Great news! On October 1st, 2020, the Ugandan government has decided to open their border for international visitors again. Rwanda´s airport has already been receiving tourists from August 1st, 2020. This means that Red Dirt Uganda can organize adventurous cycling tours again. Check out the current situation, regulations, valuable links and tips and tricks on how to travel comfortably and safely during the Corona period.
The situation in Uganda seems to be less challenging than in most other Western countries. Uganda’s case count is increasing but in absolute terms their outbreak has been reasonably small with just under 13,000 cases so far and 114 deaths (November 3th, 2020). Detailed up to date information can also be found on this governmental website.
Although Ugandans are concerned about the current Corona situation, they seem to be quite relaxed. The full lockdown earlier in the year, which included closure of many shops and companies, halted public transport and the commandment to stay indoors had the result that many people temporarily lost their livelihood. A few small riots took place.
The more relaxed regulations implemented a few weeks later were well received and people are currently glad to be able to continue with their daily lives again, albeit in a slightly different way. Examples of current national COVID-19 regulations that are still in place are: national curfew, limited group size for funerals, burials, and religious activities, adapted school programmes and the obligation to wear facemask and sanitize your hands in public spaces.
Apart from the regular requirements, like having a valid tourist visa, proof of a yellow fever vaccination and a passport which is valid for at least 6 months there are some important rules in place. See an overview of traveling related points below:
Entebbe International Airport re-opened on 1 October 2020. Land borders have also re-opened, but in practice it can be quite challenging to cross them due to different approach of Corona regulations in neighbouring countries
On arrival travellers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft.
Departing passengers may be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, issued 120 hours before travel. We have noticed that some airlines demand a valid certificate not older than 72 hours
Passengers will be required to wear a face mask inside the terminal and will be subject to temperature checks. Social distancing will also be in place
Keep in mind also that there is a national curfew between 9pm and 6am, though if you have a flight between those hours you are permitted to go to/from the airport.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before departure.
All National Parks are open since September 3rd, 2020. This means that activities like drive and cycling safaris and gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are possible again. However, there are some rules in place:
At Red Dirt Uganda we take things very serious. Safety is one of our key values and our view towards Corona is not an exception. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has launched a protocol for tourism services resulting in a list of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). At Red Dirt we have incorporated these and other regulations so safeguard your health and make traveling with us more comfortable.
1. All our staff has been trained in using Corona SOPs on the job
2. Our staff members and vehicles are equipped with facemasks and sanitizers at all times
3. We have an arrangement in place with a reliable test laboratory in Kampala that provides official certified PCR test results in 24 hours. Our trips are designed in such a way that a PCR test is included in the tour programme. This means you don´t have to worry about this formality and can enjoy your cycling adventure optimally.
4. We understand that in these uncertain times making a booking can be seen as a risky commitment. Airlines can suddenly adapt their schedule and national regulations can change. We want our services to be as flexible as possible to that you will bare less risk and can book with us stress-free. That´s why we are implementing our extreme flexible 7-day free cancellation policy if you book any trip that takes place before March 31th. This means that if you want to change or cancel your trip for whatever reason you can do it up to 7 days before the start.