Uganda. Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Uganda. Medical care resources in Uganda are limited.

Consular Services:

The consular section at U.S. Embassy Kampala has been forced to suspend all routine appointments as of June 14. U.S. Citizens in need of assistance should contact us using the contact information listed at the end of this message.

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.
Click here for our COVID FAQ Search Tool.