Comprehensive Arrival and Departure Entebbe Airport Information
Entebbe International Airport-Practical Tourist & COVID-19 Rules-Regulations for Tourists and Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions – Practical Advice – Tips – Information for Tourists and Visitors to Uganda
Entebbe International Airport-Practical Tourist & COVID-19 Rules-Regulations:
We have a list of Frequently Asked Questions with Practical Information for Tourists, Safari Goers, Travelers about Entebbe International Airport (EBB), the Gateway to the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.
Presently the Airport is experiencing ongoing upgrade renovations. Some are visible to users of the Airport, while others are not. The airport has enlarged the departure areas allowing for COVID-19 Social Distancing.
Security is tight here, making getting to Departure a bit more complicated. There is no roadside drop-off or pick up directly at Entebbe International Airport. You have to walk to or from the parking lot for Departure and to it during arrival. All this is for your safety and security.
If our Safari Tour Guide meets you, it will be outside of the building at arrivals with a Hand-Held Kabiza Wilderness Safaris Sign.
Entebbe Airport (EBB) is not the grandest looking building. However, it is very functional, and the airport, immigration, custom Staff on duty will do their best to assist Tourists arriving in or departing the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.
Uganda is just ahead after you leave the Arrivals and step outside. Your African Dream Safari is about to begin, and we are glad you came. If you are departing, we look forward to Greeting you again in the future as you return to the Pearl of Africa.
For a smooth arrival or Departure Read, the Entebbe Airport FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions found below.
Current Entebbe International Airport-Practical Tourist & COVID-19 Rules-Regulations
What is the best way to get to Uganda?
Getting here has become more comfortable in the last few years. More airlines have added Entebbe to their routes, including those from and to other African Countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Airlines that fly to Entebbe International Airport include African Express Airways, Brussels Airlines, East African Safari Air Express Limited, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and KLM Royal Dutch Precision Air Services, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, South African Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Ugandan Airlines took to the air again in 2019. You can now fly Uganda Airlines to other East African Safari Destinations such as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha in Tanzania. They also fly to Nairobi and Mombasa on the Indian Ocean. Long-Haul routes are now being added after two wide-bodied new Airbus planes have been added.
The best solution for travelers to Uganda is to plan their Safari in 2021. Hopefully, by then, the harIs the Entebbe International Airport open during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Entebbe International Airport is open to receive visitors from around the world.
The COVID-19 Rules and Guidelines are in place that is there for your protection and well-being.
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is once again is welcoming tourists from around the world. Getting here from the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Europe is still challenging due to Coronavirus travel restrictions. However, Uganda is prepared to receive visitors. The Parks are all open and are operating at half-capacity to protect visitors, staff, and, yes, primates.
What will you need to know about arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Uganda?
- What about my Passport? A Valid Passport issued by your country of origin, which is suitable for at least six months.
- Can I obtain a visa on arrival? Both the Ugandan Tourist Visa and East African Visa can be obtained on arrival.
- What forms do I need to fill out? Arrival Card you received on the Airplane filled out – extra copies are available in the Immigration area for Arrivals.
- Are there any health screenings for arriving passengers? Yes, there are. They are handled by professional health-professionals who are efficient and courteous.
- Is a Yellow Fever Certificate still required? Yes, the Yellow Fever Certificate is yet needed. It is a precautionary measure that no Yellow Fever is brought into Uganda. There is no Yellow Fever at present in Uganda, but the country is a part of the world-wide Yellow Fever Zone that spans the globe.
- Do I need to show a Return Ticket? A Return Ticket to your country of origin may be asked for. This is usually
not done, but it can be.
- Will I be asked if I have enough money with me? Enough funds or ways to obtain funds may be asked for. If you are on a prepaid safari with a tour operator such as ourselves, this is typically not a problem.
- Is there a limit to the amount of money I can bring into Uganda: There is no limit to the amount of money you can get into Uganda? Large amounts should be declared.
- Will I have to show my Safari Itinerary? Safari Itinerary with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris can be helpful with our address. Usually, this is not asked for, but it is good to have handy when going through Immigration.
- What about my luggage? After you have passed through immigration, it is time to pick up your luggage. Unlike other African Airports, there is minimal pilferage of your luggage at Entebbe International Airport. You can pick up a free baggage cart and proceed to the carousel where the flight’s luggage is starting to roll in. Pick your bags, and the last procedure will customs. In the rare case of lost, missing, delayed baggage, report it immediately – we have put together a page of suggestions for lost luggage and continuing with your safari.
