Travel News and Advisories
When travelling to Africa, it is hard to stay abreast of all the rules, regulations, changes, updates that just keep on coming. I suppose it is to be expected from what is still a relatively young industry.
Here you will find interesting and often important travel information and advisories relating to the regions in Africa that we promote.
You can also use the handy search box below to search for information on a particular destination.
Here you will find interesting and often important travel information and advisories relating to the regions in Africa that we promote.
You can also use the handy search box below to search for information on a particular destination.
Tanzania Government increases concession fees for permanent camps
Posted: 29 May 2017 |
We would like to bring to your attention that the Tanzanian Government has given notice to change the way concession fees is calculated from a percentage to a fixed dollar amount that lodges and permanent camps located within Tanzania’s National Parks pay each night per guest to the government. Invariably this will lead to an increase of accommodation rates. Seasonal mobile camps are unaffected as they have always been paying a fixed amount.
The parks to be affected by this potential increase in levy are Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Gombe, Mahale, Katavi, Ruaha, Mikumi, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Saadani, Rubondo, Mkomazi, Udzungwa. Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Selous Game Reserve are not considered national parks and are not affected by this. Camps and lodges outside of parks (Lake Manyara Serena, for example) are also not affected. This new rate would take effect from 01 July 2017 and the changes will affect all bookings (including those who have already paid for their safaris). Currently, hoteliers and tour operators are lobbying to try and have this increase postponed until January 2018. However, there are strong indications that the Government is unlikely to relent and the change will take effect as gazetted At this time, it is still unclear as to the exact amount this increase will be as lodges are still calculating and working on new contract rates . We are closely monitoring this situation, and being hopeful some of our suppliers will consider waiving the increase, at least for bookings already paid for or with a cutoff date for guests to pay to benefit from any possibility of such waivers. As soon as we have a clear interpretation of this from the relevant lodges and camps, we will advise on the applicable supplements for the affected Tanzania Safaris/bookings. Only as an indication, the increases are expected to be between $25 and $45 per person per night. |
Uganda Gorilla Permits on hold until further notice
Posted: 5 May 2017 |
There are going to be changes in permit pricing in Uganda, from 2018. If you have bookings in the pipeline, please let your guests know that the prices are LIKELY TO CHANGE. Until such time that the new fees are finalised, we are NOT ABLE TO BOOK PERMITS. The booking system is 'on hold' until UWA announce otherwise. At this point, we do not know their intentions on the pricing. Uganda review prices every two years, so this change is due for 2018. Park fees and other UWA activities may ALSO be affected, but we will keep you posted.
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New Levy when entering Botswana
Posted: 30 March 2017 POSTPONED |
POSTPONED - Good news, this has been postponed until further notice (posted 5 June 2017)
The Ministry of Environment Natural Resources' Conservation and Tourism through the Botswana Tourism Organisation has introduced an obligatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) from 1st June 2017 Purpose of the Levy · The objective of the Levy is to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development in order to support the growth of the industry and broaden the tourism base, resultant improving the lives of the people of Botswana. Who is eligible to pay? · All visitors to Botswana in exception of residents and citizens of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states Where is the levy collected? · The Levy is payable at all ports of entry including airports and border posts, starting 1st June 2017 How is the payment done? · Payments are done at the ports of entry through electronic payment machines through cash (US Dollars), debit and credit card. After the payment, a unique receipt corresponding to the passport will be automatically generated. The receipt should then be presented to Immigration Officials. The passport and the receipt will be stamped and handed back to the traveller. The receipt will valid for a 30 day period and can be used for multiple entry. How much is the levy · Travellers to Botswana will pay USD30.00. · The Botswana Government remains committed to growing the contribution of tourism to the national economy as well as economic diversification and employment creation. |
Tanzania Government introduces VAT of 18% to previously exempt tourism services
Posted: 26 June 2016 |
We are sorry to have to announce that in the wake of last week’s Government announcement, tourism services will no longer be VAT exempt in Tanzania, effective 1st July 2016.
