Uganda 2022. Manchester to Doha to Entebbe with Qatar Airways. Covid Tests and Visa on Arrival.

This was my first overseas holiday since April 2020 and the first overseas trip during the Covid 19 pandemic. 

Now, triple vaccinated it was time to travel and we were going to Uganda.

17 January 2022

The flight was Manchester to Doha to Entebbe with Qatar Airways. QR 28. It was advised to check in four hours prior to the flights departure time and this is what we did. Getting to this point of checking in was complicated as we needed;

A Negative PCR Test, within 72 hours of departure. We did this through Randox and I had printed the certificates. 

A Uganda Visa, this was done on line as visa on arrival was no longer an option. 

Have booked and paid for a Covid PCR test to be taken upon arrival at Entebbe Airport. This was done on line like the Visa.

A Qatar Airways Health Locator Form- printed out, and a Health Locator form for the Ugandan Authorities done on line and printed out. 

A printed certificate as proof of vaccination.

I had so many pieces of paper that I was dismayed to see the new check-in 'pods' at Manchester Airport, there is no space to put even the smallest bag- never mind all this paperwork. But, because everything was printed out and in order it was a very quick check in process and we proceeded to security. People who had the information on phones were taking much, much longer to check in. 

The airport was not very busy and it was just as well as it took ages to get through security as every single passenger bag was physically checked by the security staff. 

We were in Terminal Two and Qatar does not have its own lounge but uses the 1908 lounge. This is a bright area with good views of the aircraft, lots of drinks and a good breakfast. I had a cheese and tomato filled croissant with delicious bubble and squeak, washed down with a pink prosecco - it was amazing. 

1908 Lounge at Manchester Airport 

The aircraft was a 777-300 and was fitted with the new Q Suites in business class, the aircraft was full and boarding was very slow. People were huddled together on the air bridge and some of the passengers were very stressed about the lack of social distancing- even though we were about to be squashed together in an aluminium tube of r hours! 

The Q Suites were a bit dark, with the maroon and brown décor, but they were very roomy. We had two middle seats and had plenty of room to lay flat, drink the pink champagne and relax.

Qatar Airways Menu UK to Doha 2022

Qatar Airways Champagne Choice 2022 

Qatar Airways Menu Doha to Africa 2022 

It wasn't long before the crew served the meal then I slept all the way to Doha, I think I was stressed from all the pre flight paperwork! 

Qatar Airways Q Suite,, 2022 

Qatar Airways Business Class Starter 

Aminity Kit Qatar Airways 

Qatar Airways Business Class Starter 

In Doha we went to the lounge but there was a problem as a lot of passengers were being refused entry to the lounge and despite having business class tickets were denied lounge access. I think this is due to the way the tickets have been sold now, you can get a Business Class ticket without lounge access. 

We had one with lounge access so we were allowed in, BUT the area was so busy that the restaurant area had a waiting list for entry. We were told it was full, then another hostess put us in a lift and said we could go in! all very confusing. 

The next flight was a Boeing Dreamliner,  it seemed very bright and small after the Q Suites. 

Arrival into Entebbe was on time. 

We were directed into the large tents for our Covid tests. You could pay on arrival- but most people had pre paid. The paper was stamped 'Paid' then you waited for the test to be done by a member of staff. Once done,  the form was stamped again and I was directed to the visa desk- with the forms.

There were NO Visas on arrival. The customs officers took all the paperwork and were very quick at taking your photo and getting the visa printed and stuck into your passport. 

By this time the bags had arrived so we met our taxi driver and went to the hotel to await the results of the Covid tests. 

I had booked into the Best Western Premier Garden Hotel and was very please with my choice. the hotel was clean the beds were great, the WiFi worked and the shower powerful and hot, just perfect. The Hotel is located in the shopping centre. The pool area backs onto the botanical gardens. 

It took just over three hours for the Covid results to be emailed to us- Negative 😀 So we were free to explore the town of Entebbe. Just in time to walk down to Lake Victoria for a late lunch. 

Then up to the bank and used the ATM to get Ugandan Shillings, the ATM at the bank in Entebbe gave a choice of Ugandan Shillings or US $. All the ATMs in Entebbe issued US$$- it save a lot of time at the bank.