For anyone trying to plan a trip anywhere in the world, this is a very confusing time. To try and assist, we have put together a list of the destinations that we offer, with the latest information on whether borders are open, travel is possible and what the covid 19 protocols are. This should help when trying to make an informed decision.
REOPENING OF BORDERS - Subject to change
Botswana
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Botswana is UK Air Bridge approved since 12 December 2020
Botswana started a phased reopening of international borders from 9 November 2020. Air travel resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane International Airports.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
The Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
Present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana.
Undergo health screening for COVID-19 symptoms.
If arriving at Maun Airport, a Rapid Antigen Test (free of charge) is required. Results are available after about 15 minutes.
Complete a traveler locator form with accurate contact information while in Botswana so that the local Health Authority can contact you, if necessary, within 14 days.
Mandatory quarantine:
Any visitor showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to undergo a PCR test, and possible isolation and or quarantine for 14 days.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
Travellers are required to undergo a PCR test 24 hours before departing Botswana. This can be done via one of two options:
Private charter flights
SA Airlink
Air Botswana
Qatar Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Kenya
Last updated: 7 April 2021
** NOTE: As from 29 March 2021, all domestic flights into and out of the zoned areas of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru will cease to operate until further notice. **
On 6 July 2020, Kenya announced that international travel will resume from 1 August 2020.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
All domestic flights into and out of the zoned areas of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru are not operating until further notice.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
Before arriving in Kenya, passengers are required to submit their COVID-19 test certificates to generate a Trusted Travel (TT) code. Click here to create a TT account, upload PCR test certificates, and generate a TT code.
*A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate is required, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure from your home country.
*Body temperatures must test below 37.5°C (99.5°F) and visitors must have no persistent cough, no difficulty breathing, and no other flu-like symptoms.
*If there is a reported case of COVID-19 on a flight or if the above symptoms are detected, all passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms will be quarantined for testing at designated airport hotels. If the test results are negative, they will be allowed to leave the facility.
*It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Kenya to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form by the Ministry of Health online prior to disembarkation. Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration.
*Strict infection prevention and control measures have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine:
All passengers arriving on international flights are required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility or at their Kenyan residence.
*These countries are exempt from mandatory quarantine.*
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
Passengers departing Kenya are required to have a Trusted Travel (TT) code for their COVID-19 test certificates if their destination countries, airlines or transit airports require PCR tests. Visit www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel to check the test requirements of transit and destination countries.
A list of laboratories that have been approved to carry out COVID-19 PCR tests, issue certificates and TT codes can be found here.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Kenyan Airways resumed international flights from 1 August 2020. All in- and outbound passengers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours of boarding.
*All passengers aboard any Emirates flight require a negative COVID-19 certificate, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to flight departure.
Mozambique
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Mozambiques borders are open for international travel and flights have been approved from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. Land borders are also open for self-drive travelers.
Mozambique implemented a 21-day lockdown from 15 January 2021. Beaches are closed along with casinos, nightclubs, bars, gymnasiums, cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries. Restaurants may open from Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 20:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 06:00 and 15:00.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, conducted in your country of origin within 72 hours of departure for Mozambique.
*Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*All of the main airlines flying from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa.
*Airlink from South Africa.
Travelers will be required to provide proof of negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based COVID-19 test results administered in their country of origin within 72 hours of departure.
Namibia
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Namibia announced new implementation protocols that will guide the country's international tourism revival initiative. These protocols came into effect from 1 September 2020, which signaled the reopening of Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek to international visitors. Entry to Namibia is only allowed via this airport.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Travellers arriving in England from Namibia will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. This ruling comes into effect from 21 November 2020.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the flight to Namibia.
*Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
*Submit your full trip itinerary.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required, unless a traveler's PCR test is older than 72 hours (but less than seven days) – supervised quarantine of seven days is then required.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
*A negative COVID-19 test certificate, conducted within 48 hours of departing Namibia, if your country of origin requires it.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Ethiopian Airlines
*Lufthansa from 19 September 2020
*Air Namibia
*Eurowings from 20 September 2020
*Qatar Airways from 1 October 2020
Rwanda
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Tourism activities across the country resumed from 17 June 2020 and Rwanda's airports reopened for scheduled commercial flights on 1 August 2020.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination:
All tourists will be allowed to visit Rwanda's attractions and destinations after testing negative for COVID-19 in two consecutive tests.
