International travel advice to uganda
Land borders are open and commercial flights are operating to and from Uganda. Check with your travel company for the latest information on flights.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Uganda
It is mandatory for everyone aged 6 or above to wear a face mask when outside your house. Further guidance is available from the Ministry of Health website. Some government buildings may require evidence that you are fully vaccinated to allow entry.
A curfew is in place from 7pm to 5:30am. Passengers travelling on flights departing during curfew hours (7pm to 5:30am) will be allowed to travel to the airport upon presentation of a valid ticket. The curfew is due to be lifted as of the 24 January 2022.
Public transport is now operating at full capacity but passengers must adhere to COVID guidance, including no air conditioning.
Boda bodas (motorbike taxis) are allowed to move up to 6pm and are permitted to carry cargo and a maximum of one passenger at any time. Masks must be worn by the rider and passenger.
Accommodation
Hotels and restaurants are open with social distancing measures in place and food delivery services remain operational outside of curfew hours though may be impacted by the 6pm restriction on motorbikes and mopeds.
Public places and services
Places of worship are open but with a maximum of 200 worshipers only. Marriages and funerals are also permitted, but with a maximum of 200 attendees and must observe COVID rules strictly.
Concert halls, discos, bars remain closed but will re-open fully on 24 January 2022.
Healthcare in Uganda
There are a number of public and private COVID-19 tests centres in Uganda. For further information on the outbreak in Uganda, please see the Ugandan Government COVID-19 Response website.
If a foreign national tests positive for COVID-19 and wishes to be repatriated for treatment outside of Uganda, they will be expected to cover the costs themselves.
For contact details for English speaking doctors, if you are running low on medication or require emergency medical treatment, you should contact one of the medical practitioners on this list. They will be able to discuss your situation over the phone and advise on the best course of action. Some hospitals and pharmacies are able to deliver medication to you. All major pharmacies in Kampala and surrounding towns are able to read and understand prescriptions issued by UK doctors. UK issued prescriptions are accepted but you should be aware that pharmacies in Uganda do not always stock the same range of medication found in UK pharmacies. British nationals are therefore advised to travel with adequate stocks of their medication for the duration of their stay in Uganda.
View Health for further details on healthcare in Uganda.
COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Uganda
We will update this page when the Government of Uganda announces new information on the national vaccination programme.
The Ugandan national vaccination programme started in March 2021. AstraZeneca, Sinovac Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently being used. British nationals resident in Uganda are eligible for vaccination if they choose to join the programme, in line with the eligibility requirements and order of prioritisation as set out by the Ministry of Health. More information is available on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 vaccination webpage.
Find out more, including about vaccines that are authorised in the UK or approved by the World Health Organisation, on the COVID-19 vaccines if you live abroad.
If you’re a British national living in Uganda, you should seek medical advice from your local healthcare provider. Information about COVID-19 vaccines used in the national programme where you live, including regulatory status, should be available from local authorities.
