What are the requirements for flying (departing) out through Entebbe Airport

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s foremost airport and until recently had been the only international airport in the country. We now have newly designated international airports in Uganda, such as Hoima, Kasese, Gulu, Arua, Kisoro, Mbarara, etc…, but these are yet to be fully equipped to handle international air traffic. Therefore, as of now, Feb 2023, flights into and out of Uganda go through Entebbe International Airport.

Entebbe Airport turned into a den of thieves and conmen?

The start of the year 2023 has seen Entebbe Airport come into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. There has been an eruption of accusations about corruption and impunity at the airport, that has thrown the credibility of the airport management (Civil Aviation Authority) into disrepute. Many travelers, especially locals that had been first time fliers have come forward to narrate harrowing tales of how immigration staff played on their ignorance as first time travelers to extort, intimidate and malice. Many travelers narrate how officials at the airport come up with any flimsy excuse to corner the anxious and timid traveler to pay a bribe or else miss the flight. Many travelers have missed flights because they could not afford a bribe. Over time, fed up travelers have resorted to flying out through neighboring Kenya (JKIA) and Rwanda (Kigali Airport).

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority cleaning the house

The noise eruption has helped get the attention of the top authority of the airport and the country that has set out to clean the house and rescue the reputation of Entebbe airport. First of all, many staff whose evidence surfaced about them engaging in bribery and other malpractices have reportedly been apprehended and dismissed from the airport. The Civil Aviation has laid out the requirements for departing and the process of leaving, from arrival to boarding your plane.

What you should have when flying out through Entebbe Airport (2023)

1. A valid passport
2. A valid visa for the countries where it is required
3. An airline ticket (printed on paper or e-ticket on phone)
4. Valid yellow fever vaccination card (in case the destination country requires it)

The requirements may change from time to time for different countries and so travelers are advised to seek additional information from the respective airlines.

What is the process of going through Entebbe Airport for departing passengers?

1. First security stop. This is the main entrance to the airport. Passengers leave the car to go through the security scanner on foot, while the car is quickly searched. The passengers, after going through the scanner wait for the driver on the other side, and goes back into the car after it goes through the gate.
2. Car park access. The car is parked in the public car parking area and the passengers continues to the departure level. Trolleys are available in the car parking area if one needs to use one.
3. Second security stop on departure level. This is point where the traveling passengers are separated from the non-traveling passengers. At this point the traveler shows his or her passport and ticket before they are allowed to proceed to a restricted area.
4. Hold Baggage check point. The bags are screened through the screening machine by the Civil Aviation Authority.
5. Documents verification. Traveler joins the queue where the travel documents are verified. The passenger is required to present the passport as legal identity of the traveler, and the flight ticket showing their destination of travel. The yellow fever card is also presented (in case the destination country requires it).
6. Check in counters and Baggage drop. Once the traveler is cleared, traveler presents the passport, ticket, or visa with stamp for check in. Immigrations check stamps your passport with exit visa, airlines check in will issue you with a board passing after weighing your luggage and issued with a receipt in case of excess luggage which is left at the airline’s counter.
7. Immigration Desk. Responsible for border management and detection of human and child trafficking. Passenger will be required to present passport for exit visa/stamp, boarding pass, and hotel booking.
8. Last security check. Passenger will be required to go through this last security point before entering the boarding gate and any prohibited item will be withdrawn from the passenger.
9. Boarding gate: the passengers will be required to go the boarding gates, 20 minutes before the flight departure. At the entrance of the boarding gate, the passenger will undergo a last check by the Airline prior to boarding to confirm that nothing has changed throughout the process.
10. The passenger will then board the plane.