#BreakingNews as #US tightens entry checks for travelers from #Uganda over #Ebola concerns

(Posted 06th October 2022)

The US Embassy in Kampala has made a stark announcement, effective midnight tonight U.S. Eastern Time, about entry requirements for all travelers from Uganda, who have been in the East African country for the past 21 days.

Enhanced Screening and Entry only at Designated U.S. Airports

As of October 06th, at 11:59 p.m. ET, all U.S.-bound passengers who have been in Uganda in the 21 days prior to their arrival will be routed to one of the following designated airports: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), or Washington (IAD) for enhanced screening. Out of an abundance of caution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply new layers of screening at these five U.S. airports in response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.

To date in this outbreak, cases have only been confirmed in Uganda and no suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of Ebola have been reported in the United States, and the risk of Ebola domestically is currently low. The enhanced screening applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and visa holders (to include Diplomatic and Official visas).

You should contact your travel carrier if you have additional questions.

Actions to take😕

For more information, please consult the CDC page.
Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations.
If you are planning to travel to the United States and have spent time in Uganda, contact your airline with any questions and to confirm your flight and route.

The move will affect all passengers leaving Uganda for the US as of this evening and will also apply to passengers already enroute, once the hit the time deadline of 23.59 hrs (11.59 pm) Eastern Time in the US.

The directive will see travelers from Uganda, destined for other parts of the United States, especially such cities as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston but also Miami, among many other destinations, re-routed via the only permitted entry points, i.e. the two main airports in New York, John F. Kennedy and Newark, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington DC, no doubt putting challenges to the airlines who now have to follow these directives to avoid heavy fines.

In turn do travelers from the United States to Uganda also have to take into account a strongly worded travel advisory, issued by the State Department, which reads as follows and does now include advice from CDC – Centre for Disease Control – about the current Ebola outbreak.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime and terrorism.

Country summary: There remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region and there were multiple bombings committed by terrorists in and around Kampala in 2021. While the attacks did not appear to target foreigners, anyone can be a victim. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, can occur at any time, especially in larger cities including Kampala and Entebbe. Local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uganda.

If you decide to travel to Uganda:

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Food and drinks should never be left unattended in public especially in local clubs.
Remain with a group of friends in public.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Keep a low profile.
Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Country Security Report for Uganda.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.