Travellers arriving in England from Rwanda will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. This ruling comes into effect from 21 November 2020.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), performed within 120 hours of departure for Rwanda. Other tests such as Rapid Diagnostics Tests (RDT) are not accepted.
*Complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload your COVID-19 test certificate via www.rbc.gov.rw/travel prior to arrival.
*If you are visiting any national park in Rwanda, except Akagera, you are required to schedule your visit within 72 hours of receiving a negative PCR test result. Tourists visiting Akagera National Park are required to take a Rapid Antigen Test, available at numerous clinics in Kigali. If your visit/s are more than 72 hours after the initial test on arrival in Rwanda, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test before visiting the parks.
*Follow preventive measures while travelling in Rwanda: physical distancing where possible; the wearing of masks is mandatory; and temperature screenings before entering certain buildings are mandatory.
*All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19, with the RT-PCR test performed within 120 hours before departure. The Rwanda Development Board has advised that as long as travelers depart within 120 hours of their RT-PCR test on arrival, they do not require another test.
Mandatory quarantine:
*All travelers arriving in Rwanda will be screened upon entry and take a second RT-PCR test to confirm the negative results of the test done prior to arrival. You will be required to wait about 24 hours for these test results in a designated transit hotel. The Government of Rwanda has negotiated special rates at designated transit hotels for the 24-hour waiting period.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Charter flights (individual and groups)
*Commercial airlines from 1 August 2020
*RwandAir between Dubai and selective African routes from 1 August 2020, and between London and Kigali from 3 October 2020.
GORILLA TREKKING
*Wearing a mask while gorilla trekking is mandatory.
*The maximum number of people on a gorilla trek has been reduced to 6 (used to be 8). It is also possible to book an exclusive sole-use trek for US$ 15 000.
*Whilst at Volcanoes National Park HQ, visitors will be briefed on the safety and health measures that are to be followed in order to ensure the wellbeing of oneself and the endangered Mountain Gorillas.
*Temperatures will also be tested prior to the trek to ensure all visitors are in the recommended temperature range advised by the ministry of health.
South Africa
Last updated 7 April 2021
Cape Town is an Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safety StampSouth Africa announced on 16 September 2020 that the country's borders will reopen for tourism on 1 October 2020.
International air travel is restricted to and from OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The aforementioned airports are members of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by Airports Council International (ACI).
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Complete a Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ) not more than 2 days before arrival. The same applies when leaving South Africa.
*Provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) from the time of departure for South Africa. The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and the certificate must have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test.
*Undergo screening for any COVID-19 symptoms and/or for contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
*Download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app – more information here.
*All foreign national visitors must have travel insurance that covers the cost of any testing or quarantine.
Mandatory quarantine is not required unless:
*Arriving passengers fail to present a valid and negative COVID-19 PCR test. This will require quarantine at own cost.
*Travelers display any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with an infected person. A mandatory COVID-19 test will be required at their own cost. If this test result is positive, travelers will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site, at their own cost.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
*Download, print and complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire (Exit) not more than 2 days before departure.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
Following the president's announcement that South Africa will institute adjusted Level 1 Lockdown regulations, the curfew requires every person to be at their place of residence from 00:00 to 04:00. If a flight arrives within the curfew hours, passengers will be able to show proof of their boarding passes or tickets for their flights if stopped by law enforcement en route to the airport, hotel or home.
Tanzania
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safety Stamp
The government of Tanzania announced on 18 May 2020 that it will lift the ban on international flights arriving and departing from the country. All hotels and other tourist facilities in the country must go through a COVID-19 certification process, and official documents must be placed at the entrances of all facilities. The Tanzanian government has also directed all the country’s tourism entities to appoint and adequately train COVID-19 liaison officers to be the point of contact with its Health Ministry.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*If you are travelling with an airline that requires a negative COVID-19 certificate, or if your country of origin requires a negative COVID-19 certificate upon departure, then Tanzania will also request the certificate on arrival. All other travellers do not require a negative COVID-19 certificate, although it is recommended that all travellers have the certificate as a precautionary measure.
*Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19.
*While in Tanzania, visitors will be expected to adhere to full protective measures against the spread of COVID-19.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Ethiopian Airlines
*Qatar Airways
*KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
*Emirates
*Air Tanzania could resume operations to other countries that have re-opened for international travel, or for passengers looking to fly with the airline – to be confirmed.
Uganda
Last Updated: 7 April 2021
Uganda has released a tentative phased reopening schedule for all its land borders and the resumption of international passenger flights to Entebbe International Airport, effective 1 October 2020.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
Arriving passengers:
*Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in your country of origin, issued within 72 hours of departure for Uganda.
*Undergo temperature checks and health screening on arrival.
*Wear masks, maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) where possible, and practice good personal hygiene.
Departing passengers:
*Arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled flights.
*Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, issued within 120 hours of departing from Uganda.
*Undergo temperature checks and health screening.
*Travelers who are not expected to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate in their destination country must ensure they have special clearance from their destination country to board an airplane.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required. Passengers who exhibit signs and symptoms of an infectious disease will be transported to an isolation center for a COVID-19 test. Results will be available within 24 to 48 hours. If foreign nationals test positive for COVID-19 and wish to be repatriated to another facility outside Uganda, they can do so at their own cost and according to COVID-19 medical evacuation protocols.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Turkish Airlines
*Qatar Airways
*Emirates
*Kenya Airways
*Ethiopian Airlines
Zambia
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Zambia is open to foreign nationals and issuing visitor visas upon entry into the country. Depending on your nationality, travelers can arrive without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa before travelling to Zambia – visit the Zambia Department of Immigration website for more info. Limited domestic flight schedules are operating twice-weekly between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Mfuwe International Airport, and between Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Provide a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 14 days of arriving in Zambia.
*Adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. You will also need to monitor yourself daily for 14 days post arrival for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
*Travelers leaving Zambia will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate when flying with an airline or to a country that requires said certificate.
Mandatory quarantine:
All international visitors are screened on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
Obtain a Travel Certificate from the Ministry of Health, originating from Zambia, if your destination or airline requires a COVID-19 test certificate. To obtain a Travel Certificate, travellers must present their passports and COVID-19 test results at one of these offices:
*Ethiopian Airlines
*RwandAir
*Kenya Airways
*Emirates is set to start flying to Zambia from 1 September 2020.
*Proflight Zambia is operating limited domestic flights.
Zimbabwe
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Zimbabwe announced the reopening of the country's local tourism sector on 3 September 2020. Domestic flights resumed on 21 September 2020 with Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet, in advance of 1 October 2020: the reopening date of Zimbabwe's international airports.
The government instituted a national lockdown until 1 March 2021 and a curfew from 20:00 to 05:30. Air travel remains open for leisure travellers, but land borders are only open to returning residents and essential services – including commercial and transit cargo carriers. Inter-city and inter-provincial holiday travel, as well as visiting national parks and designated tourism facilities are allowed, but will be bound by the country's curfew hours. Visitors who are travelling between destinations are required to provide documentation of bookings at national parks and other designated tourism facilities. Hotels and lodges in Zimbabwe are exempted from the mandatory lockdown business closures.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognized facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
*Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
*Social distancing, hand sanitization and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required unless travelers show symptoms of the virus or don't have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival – they are then required to stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days, then self- isolate for another 7 days. A fee of $60 will be levied on travelers tested at ports of entry.
Airlines flying into the destination:
*Emirates
*Ethiopian Airlines
*Kenya Airways
*Air Tanzania
*Fastjet flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls are suspended until 15 March 2021.
Botswana
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Botswana is UK Air Bridge approved since 12 December 2020
Botswana started a phased reopening of international borders from 9 November 2020. Air travel resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane International Airports.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
The Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
Present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana.
