Slowly but surely the tourism world is starting to get back to work, welcoming guests from across the world back into the wilderness. With the hope of a vaccine, coupled with most countries stringent health and safety protocols it might seem daunting to undertake a safari or plan your future adventure. This is why we have decided to share with you the latest developments (as of today the 4th of December ) from some of our destination African countries in terms of travel.
The World Tourism Trade Council has devised global protocols for traveling safely in the new normal. Africa has been the least affected continent by COVID-19 globally and many countries carry the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, demonstrating these nations’ commitment to embrace and observe the rigorous regulations to ensure your safety when taking a trip to Africa.
Botswana: Airports in Gaborone (GBE), Kasane (BBK) and Maun (MUB) have reopened for international tourism. Travelers are required to provide a printed medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure. The certificate must be in English. Passengers are subject to medical screening upon arrival.
Republic of Congo: All passengers arriving in the Republic of Congo by commercial flights are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon entry, and will be subject to quarantine at their own expense
Odzala – Kokua National park will only reopen in April 2021.
Kenya: International flights resumed on the 1st of August. Travellers are required to present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued no more than 96 hours before departure and fill out a “Travelers Health Surveillance Form“.
From the onset of the virus adopted stringent global health and hygiene protocols, gaining accreditation by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) a “Safe Travel Stamp”.
Namibia: international flights resumed on the 1st September through Hosea Kutako International airport. Travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival. International arrivals will undergo 7 days in quarantine. A COVID-19 test will be conducted a few days after arrival, and travel in Namibia will only be permitted if a negative result is produced after 7 day.
Rwanda: international flights resumed on the 1st of August. Travellers are required to show proof of a COVID-19 PCR negative test taken within 120 hours of arriving in Rwanda. For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered within 24 hours, during which time they will remain in the designated hotel at their own cost.
South Africa: all international travel has resumed as of the 11th of November. Travelers are required to present a medical certificate confirming a negative PCR test for COVID-19 dated no more than 72 hours before the travel date. In the event of a the traveler’s failure to produce the certificate, the traveler will be requested to undergo quarantine and his or her own cost.
Tanzania: open for local and international travel. There is no entry ban for foreign nationals. Passengers must complete a “Health Form” and present this upon arrival. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival may undergo enhanced screening and COVID-19 testing, followed by potential 14-day self-isolation.
Uganda: Entebbe International Airport reopened on the 1 October, and travelers are required to present a medical certificate confirming a negative PCR test for COVID-19 dated within 72 hours before departure. Travelers will be screened on arrival and those without a valid negative test certificate will be denied entry.
Zambia: open for local and international travel, however tourist visas will have to be obtained in advance and not on arrival. Travelers are required to present a medical certificate confirming a negative PCR test for COVID-19 dated within 14 days before departure. Travelers may be tests via nasal swab if symptoms are displayed on arrival.
Zimbabwe: international flights resumed on the 1st of October. Travelers are required to present a medical certificate confirming a negative PCR test for COVID-19 dated within 48 hours before departure and may be requested to undergo a further PCR test on arrival if officials believe they are symptomatic. Symptoms include, but are not restricted to, a fever and a dry cough. Travelers are advised to carry their own thermometer.
Should travelers be requested to carry out the PCR test on arrival, this will be at a cost of USD 60. Results will be available after a period of at least 2 hours. Should the PCR be negative a traveler is free to continue without quarantine. If the PCR is positive, the traveler will be required to undergo a quarantine period of up to ten days or until such time as a negative test is received. This will be at the traveler’s own expense. This can be done at approved private facilities.
The current situation will undoubtedly change with new global developments; we will endeavor to keep you informed of any changes. If you want to start planning your adventure and take advantage of some amazing specials, contact us today