We are gravely aware of the disruption that unexpected changes to taxation cause our trade partners. We would like to reassure you of our commitment to mitigate the impact of these changes. We recognize the implausibility of requested fee adjustments being completed by the end of June. To that end we have targeted the 31st July in order to make the most suitable arrangement for all parties. Our current position is to help you navigate the situation as best as we can. Services that were previously exempt, and are now subject to 18% VAT include; park fees, camping and concession fees, activities incl. walks & game drives. Separately, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority announced last weekend an increase in entry and camping fees. These too will come into effect from July 1st 2016 with VAT at 18%. |
New Kenya Visa rules
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Some important changes to the visa application process to Kenya will go in effect affect on September 1, 2015.
The visitors traveling to Kenya, who were previously eligible to purchase a visa on arrival, will now be required to purchase a visa online in advance of travel. The passengers will be asked to produce a printed copy of the E-Visa upon check-in. If they do not have the required visa, they will not be permitted to travel. Travelers can apply for their E-Visa via www.evisa.go.ke. The website is mobile phone-enabled which means the visitors can complete the application from an internet-enabled mobile phone. The system also accepts photos taken and uploaded from a mobile phone. Please note, the website is currently only offered in English although other language versions are being planned. Alternatively, travelers can also contact nearest Kenyan Embassy/High Commission/Consulate. Travel agents or tour operators will be able to register and make visa applications on their clients' behalf. Applications are currently being approved within 24 hrs. However, efforts are being made to cater for “last-minute” travelers to allow an instant ‘real time’ approval process. E-Visa will be valid for 90 days from the date of approval and not from the date of arrival in Kenya. Visitors should therefore ensure the visa will still be valid at the time of travel. |
South Africa
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CHILD POLICY AND UNABRIDGED BIRTH CERTIFICATE
A new immigration law is coming into effect on 1 June 2015. Please note that this law was originally meant to come into effect on 1 October 2014, however, after engaging stakeholders on the matter, the Department has granted the postponement of the two particular requirements -- the unabridged birth certificate and written permission, to 1 June 2015. Under the new law, all minors (children under the age of 18 years) will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry. Why is it happening? This is being done to curb human trafficking. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 30 000 minors are trafficked through South African borders every year. 50% of these minors are under the age of 14. When the new immigration regulation comes into effect on 01/06/2015, it will be the responsibility of passengers to ensure their children have the correct documentation or risk being denied boarding. The new law will be enforced by airlines and immigration officials across the board (land, sea and air) Although airlines and travel agents are doing everything to keep passengers informed, ultimately it will be passengers’ responsibility to know what is required of them. In all cases an Unabridged Birth Certificate will be required for minors departing and arriving in South Africa ... they will not be allowed to travel without it. In cases where the Unabridged Birth Certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned. Children travelling with only one parent When a child travels with only one parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent. The affidavit should be no more than 3 months old from date of travel. |
South Africa
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Airports Company South Africa and airlines started rolling out a campaign from February 2 at all SA airports to enforce hand luggage regulations.
The campaign will inform and educate passengers and travel agents about the prescribed restrictions and the impact on travellers. The hand luggage allowance is as follows: Economy-class passengers are allowed one bag plus one slimline laptop bag. Business/ first-class passengers are allowed two bags plus one slimline laptop bag. Handbags are considered part of a female’s wardrobe and not as hand luggage. Slimline laptop bags must be of a size and thickness specifically designed to carry a laptop and charger. Bags capable of carrying other items such as documents and clothes are not permitted. No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than 7kg per bag. Bag weight may vary according to airline specifications. If hand baggage does not comply, the passenger will be referred back to the check-in counters to check in the baggage as hold baggage. Extra fees may apply, as per each airline’s guidelines. The enforcement of this programme will be led by airlines operating at Acsa airports and supported by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. |
Zambia
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Following an announcement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday 30th January 2015, the SA Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, removed the requirement for proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for travellers between Zambia and South Africa, with effect 31 January 2015.