Undergo health screening for COVID-19 symptoms.
If arriving at Maun Airport, a Rapid Antigen Test (free of charge) is required. Results are available after about 15 minutes.
Complete a traveler locator form with accurate contact information while in Botswana so that the local Health Authority can contact you, if necessary, within 14 days.
Mandatory quarantine:
Any visitor showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to undergo a PCR test, and possible isolation and or quarantine for 14 days.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
Travellers are required to undergo a PCR test 24 hours before departing Botswana. This can be done via one of two options:
- Option 1: Arrange in-camp testing – a qualified practitioner is flown to your camp or lodge to conduct a PCR test. This has to be booked 36 hours in advance, online bookings are essential, and a minimum of two guests is required. Guests are liable for all costs.
- Option 2: Do the PCR test in Maun or Kasane Airport – bookings are essential. Test results are available within 24 hours.
Private charter flights
SA Airlink
Air Botswana
Qatar Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Kenya
Last updated: 7 April 2021
** NOTE: As from 29 March 2021, all domestic flights into and out of the zoned areas of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru will cease to operate until further notice. **
On 6 July 2020, Kenya announced that international travel will resume from 1 August 2020.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
All domestic flights into and out of the zoned areas of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru are not operating until further notice.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
Before arriving in Kenya, passengers are required to submit their COVID-19 test certificates to generate a Trusted Travel (TT) code. Click here to create a TT account, upload PCR test certificates, and generate a TT code.
*A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate is required, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure from your home country.
*Body temperatures must test below 37.5°C (99.5°F) and visitors must have no persistent cough, no difficulty breathing, and no other flu-like symptoms.
*If there is a reported case of COVID-19 on a flight or if the above symptoms are detected, all passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms will be quarantined for testing at designated airport hotels. If the test results are negative, they will be allowed to leave the facility.
*It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Kenya to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form by the Ministry of Health online prior to disembarkation. Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration.
*Strict infection prevention and control measures have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine:
All passengers arriving on international flights are required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility or at their Kenyan residence.
*These countries are exempt from mandatory quarantine.*
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
Passengers departing Kenya are required to have a Trusted Travel (TT) code for their COVID-19 test certificates if their destination countries, airlines or transit airports require PCR tests. Visit www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel to check the test requirements of transit and destination countries.
A list of laboratories that have been approved to carry out COVID-19 PCR tests, issue certificates and TT codes can be found here.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Kenyan Airways resumed international flights from 1 August 2020. All in- and outbound passengers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours of boarding.
*All passengers aboard any Emirates flight require a negative COVID-19 certificate, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to flight departure.
Mozambique
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Mozambiques borders are open for international travel and flights have been approved from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. Land borders are also open for self-drive travelers.
Mozambique implemented a 21-day lockdown from 15 January 2021. Beaches are closed along with casinos, nightclubs, bars, gymnasiums, cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries. Restaurants may open from Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 20:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 06:00 and 15:00.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, conducted in your country of origin within 72 hours of departure for Mozambique.
*Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*All of the main airlines flying from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa.
*Airlink from South Africa.
Travelers will be required to provide proof of negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based COVID-19 test results administered in their country of origin within 72 hours of departure.
Namibia
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Namibia announced new implementation protocols that will guide the country's international tourism revival initiative. These protocols came into effect from 1 September 2020, which signaled the reopening of Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek to international visitors. Entry to Namibia is only allowed via this airport.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Travellers arriving in England from Namibia will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. This ruling comes into effect from 21 November 2020.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the flight to Namibia.
*Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
*Submit your full trip itinerary.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required, unless a traveler's PCR test is older than 72 hours (but less than seven days) – supervised quarantine of seven days is then required.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
*A negative COVID-19 test certificate, conducted within 48 hours of departing Namibia, if your country of origin requires it.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Ethiopian Airlines
*Lufthansa from 19 September 2020
*Air Namibia
*Eurowings from 20 September 2020
*Qatar Airways from 1 October 2020
Rwanda
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Tourism activities across the country resumed from 17 June 2020 and Rwanda's airports reopened for scheduled commercial flights on 1 August 2020.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination:
All tourists will be allowed to visit Rwanda's attractions and destinations after testing negative for COVID-19 in two consecutive tests.