- How do I deal with Customs on arrival? This is the last procedure, and usually, a Tourist is not asked to open
bags. Your Bags may be scanned. Entebbe has the reputation of being a transit point for contraband from drugs to ivory. You can bring with you 400 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco—one bottle of spirits or wine and 2 1/2 liters of beer, 1oz of perfume. Customs have become stricter over the years. It focuses on incoming drugs. Uganda has become a transit point for drugs. Uganda is also a transit point for the illegal wildlife trade. Uganda Customs, which comes under Uganda Revenue, has risen to the occasion, and there are frequent arrests.
- Where can I obtain Ugandan Currency? If you need Ugandan Shillings (UGX), you can get them using an ATM in the arrivals lounge. You will receive the withdrawal in Uganda Shillings. Visa card is the most widely accepted card. Our Tour-Guide can also take you to a Forex Bureau away from the Airport for better exchange rates than at the airport.
- Where is the Meeting area? The meeting area for taxis, drivers, hotel transport is just outside of the arrival area. Our driver-guide will be there with a Kabiza Wilderness Safaris sign waiting for you.
The important COVID-19 Guidelines for Visitors are found below, be sure3 to read them.
What are the COVID-19 Requirements for arriving Tourists and Visitors?
- Do I have to wear a Face Mask on arrival? The passenger must wear a face mask appropriately within the
Airport and will be subjected to temperature screening on entry
to the arrival hall
- Do I have to show a negative COVID-19 Certificate on arrival? Passengers should have an authentic and valid negative COVID -19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test certificate from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin issued within 120 hours from the time of sample collection to the time of boarding
aircraft in-bound to Uganda.
- Can I enter Uganda with a negative PCR test on my phone, or do I require a printout copy?
Yes, if the result is clear and readable on the phone, and easy to verify, it can be accepted. However, verification of the results on the phone may take time, and in case the queue is long, one may have to be asked to stand aside to wait for verification. A printed version is more comfortable and more convenient.
- When should the COVID-19 test be done? Is it 120 hours before travel or 120 hours before arrival?
It is 120 hours after sample collection before boarding aircraft leaving the country of origin. (Transit time is not included in the 120 hours if you do not leave the terminal building of the transit airport)
- What about Children traveling with adults being tested for COVID-19? Only children of three (3) years and below are exempt from having a negative COVID 19 Polymerase Chain reaction test certificate on
the condition that their accompanying parents have it.
- Are there any restrictions on certain nationalities that cannot enter the country due to COVID-19? There are no restrictions on any races entering Uganda due to COVID-19 so long as they have an authentic and valid negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test certificate on arrival.
- What if I do not have a negative COVID-19 Certificate? A passenger without the negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate will be denied entry, and the Airline shall be obliged to take back the passenger.
- What if a returning Ugandan does not have a negative COVID-19 Certificate? If it is a returning Ugandan with an expired COVID-19 PCR test certificate, he/she will be allowed to enter the country but shall
have the test done at their cost of US $65, and will be quarantined at their own expense till the results come out.
- Will, there be any other health screenings upon arrival: All passengers will be screened for any other signs of infectious diseases by the Port Health team.
- What if I show signs of an infectious disease? A Passenger who exhibits signs and symptoms of an infectious-disease shall be transported in an ambulance to an isolation center (Entebbe Referral hospital) for a COVID-19 test. The results shall be returned within 24-48 hours as the passenger remains in the isolation
center.
- What if I test positive upon arrival for COVID-19? In case foreign national tests COVID-19 positive and wish to be repatriated for treatment in another facility outside Uganda, this shall be done at their cost following COVID-19 medical evacuation protocols.
- What about sanitizing my hands? Passengers shall scan fingerprints under the Immigration officer’s instruction but will be required to hand sanitize before and after.
- How many people can meet me at the Airport? No more than two people are allowed to meet you and pick you up at the airport.
- Is there a risk of being quarantined upon arrival? Quarantine is not required for arriving foreign nationals with a negative PCR COVID-19 test result done by an accredited laboratory in the country of origin unless they exhibit signs or symptoms of an infectious disease. Such individuals will be transported to an isolation center for a COVID-19 test, where they must remain, at their own cost, until the test results are received. Travelers who test positive will be taken to a Ministry of Health facility for treatment or given the option to be repatriated (for foreigners) at their own cost.
- My flight arrives late. Is there a curfew? Will I be able to travel if there is? A nationwide curfew is enforced from 2100h to 0600h. Note that arriving and departing airline passengers will be exempt from curfew restrictions when their flights occur during quarantine hours. However, drivers should have documentary evidence of their connection to passengers arriving at or departing from the airport to facilitate passage through police checkpoints enforcing the nationwide curfew.
- Are there restrictions on the number of passengers in a vehicle? Yes, there is. Vehicles must operate at half the number of regular passengers allowed.