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Zambia
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Proflight Zambia and South Africa Airways (SAA) have signed an interline agreement that will enable passengers to travel easily across the networks of both airlines with a single booking.
Under the agreement, customers will be able to make joint Proflight Zambia-SAA bookings and will be issued with a single combined ticket. This will enable seamless connections to and from Proflight’s domestic destinations: Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone, Mfuwe, Solwezi, Kasama, Lower Zambezi, as well as its two international routes, Lilongwe in Malawi and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It will enable Proflight customers to book flights to 57 destinations within the SAA network, and for passengers to travel more easily to provincial destinations throughout Zambia. |
Zimbabwe
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The Zimbabwean government announced on January 19, 2015 that it would start levying VAT on tourism with immediate effect. The tax applies to payments for accommodation by foreign visitors to Zimbabwe. The new Statutory Instrument was gazetted late on Friday, January 16, and publicly announced on Monday. Tourism Update reported on Tuesday morning that VAT had not been passed, but it was passed subsequently and is now in effect. All bookings made prior to the announcement are to be kept at the old rate.
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Zimbabwe - Zambia
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he new Zimbabwe / Zambia Kaza Uni-Visa was laiunchedon the 28th November 2014
The Governments of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe are pleased to announce the launch of the Kavango Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA) UNIVISA on 28 November, 2014. The KAZA UNIVISA is a common tourist visa for the SADC region which shall be piloted by Zambia and Zimbabwe for six (6) months. After the pilot period, the UNIVISA is intended to be rolled out to three (3) other countries in the KAZA region – namely Angola, Botswana and Namibia. More countries in the SADC region are expected to join in the UNIVISA initiative at the later phase. During the launch on Friday the 28th of November the Zimbabwe / Zambia border crossing (between Vic Falls and Livingstone) shall be closed from 06h00 to14h30 (Please note that should your guests be affected by this closure, Wild Horizons will contact you directly). The UNIVISA will be effective once the border re-opens and will be administered at eight (8) ports of entry as follows: The UNIVISA will be issued at a standard fee of US$50 – where credit card point of sale facilities are not available at port of entry it is recommended that clients have US$50 available for payment. Validity – the KAZA UNIVISA will be valid for 30 days as long as you remain in Zimbabwe and Zambia and clients can cross into Zimbabwe/Zambia as frequently as they like within the 30 day period. (If the UNIVISA is obtained at Victoria Falls and you cross over to Zimbabwe at Kariba or Chirundu or vice versa the visa shall be valid) It also covers those who visit Botswana for day trips through the Kazangula Borders – it will not be valid if staying in Botswana overnight, in this case you would need to purchase a new Visa. The UNIVISA cannot be extended however you can buy a new UNIVISA (up to 3 per year). Eligble Countries: Citizens from 40 countries listed below shall be eligible for the KAZA UNIVISA obtainable at the eight (8) ports of entry as stated above. Argentina Japan Austria Liechtenstein Australia Luxembourg Belgium Monaco Brazil Netherlands Britain (UK) New Zealand Brunei Norway Burundi Poland Canada Portugal Cook Islands Puerto Rico Czech Republic Russia Denmark Rwanda Finland Slovakia Republic France Slovenia Republic Germany Spain Greece Sweden Hungary Switzerland Iceland UAE Israel Uruguay Italy USA Clients will be directed to the dedicated counter where the special visa shall be issued – the visa is for holiday purposes only and not for business purposes. If someone wants to enter Zambia or Zimbabwe whose Nationality is not listed above then normal (current) specific Zambia /Zimbabwe visa / entry requirements apply. All current visa processes for both countries are still available and in operation however generally the UNIVISA will be more cost effective & efficient for a tourists requirements. Please note during this pilot phase clients entering from Namibia, Malawi and other Botswana borders will not be able to purchase the Univisa – the Univisa is ONLY available at the 8 ports of entry previously mentioned. |