The Ministry of Health has said only travelers that have been fully vaccinated will not need to undergo a COVID-19 tests on arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
According to a statement released by the Health Ministry on Tuesday 11, May 2021, only people who are fully vaccinated will not have to pay for PCR test on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. The tests will cost $65 (USD) (approx. UGX 230,00).
This comes as the country has put in place travel restrictions for travelers coming from countries with high COVID-19 reported cases.
The exemption of the need of the test will only apply to travelers from category two countries that have reported high numbers of cases and also have variants circulating. Travelers from India will however not be allowed into the country.
These countries in category 2 include; England, United Arab Emirates, the US, Turkey, South Africa, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania.
Dr. Charles Olaro, the acting Director General of Health Services says they have exempted travelers who have fully got the COVID-19 vaccine from getting the PCR test because they believe that they will not be able to spread the disease.
”People who are vaccinated have lower chances of being infected with severe forms of the disease. In the same way we believe that they are safe and will not worsen the situation here,” said Dr. Olaro.
He said travelers should be vaccinated using approved international vaccines. So far only Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for emergency use against COVID-19.
On arrival at the airport, travelers from category two countries will be expected to present proof that they received the required doses of the vaccine. All the approved vaccines, apart from the Johnson & Johnson alternative all require two doses of the vaccine.
Travelers who have not completed their vaccination will have to undergo PCR tests at their own cost.