What will you need to know about Departure from Entebbe International Airport?
What do I need to know about Departure from Entebbe?
- How early do I have to arrive for my flight? It is best to arrive 4 hours early for your flight home since for overseas flights. There can be long line-ups
– three hours is recommended, and we make sure our clients are there in due time. Security is tight, you have to carry the luggage up a ramp because of safety, and your luggage is scanned as you enter the departure and check-in ticketing area. Extra luggage will incur additional fees – pack wisely.
- What about Immigration? After check-in with your airline, fill out the Immigration departure form. The immigration line may seem long, but it moves rather quickly since leaving is more straightforward than coming regarding the information required.
- Will I have to deal with Customs: Most souvenirs are no problem, and since our clients do not return home with hunting trophy times, they have no problems with custom. Customs scan all outgoing luggage. You have no contact with traditions unless they approach you with questions.
- Are there Duty-Free Shops? There are duty-free shops, and you can use your last Uganda shillings while buying a few things such as a book for the plane ride, some souvenirs, or other items as found in duty-free shops anywhere in the world.
- What about restaurants or a Business And First-Class Lounge? A restaurant here, don’t order a drink
(triple the price as in town). There is also a charming Karibuni Lounge for Business and First-Class Travelers where snacks and beverages are served. Bathroom facilities are large and clean, and there are outlets for you to use as you freshen up for your flight home. Invitation to the lounges is made by the airline of your choice, depending on the travel class or your Commercial relation with it. Passengers traveling by economy can use the facility at US$35 for three hours (inclusive of drinks and snacks).We think that 35USD is well worth it. Karibuni Lounge gives you that extra touch while waiting to board your plane for your flight home.
The departure areas have been enlarged to allow for Social Distancing and your comfort. Toilets are c; lean, and you can freshen up before flying out.
What are the COVID-19 Requirements for Departing Tourists and Visitors?
- When Should I arrive for my departing flight? It is used to three-hours but with extra procedures brought about by COVID-19, four-hours is required. This gives you ample time for processing procedures for your flight out.
- Do I have to wear a Mask to enter the airport? You cannot enter or move around the airport without a mask.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and serology) required for the exit? Yes, the Government of Uganda requires that all departing passengers present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken not more than 120 hours before departure. This requirement is mandatory for all departing passengers out of Uganda, even if the destination country does not require it. COVID-19 tests for departing passengers must be taken at an accredited laboratory or a COVID-19 sample collection point approved by the Ministry of Health. A full list of approved testing facilities can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website. Travelers are expected to cover all costs associated with their COVID-19 test. Test results must indicate that they are for the express purpose of travel with the annotation “TRAVEL” clearly marked. Out-bound travelers should review the testing requirements for transit and destination countries. For example, certain international passengers traveling to, or transiting through, the Netherlands or Brussels must provide a negative PCR test certificate no older than 72 hours and a negative rapid antigen test within 4 hours before boarding.
- Where can I take PCR and or antigen tests in Uganda before my flight out? Are they reliably available within 72 hours? Yes, they are. Several health facilities in Kampala offer COVID-19 testing. For a full list of accredited laboratories and approved sample collection points, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website. Travelers are expected to cover all costs associated with their COVID-19 test. The average price for testing is UGX 350,000 or less. Delivery of test results may be via email, text message (i.e., a PDF send via WhatsApp), or physical copy. Ensure a delivery method that suits your needs before selecting a company/lab to conduct the test. It is recommended to bring a printed copy of your test results with you to the airport; an electronic copy may not be accepted. A COVID RDT Antigen test can be done next to the airport in Entebbe at the Kazuri Medical clinic (+256 0702 199 000 / +256 0787 199 788, Plot 168 Kampala Road, Katabi, Entebbe). The antigen test takes 15 minutes and costs 50 USD. Certified results are provided onsite. We will
- assist those on Safari with us to make it as smooth as possible.
- How many can accompany me to the airport? The limit at this time is two people. There are no exceptions. If you are on Safari with us, it will be your driver-guide.
- My flight departs late. Is there a curfew? Will I be able to travel if there is? A nationwide curfew is enforced from 2100h to 0600h. Note that arriving and departing airline passengers will be exempt from curfew restrictions when their flights occur during quarantine hours. However, drivers should have documentary evidence of their connection to passengers departing to facilitate passage through police checkpoints enforcing the nationwide curfew.
Entebbe International Airport-Practical Tourist & COVID-19 Rules-Regulations: Many things to do as you travel during COVID-19 times. We have done our best to give you the latest and most thorough information available. As things change, we will update this page. Most of all – enjoy your stay – your safari in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, and have a pleasant flight home…until we meet again…Bon Voyage from Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.
