Uganda Travel Health Update
Following the recent Ebola health alert connected to an outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda has introduced additional public health screening measures for travellers.
All passengers arriving in or departing from Uganda are now required to complete the Ministry of Health Passenger Health Declaration Form before travel.
This is a precautionary public health measure. It is designed to support screening, speed up clearance at airports and border points, and help health officials monitor travel safely.
Uganda remains open to responsible travel, and safari operations continue with enhanced awareness, official health guidance, and practical support for guests.
What Travellers Need to Do
All travellers entering or leaving Uganda should complete the online Passenger Health Declaration Form before arrival or departure.
Complete the form here:
Ministry of Health Passenger Health Declaration Form
The form usually takes 3–5 minutes. Immigration and health officials may check that it has been completed, so we recommend filling it in before you reach the airport or border point.
Guests should keep a screenshot or confirmation copy available on their phone.
Understanding the Ebola Context
The current concern is linked to an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a neighbouring country with regular cross-border movement into Uganda.
Uganda has long experience in detecting, managing, and containing infectious disease threats, including previous Ebola outbreaks. The country has established public health systems for surveillance, contact tracing, isolation procedures, border screening, laboratory coordination, and community health communication.
This experience matters. Uganda is not responding from a position of unfamiliarity. Public health teams, tourism authorities, border officials, and local operators understand the importance of early information, practical screening, and fast communication.
At Nandi Adventures, we are following official guidance and keeping our guests and trade partners updated with clear, verified information.
What Nandi Adventures Is Doing
As a local, owner-led safari company, our responsibility is to support guests with accurate information, practical preparation, and careful ground operations.
Our current approach includes:
- Monitoring updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, tourism authorities, and relevant health bodies.
- Advising all travellers to complete the Passenger Health Declaration Form before travel.
- Sharing pre-travel guidance with guests and trade partners.
- Working closely with lodges, guides, drivers, park partners, and ground teams.
- Maintaining practical hygiene and health protocols during safari operations.
- Reviewing community-based activities where close guest-community interaction may be involved.
- Supporting guests with itinerary-specific updates where needed.
If there is an infectious disease concern in a specific area, we may adjust or temporarily suspend community activities that involve close interaction between guests and local communities. This is a precaution to protect both travellers and host communities.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Rescheduling
Uganda Wildlife Authority has issued guidance to tour operators regarding gorilla permit rescheduling requests linked to Ebola-related travel concerns.
Where a guest or overseas agent is unable to travel because of Ebola-related concerns, UWA may consider rescheduling gorilla permits at no additional UWA rescheduling cost. The request must be supported by clear written confirmation from the guest or overseas agent, and approval remains subject to UWA verification and availability of permits on the requested alternative dates.
Travellers should also note that green-season permits can only be rescheduled to other green-season dates.
At Nandi Adventures, we will support affected guests and trade partners with the required communication and rescheduling process where applicable.
Other safari services, including lodges, domestic flights, private transport, special activities, chimpanzee permits, and third-party arrangements, remain subject to each supplier’s or issuing authority’s terms and conditions. Where flexibility is possible, we will advocate for our guests and agents. Where supplier policies are strict, our ability to change or refund those services may be limited.
Medical Evacuation Support
All Nandi Adventures itineraries include local medical evacuation cover through AMREF Flying Doctors.
This provides local evacuation support in the event of a qualifying medical emergency. It is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance and does not cover medical treatment costs.
We strongly recommend that all guests travel with full international travel insurance covering medical treatment, cancellation, interruption, emergency support, and evacuation.
Our Advice to Travellers
If you are travelling to Uganda soon, our advice is simple:
Complete the Passenger Health Declaration Form before travel. Follow official guidance. Carry your travel insurance details. Travel with a locally based operator that can support you on the ground.
Uganda remains one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, known for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, wildlife safaris, birding, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality.
We will continue to guide our guests with honesty, care, and practical support.
Need Help With an Upcoming Uganda Safari?
If you are booked to travel with Nandi Adventures, our team will contact you directly with any updates relevant to your itinerary.
If you are planning a future Uganda safari and have questions about health requirements, safari safety, permit flexibility, or travel planning, please contact us. We are here to help you make informed and confident decisions.
FAQ
Is Uganda currently open for safari travel?
Yes. Uganda remains open to responsible travel. Additional health screening measures have been introduced, including the Passenger Health Declaration Form for travellers arriving in or departing from Uganda.
Why are travellers being asked to complete a health declaration form?
The form supports public health screening at airports and border points. It helps health officials monitor travel safely and speed up clearance for passengers.
Is the Ebola concern in Uganda or DR Congo?
The current concern is linked to an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has introduced precautionary health screening and surveillance measures because of regional cross-border movement.
Can gorilla permits be rescheduled because of Ebola-related travel concerns?
Uganda Wildlife Authority has advised tour operators that gorilla permit rescheduling requests related to Ebola concerns may be considered at no additional UWA rescheduling cost. The request must include clear written confirmation from the guest or overseas agent, and approval is subject to UWA verification and permit availability.
Are green-season gorilla permits flexible?
Green-season gorilla permits can only be rescheduled to other green-season dates, subject to availability.
Does Nandi Adventures include medical evacuation cover?
Yes. All Nandi Adventures itineraries include local medical evacuation support through AMREF Flying Doctors. This is evacuation cover only and does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
Vincent Mugaba
Co-Founder & Director
Nandi Adventures
