Health Alert– U.S. Embassy Kampala (October 07, 2020)
Location: Uganda
Event: There have been 9260 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 85 deaths due to COVID-19 reported in Uganda since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Ministry of Health.
Update for Departing U.S. Citizens:
The Government of Uganda requires that departing passengers present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken not more than 72 hours before departure. There has been conflicting information in the public sphere, but 72 hours appears to be the consensus. If the country of destination does not require such a test prior to arrival, then the passenger(s) may attempt to depart by presenting evidence of such policy from that destination country. Please see the Letter for Departing Passengers on our website clarifying that the United States does not have a federal requirement for international arrivals to present a negative COVID-19 test. You may print this out and use it as “evidence” to request permission to board your departing flight. Please note that some individuals have encountered difficulty when attempting to depart Uganda for the United States without a negative PCR COVID test result. Having negative PCR COVID test results in hand may offer a greater chance of smooth departure at the airport.
Keep in mind that though there is no federal requirement for negative COVID test results to be admitted to the United States, some states may have such requirements. You should check the website of the state of arrival in the United States for further information. Information on the U.S. federal government’s policy for international arriving passengers can be found on CDC’s website.
Arrivals to Uganda:
(Note: This information has not changed from our October 2 Health Alert.)
Arriving passengers to Uganda must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin taken not more than 72 hours before departure for Uganda. Passengers will be subjected to temperature and health screening upon arrival at Entebbe Airport. Any arriving passengers who exhibit signs or symptoms of an infectious disease will be transported to an isolation center for a COVID-19 test where they must remain, at their own cost, until the results of the test are received. Travelers who test positive will be taken to a Ministry of Health facility for treatment, or given the option to be repatriated, at their own cost. Arriving passengers with the requisite negative COVID-19 test who do not exhibit any symptoms will be allowed to enter the country; the government of Uganda has ceased institutional quarantine for arrivals except in certain circumstances (such as arriving Ugandan citizens who do not have a negative COVID-19 test result).
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 3 Travel Notice for Uganda. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to Uganda. Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Uganda. The COVID-19 risk in Uganda is high and medical care resources are limited.
Consular Services:
The consular section at U.S. Embassy Kampala is offering routine passport appointments, notarial services, and appointments for applications of Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA). To schedule a passport or notarial appointment, please visit our website. To qualify for a CRBA appointment, you must first be documentarily ready for interview. To submit your documents for review, please email KampalaCRBA@state.gov. CRBA appointments are being scheduled for those who are already documentarily ready in chronological order of receipt.
Visa Processing Remains Suspended:
The consular section is prioritizing services for U.S. citizens. Routine visa processing remains suspended, but we continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services as resources and local conditions allow. We will resume regular visa processing as soon as possible but are unable at this time to provide a specific date on which such services will be available.
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 1400.
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
● Email:info@immigration.go.ug
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.
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
