Sign Of Relief As Uganda Eases COVID-19 Certificate Requirement For Travelers
Uganda has eased more covid-19 restrictions for travelers arriving or departing via Entebbe International Airport after dropping the requirement for covid-19 certificates for passengers into/from the spectacular Pearl of Africa.
The beautiful Uganda, christened the “Pearl of Africa” has long been celebrated for its jaw-dropping natural sceneries, outstanding wildlife species (that include the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the big five game, antelopes, many other primate species such as grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoests monkeys, Pottos, Patas monkeys, golden monkeys and red-tailed monkeys among others), Rothschild giraffes, plethora of birds that total to 1080 species and endless adventure offerings like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, mountaineering, horseback rides, quad biking, and mountain biking among others. Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 in the start of 2020, more that 1.5 million travelers visited the country in 2019 thus accounting for over 8.7% of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 22% of the exports.
COVID-19 Certificate Requirement For Travelers
However, Domestic and International tourism dropped tremendously in early 2020 after Uganda placed a number of restrictions that include closure of all borders, Airports and National Parks. After two years, most of these restrictions were eased as covid-19 cases reduced and Covid-19 vaccinations were enrolled. At some point, it was a requirement to present Covid-19 test certificates with negative results obtained at least 72 hours before traveling.
The latest news is that Uganda has further eased these restrictions by dropping the requirement for Covid-19 certificates effective Tuesday 7th March 2023. “Travelers through Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport are reminded that the requirement for Covid-19 certificates for arriving passengers was dropped (not relevant), with effect from March 7, March”, said the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Spokesman Vianney M. Luggya.
Mr. Luggya also added that for passengers departing Uganda via Entebbe International Airport, it will only be applicable if the destination country requires it. This announcement, made via Vianney Luggya’s official twitter handle on 23rd March 2023 is a sigh of relief for travelers who were initially required to present certificates for negative Covid-19 testing before entering into the Pearl of Africa. This wonderful news is seen as a boost to the tourism and Aviation sectors that were greatly affected by Covid-19 pandemic.
Entebbe, situated about 40 kilometers south of Kampala lies astride the Equator hence making it the “Airport on the Equator”. It sits at 3782 feet above sea level and is part of the beautiful peninsular that borders Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater Lake in the African Continent. Known as the gateway into Uganda, this Airport was opened on 10th November 1951 by the British Colonial Authority and is also the headquarters of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. This Airport’s main terminal building was designed by Aleksander Kekovic, a Yugoslav Architect and constructed by Energoprojekt holding, while the old Airport is now used by the country’s Military Forces.