COVID-19 Testing in East Africa: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

East Africa is one of the world’s most rewarding travel regions. From gorilla trekking in Uganda and the great wildlife plains of Kenya to Tanzania’s Serengeti and the beaches of Zanzibar, the region offers unforgettable adventures throughout the year.

Although most general COVID-19 travel restrictions have been relaxed, some travellers may still need a PCR or rapid antigen test. This may be required because of airline rules, transit-country requirements, destination-country regulations, medical advice or the development of symptoms during a safari.

This Ngoni Safaris guide explains the general situation. It also identifies the main areas where travellers can normally seek COVID-19 testing in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Do Travellers Still Need a COVID-19 Test in East Africa?

Routine pre-departure COVID-19 testing is generally no longer required for most travellers entering Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania. However, health screening may still take place at airports and land borders. A symptomatic traveller may also be referred for additional assessment or testing.

Requirements can change without much notice. Airlines may also apply their own conditions, while a transit or final-destination country may require a specific test. Every traveller should therefore confirm the latest rules before departure.

COVID-19 Testing in Uganda

Most visitors are not routinely required to present a COVID-19 PCR test solely to enter Uganda. Nevertheless, testing remains useful when required by an airline or onward destination, or when a traveller develops symptoms.

Main testing areas in Uganda

Testing is easiest to arrange in major towns and cities, including:

• Entebbe: The most convenient area for passengers using Entebbe International Airport. Travellers should arrange testing early enough to receive results before check-in.
• Kampala: Uganda’s largest concentration of private hospitals, clinics and laboratories. Kampala is usually the best option for travellers who need a PCR certificate or a quick antigen test.
• Jinja: A useful testing area for travellers visiting the Source of the Nile, white-water rafting activities or eastern Uganda.
• Fort Portal: Convenient for guests visiting Kibale National Park, the crater lakes and western Uganda, although availability can be more limited than in Kampala.
• Mbarara: An important medical centre for travellers moving between Kampala, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and Rwanda.
• Kabale and Kisoro: Possible testing points for travellers near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or the Rwanda border. Travellers should confirm availability and turnaround time in advance.
• Gulu: A practical option for visitors travelling through northern Uganda toward Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley, subject to local availability.

For international departure, Kampala or Entebbe is usually the safest place to schedule a test because remote safari regions may have limited laboratory capacity.

COVID-19 Testing in Kenya

According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority’s published guidance, travellers arriving in Kenya are generally not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Travellers arriving with flu-like symptoms may be required to complete a passenger locator form and take an antigen test at their own cost. A positive antigen result may be followed by a PCR test. Additionally, departing passengers must meet the rules of their airline, transit point and final destination.

Main testing areas in Kenya

• Nairobi: The country’s widest selection of hospitals and laboratories. This is the best testing base for passengers using Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport.
• Mombasa: Convenient for travellers staying on the coast or departing through Moi International Airport.
• Diani and Ukunda: Selected medical facilities may offer testing for visitors on the south coast, but services and turnaround times should be confirmed in advance.
• Malindi and Watamu: Testing may be available through selected coastal clinics and hospitals. Advance booking is recommended.
• Kisumu: A major medical centre serving western Kenya and passengers using Kisumu International Airport.
• Eldoret: A useful testing location for travellers in the Rift Valley and western Kenya.
• Nakuru and Naivasha: Testing may be available at hospitals and clinics serving the central Rift Valley tourism region.
• Narok: Limited services may be available for travellers near the Masai Mara, but Nairobi is normally more reliable for time-sensitive international travel certificates.

Visitors staying deep inside the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu or Tsavo should avoid leaving a test until the final moment. It may be necessary to test in Nairobi, Mombasa or another major town before or after the safari.

COVID-19 Testing in Tanzania

Most travellers are not routinely required to present a COVID-19 test solely for entry into mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar. Screening procedures can still be applied, and travellers must comply with any rules imposed by their airline, transit country or next destination.

Travellers combining mainland Tanzania with Zanzibar should also confirm whether any health declaration or screening procedure applies at the time of travel.

Main testing areas in Tanzania

• Dar es Salaam: The largest selection of hospitals, clinics and laboratories and the most convenient testing area for passengers using Julius Nyerere International Airport.
• Arusha: The principal safari gateway for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Testing should be arranged before leaving for remote parks or immediately after returning to town.
• Moshi: Convenient for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers and passengers travelling through Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Zanzibar City and Stone Town: The main testing area for travellers staying in Zanzibar or departing through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
• Nungwi, Kendwa and other Zanzibar beach areas: Some clinics or hotel-linked services may assist with sample collection, but travellers should confirm whether the certificate is accepted for international travel.
• Mwanza: A useful medical and transport centre for travellers near Lake Victoria or entering and leaving the western Serengeti area.
• Dodoma: Testing may be available through major medical facilities in Tanzania’s capital.
• Mbeya: A practical location for overland travellers in southern Tanzania or those connecting toward Zambia and Malawi.

Testing inside the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area or other remote parks may be difficult, expensive or subject to limited collection schedules. Arusha, Moshi or Dar es Salaam is usually more dependable for travellers with strict deadlines.

Choosing the Correct COVID-19 Test

PCR test

A PCR test detects genetic material from the virus and is commonly requested when a country or airline requires laboratory confirmation. Results may take longer, so the sample must be collected within the exact time window stated by the authority requesting it.

Rapid antigen test

A rapid antigen test normally produces results more quickly. It can be useful for symptom screening, but it may not be accepted by every airline or destination.

Before booking, confirm:

• Whether a PCR or antigen test is required;
• Whether the time limit is calculated from sample collection or result issuance;
• Whether the laboratory must be officially accredited;
• Whether a printed certificate, QR code or digital upload is required; and
• Whether children are exempt.

What to Carry to a Testing Appointment

Travellers should normally carry:

• The original passport used for travel;
• Flight details and departure time;
• The official testing requirements of the airline or destination;
• A working telephone number and email address; and
• A suitable payment method.

Check that the certificate shows the traveller’s correct name, passport details where required, sample date and time, test type, result and laboratory information.

Planning a Test During an East African Safari

Safari itineraries often include remote national parks where laboratory services are limited. The safest approach is to build the test into the itinerary in a major gateway city.

• For a Uganda safari, plan testing in Kampala or Entebbe.
• For a Kenya safari, plan testing in Nairobi or Mombasa.
• For a northern Tanzania safari, plan testing in Arusha or Moshi.
• For Zanzibar holidays, plan testing in Zanzibar City or through a verified service arranged in advance.

Allow extra time for weekends, public holidays, delayed sample transport or laboratory congestion. Do not rely on a remote clinic without confirming that it performs the required test and issues a certificate accepted for travel.

How Ngoni Safaris Can Assist

Ngoni Safaris can help guests plan testing around airport transfers, safari activities and flight schedules. Where testing is necessary, our team can assist with identifying a suitable facility, arranging transport and allowing sufficient time in the itinerary for sample collection and results.

Our tailor-made journeys can combine Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

Travel East Africa with Confidence

COVID-19 testing is no longer a routine entry requirement for most visitors to Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, but it may still be needed in special circumstances. The key is to check the latest official guidance. Arrange any necessary test in a major city rather than waiting until you are deep inside a national park.

Contact Ngoni Safaris for a tailor-made East African safari and practical assistance before and during your journey.

Travel-information notice: This article was reviewed in September 2026. Health and entry requirements can change at short notice. Travellers must confirm current rules with the relevant government authorities, airline, transit country and final destination before travel. Testing availability at individual facilities should also be confirmed directly.

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