Entebbe International Airport - Essential Information for Tourists

Comprehensive Arrival and Departure Entebbe Airport Information

Practical Entebbe International Airport-Essential Tourist Information

Entebbe International Airport-Tourist Arrival-Departure Information:

Entebbe International Airport – Essential Information for Tourists. We have compiled Practical Information for Tourists, Safari Goers, and 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 room 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, and 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.

Entebbe Airport (EBB) is not the grandest-looking building. However, it is very functional and undergoing an expensive upgrade to deal with the yearly increase in incoming and outgoing passengers. Some of us who have been using it for decades is pretty fond of it. A second International Airport in the Hoima area is being built at present.

The Airport, Immigration, and customs Staff on duty will do their best to assist Tourists arriving in or departing the Pearl of Africa – Uganda. Ignore the bureaucratic attitude of some. All take their jobs quite seriously.

Now that you have arrived, Uganda is just ahead after leaving the Arrivals and stepping 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.

Current Entebbe International Airport-Arrival-Departure Information for Tourists

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.

The Airlines that fly to Entebbe International Airport include the following: African Express Airways, Brussels Airlines, East African Safari Air Express Limited, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, 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, 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. Read more about getting to Uganda.

Those in Tourism look forward to when direct flights (or one-stop flights) to North America become a reality.

Uganda is a safer Pandemic Safari Destination in East Africa.

Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, welcomes tourists and Safari-Goers worldwide. If you have COVID pandemic concerns, Uganda is the correct country for you to visit in 2022 and 2023.

On April 13, 2022, only two COVID patients were hospitalized in Uganda. New infection rates were minimal—no deaths from COVID as of late. Uganda is vaccinating its people, including those in tourism, with AstraZeneca and the less effective Chinese vaccine like some other East African countries.

Ugandans are learning to live with COVID and realize it cannot be eliminated but controlled.

PCR Testing for incoming and outgoing passengers that are fully vaccinated has been discontinued due to the present pandemic situation. The Ministry of Health monitors the need for other mandates now in place.

COVID Tourism Rules are under review and dropped if they are no longer necessary.

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 is suitable for at least six months.

You will need a Ugandan or East African Visa. Either must be obtained online before arrival at Entebbe International Airport. read more here. about Ugandan Visa.

What forms do I need to fill out? The arrival Card you received on the Airplane is 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 in Uganda, but the country is a part of the worldwide Yellow Fever Zone that spans the globe. Read more about the Yellow Fever certificate here.

COVID-Ebola Screening: You are screened on arrival for Ebola. This is a simple screening with a sensor. Read more about Ebola here.

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 like us, this is 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, and substantial 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 be custom. In the rare case of lost, missing, or 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 400 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco—one bottle of spirits or wine and 2 1/2 liters of beer, and 1oz of perfume. Customs have become stricter over the years, focusing on smuggled items, especially drugs.
Uganda has become a transit point for drugs, and Uganda is also a transit point for the illegal wildlife trade. Uganda Customs, which comes under Uganda Revenue, has risen to 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, and you will receive the withdrawal in Uganda Shillings. A 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 tour operators, taxis, drivers, and hotel transport is outside the arrival area. Our driver guide will be waiting for you with a Kabiza Wilderness Safaris sign.

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 sample collection to the time of boarding
aircraft inbound to Uganda.

Can I enter Uganda with a negative PCR test on my phone, or do I require a printout copy?
Yes, it can be accepted if the result is clear, readable on the phone, and easy to verify. However, verification of the effects on the phone may take time. If the queue is long, one may have to be asked to stand aside to wait for confirmation. A printed version is more comfortable and more convenient.

When should the COVID-19 test be done? One hundred twenty hours before travel or 72 hours before arrival?
It is 120 hours after sample collection before boarding aircraft leave the country. (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 a 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, they 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? The Port Health team will screen all passengers for any other signs of infectious diseases.
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.

No incoming passenger will be tested for COVID if you have a negative COVID Certificate!

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 can 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.

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 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, and you must carry the luggage up a ramp for safety. 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 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 issues with customs. 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 found in duty-free shops anywhere in the world.

What about restaurants or a Business and First-Class Lounge? There is 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 relationship with it. Passengers traveling by economy can use the facility at US$35 for three hours (including 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.

Many Flights depart during late evening and night hours. If you are on a Safari with us, we can arrange a day room where you can rest, freshen up and have dinner before Departure.

What are the COVID-19 Requirements for Departing Tourists and Visitors?

Uganda is continuously reviewing the current Pandemic Protocols and dropping those no longer necessary. Many mandates have already been dropped, and others will be in the future.

When Should I arrive for my departing flight? It is used for three hours, but four hours are required with different procedures brought about by COVID-19. 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? That requirement has been dropped for fully vaccinated travelers.

Airport Staff – the Reality for Travelers, Tourists, and Safari-Goers:

Uganda is one of Africa’s Friendliest, most Welcoming, and hospitable countries. As you arrive in Entebbe with Immigration Officials and others, you may not find that they are the tourist’s first experience in the supposedly welcoming and friendly Uganda.

Instead of being more relational than Ugandans, they seem task-orientated and, sometimes, a bit heavy on the bureaucratic side. The concept of Customer Care or Customer Service is left out during their training.

This is not the case with all you encounter, but our clients and even Tourism Officials recognize it as a problem. You can change by smiling at the immigration official and saying “Seka” smile in English.

You might get a surprised smile from the Immigration official. Grumpy Immigration officials can be encountered anywhere globally, such as in the USA, Canada, UK, and other countries.

The Uganda you will experience is Welcoming – Friendly, and Hospitable

Unfortunately, not every visitor to Uganda is welcomed by a dance troupe and a warm Ugandan coffee or cup of tea. As tour operators, we have found that most safari-goers are overwhelmed by the friendliness of Ugandan people and the way almost everyone shows African Hospitality that they encounter on their Safari.

The reality for most tourists is that Uganda is different from what they thought it would be. Many become repeat visitors while others wish that they had come earlier.

The words of Aldous Huxley are so actual. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”

Nevertheless, first impressions on arrival are essential, and by the time you arrive in Uganda, you will find smiling and welcoming Immigration officials.

Entebbe International Airport-Practical Tourist & COVID-19 Rules-Regulations: We have done our best to give you the latest and most thorough information. As things change, we will update this page. 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.