Travellers arriving in England from Rwanda will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. This ruling comes into effect from 21 November 2020.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), performed within 120 hours of departure for Rwanda. Other tests such as Rapid Diagnostics Tests (RDT) are not accepted.
*Complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload your COVID-19 test certificate via www.rbc.gov.rw/travel prior to arrival.
*If you are visiting any national park in Rwanda, except Akagera, you are required to schedule your visit within 72 hours of receiving a negative PCR test result. Tourists visiting Akagera National Park are required to take a Rapid Antigen Test, available at numerous clinics in Kigali. If your visit/s are more than 72 hours after the initial test on arrival in Rwanda, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test before visiting the parks.
*Follow preventive measures while travelling in Rwanda: physical distancing where possible; the wearing of masks is mandatory; and temperature screenings before entering certain buildings are mandatory.
*All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19, with the RT-PCR test performed within 120 hours before departure. The Rwanda Development Board has advised that as long as travelers depart within 120 hours of their RT-PCR test on arrival, they do not require another test.
Mandatory quarantine:
*All travelers arriving in Rwanda will be screened upon entry and take a second RT-PCR test to confirm the negative results of the test done prior to arrival. You will be required to wait about 24 hours for these test results in a designated transit hotel. The Government of Rwanda has negotiated special rates at designated transit hotels for the 24-hour waiting period.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Charter flights (individual and groups)
*Commercial airlines from 1 August 2020
*RwandAir between Dubai and selective African routes from 1 August 2020, and between London and Kigali from 3 October 2020.
GORILLA TREKKING
*Wearing a mask while gorilla trekking is mandatory.
*The maximum number of people on a gorilla trek has been reduced to 6 (used to be 8). It is also possible to book an exclusive sole-use trek for US$ 15 000.
*Whilst at Volcanoes National Park HQ, visitors will be briefed on the safety and health measures that are to be followed in order to ensure the wellbeing of oneself and the endangered Mountain Gorillas.
*Temperatures will also be tested prior to the trek to ensure all visitors are in the recommended temperature range advised by the ministry of health.
South Africa
Last updated 7 April 2021
Cape Town is an Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safety StampSouth Africa announced on 16 September 2020 that the country's borders will reopen for tourism on 1 October 2020.
International air travel is restricted to and from OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The aforementioned airports are members of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by Airports Council International (ACI).
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Complete a Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ) not more than 2 days before arrival. The same applies when leaving South Africa.
*Provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) from the time of departure for South Africa. The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and the certificate must have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test.
*Undergo screening for any COVID-19 symptoms and/or for contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
*Download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app – more information here.
*All foreign national visitors must have travel insurance that covers the cost of any testing or quarantine.
Mandatory quarantine is not required unless:
*Arriving passengers fail to present a valid and negative COVID-19 PCR test. This will require quarantine at own cost.
*Travelers display any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with an infected person. A mandatory COVID-19 test will be required at their own cost. If this test result is positive, travelers will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site, at their own cost.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
*Download, print and complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire (Exit) not more than 2 days before departure.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
Following the president's announcement that South Africa will institute adjusted Level 1 Lockdown regulations, the curfew requires every person to be at their place of residence from 00:00 to 04:00. If a flight arrives within the curfew hours, passengers will be able to show proof of their boarding passes or tickets for their flights if stopped by law enforcement en route to the airport, hotel or home.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Air France
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Emirates
- Lufthansa
- Edelweiss Air
- Virgin Atlantic
Tanzania
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safety Stamp
The government of Tanzania announced on 18 May 2020 that it will lift the ban on international flights arriving and departing from the country. All hotels and other tourist facilities in the country must go through a COVID-19 certification process, and official documents must be placed at the entrances of all facilities. The Tanzanian government has also directed all the country’s tourism entities to appoint and adequately train COVID-19 liaison officers to be the point of contact with its Health Ministry.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*If you are travelling with an airline that requires a negative COVID-19 certificate, or if your country of origin requires a negative COVID-19 certificate upon departure, then Tanzania will also request the certificate on arrival. All other travellers do not require a negative COVID-19 certificate, although it is recommended that all travellers have the certificate as a precautionary measure.
*Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19.
*While in Tanzania, visitors will be expected to adhere to full protective measures against the spread of COVID-19.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Ethiopian Airlines
*Qatar Airways
*KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
*Emirates
*Air Tanzania could resume operations to other countries that have re-opened for international travel, or for passengers looking to fly with the airline – to be confirmed.
Uganda
Last Updated: 7 April 2021
Uganda has released a tentative phased reopening schedule for all its land borders and the resumption of international passenger flights to Entebbe International Airport, effective 1 October 2020.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
Arriving passengers:
*Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in your country of origin, issued within 72 hours of departure for Uganda.
*Undergo temperature checks and health screening on arrival.
*Wear masks, maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) where possible, and practice good personal hygiene.
Departing passengers:
*Arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled flights.
*Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, issued within 120 hours of departing from Uganda.
*Undergo temperature checks and health screening.
*Travelers who are not expected to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate in their destination country must ensure they have special clearance from their destination country to board an airplane.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required. Passengers who exhibit signs and symptoms of an infectious disease will be transported to an isolation center for a COVID-19 test. Results will be available within 24 to 48 hours. If foreign nationals test positive for COVID-19 and wish to be repatriated to another facility outside Uganda, they can do so at their own cost and according to COVID-19 medical evacuation protocols.
Airlines flying into the destination are:
*Turkish Airlines
*Qatar Airways
*Emirates
*Kenya Airways
*Ethiopian Airlines
Zambia
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Zambia is open to foreign nationals and issuing visitor visas upon entry into the country. Depending on your nationality, travelers can arrive without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa before travelling to Zambia – visit the Zambia Department of Immigration website for more info. Limited domestic flight schedules are operating twice-weekly between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Mfuwe International Airport, and between Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Provide a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 14 days of arriving in Zambia.
*Adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. You will also need to monitor yourself daily for 14 days post arrival for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
*Travelers leaving Zambia will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate when flying with an airline or to a country that requires said certificate.
Mandatory quarantine:
All international visitors are screened on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
Obtain a Travel Certificate from the Ministry of Health, originating from Zambia, if your destination or airline requires a COVID-19 test certificate. To obtain a Travel Certificate, travellers must present their passports and COVID-19 test results at one of these offices:
- University Teaching Hospital (UTH)
- District Health Office (DHO)
- Public Health Office (PHO)
- Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
- Adult Infectious Disease Center (AIDC) at UTH
*Ethiopian Airlines
*RwandAir
*Kenya Airways
*Emirates is set to start flying to Zambia from 1 September 2020.
*Proflight Zambia is operating limited domestic flights.
Zimbabwe
Last updated: 7 April 2021
Zimbabwe announced the reopening of the country's local tourism sector on 3 September 2020. Domestic flights resumed on 21 September 2020 with Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet, in advance of 1 October 2020: the reopening date of Zimbabwe's international airports.
The government instituted a national lockdown until 1 March 2021 and a curfew from 20:00 to 05:30. Air travel remains open for leisure travellers, but land borders are only open to returning residents and essential services – including commercial and transit cargo carriers. Inter-city and inter-provincial holiday travel, as well as visiting national parks and designated tourism facilities are allowed, but will be bound by the country's curfew hours. Visitors who are travelling between destinations are required to provide documentation of bookings at national parks and other designated tourism facilities. Hotels and lodges in Zimbabwe are exempted from the mandatory lockdown business closures.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to:
*Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognized facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
*Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
*Social distancing, hand sanitization and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine:
Not required unless travelers show symptoms of the virus or don't have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival – they are then required to stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days, then self- isolate for another 7 days. A fee of $60 will be levied on travelers tested at ports of entry.
Airlines flying into the destination:
*Emirates
*Ethiopian Airlines
*Kenya Airways
*Air Tanzania
*Fastjet flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls are suspended until 15 March 2021.
