EDGE TRAVEL | SOUTHERN AND EAST AFRICA TRAVEL AND SAFARI SPECIALISTS
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Top Sellers
    • Short Breaks & Add On's
    • Post Covid Special Offers
    • Covid 19 Update
  • Reviews
  • Destinations
    • Botswana on safari >
      • Chobe Savute Linyanti areas
      • Kalahari and Makgadikgadi
      • Okavango Delta
    • Mozambique Island and Beach Lodges >
      • Quirimbas Archipelego
      • Bazaruto Archipelago
    • Namibia land of contrast
    • South Africa a world in one country >
      • Kruger National Park Safari
    • Serengeti Balloon Safari
    • Zambia the real Africa >
      • South Luangwa National Park
      • Lower Zambezi National Park
    • Zimbabwe is it OK to travel? >
      • Victoria Falls >
        • Victoria Falls Activities
  • Contact
  • Agents
    • Why Use Us
    • The Competitive Edge
    • e Contracting
  • Gallery
    • Botswana safari
    • Ngorongoro Crater
    • South Africa Safari >
      • Eastern Cape Safari
      • Sabi Sand Kruger Park Private Game Reserve
      • Timbavati Kruger Park Private Safari
    • Serengeti Safari
    • Victoria Falls
    • Zambia safari
  • Blog
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Africa Travel Advisories
    • Privacy Policy
  • OTHER
    • Resources
  • Video

covid 19 - reopening of borders for travel

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: 24 March 2022
Botswana is UK Air Bridge approved since 12 December 2020
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination 
The Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
*Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result on arrival. Presentation of a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate is required. 'Fully vaccinated' means having received a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine.
*Travellers who are not fully vaccinated must present a printed original test certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result not older than 72 hours from time of testing, and undergo a PCR test at their own cost on arrival.
*All travellers under 12 years old are exempt from vaccination and COVID-19 testing requirements.
*Undergo health screening for COVID-19 symptoms.
*Complete a traveler locator form (handed out on the airplane or on arrival) with accurate contact information while in Botswana so that the local Health Authority can contact you, if necessary, within 14 days.

Mandatory quarantine: 
Not required. 
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
All travellers departing Botswana must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate (paper version only), irrespective of their destination. Tests must be conducted within 72 hours of departure at any of the country's testing facilities, or:
  • 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, Kasane or Gabarone Airports – bookings are essential. Your Africa Safari Expert can arrange this for you. Test results are available within 24 hours.

Kenya 
Last updated: 24 March 2022
On 6 July 2020, Kenya announced that international travel will resume from 1 August 2020. 
All travellers to Kenya must be fully vaccinated unless they meet the following exemption criteria:
* Medical conditions precluding vaccination – travellers are required to provide a letter from a recognised medical practitioner detailing the medical reason precluding vaccination.
* Recovered from an active COVID-19 infection or received convalescent plasma in the preceding 90 days – travellers are required to provide a letter from a recognised medical practitioner showing that the person may have recovered from an active infection in the preceding 90 days.

Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
* Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from PCR testing.
* Unvaccinated travellers (older than 5 years) who meet the above exemption criteria are required to present a negative result for a valid PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure for Kenya.
* Unvaccinated travellers who meet the above exemption criteria are required to undergo rapid antigen testing on arrival at a cost of USD 30. Any positive results will require a further PCR test at a cost of USD 50, and self isolation.
* There will be no paper verification of COVID-19 test results and vaccination certificates upon arrival in Kenya. All travellers must upload both documents to the Global Haven platform before boarding an airplane.
* All passengers (including those in transit) must complete the Travellers Health Surveillance Form once you have your seat number from the airline. This will provide you with a QR code required for entry. We recommend you also print out a copy of the form in advance to expedite the process on arrival.
* All travellers will be expected to fill in the passenger locator form on the 'jitenge' platform.

Mandatory quarantine:  
Not required.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
* All travellers are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
* PCR tests are not required unless specified by the airline or final destination.

 
Mozambique 
Last updated: 24 March 2022
Mozambique's 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 travellers. Maputo International Airport is a member of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by Airports Council International (ACI).
As of 28 October 2021, Mozambique has a curfew in place in all cities and towns from 00:00 to 04:00. Most beaches are open.

Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
*All travellers older than 5 years must 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 unless you arrive without a negative COVID-19 test certificate, test positive for COVID-19 on arrival, or were in contact with someone who has COVID-19. You will then be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
 
Namibia 
Last updated: 24 March 2022
Namibia announced new implementation protocols that will guide the country's international tourism revival initiative. These protocols came into effect from 1 September 2020.
As of 1 August 2021, Namibia has lifted all travel restrictions between regions.
All Countries are allowed to travel to the destination
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
* Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to take a PCR test before arriving in Namibia, and must present a hard copy of their vaccination card.
* All unvaccinated travellers older than 5 years must present a negative certificate (hard copy) for a PCR test that was carried out within 72 hours from the time taken to the time of arrival into Namibia. Before arriving in Namibia, all PCR test certificates must be uploaded to the Trusted Travel (TT) platform. Travellers with results from non-TT compliant labs must upload results to the Global Haven system. Only test results from the Trusted Travel platform or results that have been verified on the Global Haven system will be valid for entry. See a guide on how to use the Trusted Travel platform.
* All travellers must complete the COVID-19 Surveillance Form before departing to Namibia.
* Travellers are recommended to carry hard copies of all the above documents.
* Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
* Complete a short health questionnaire.

Mandatory quarantine: 
* Unvaccinated travellers who arrive with PCR test results older than 72 hours and who are not in possession of a de-isolation certificate must take a PCR test at the port of entry, at their own cost. You will also be required to quarantine at own cost until the negative result is provided.
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.
  
Rwanda 
Last updated:  24 March 2022
Tourism activities across the country resumed from 17 June 2020 and Rwanda's airports reopened for scheduled commercial flights on 1 August 2020. Kigali International Airport is a member of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by Airports Council International (ACI).
As of 13 October 2021, movement movement is prohibited between 00:00 and 04:00. Tourism still continues in line with COVID-19 regulations.
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.
 Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
* All arriving passengers (except accompanied children younger than 5 years) must present a negative result for a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to first departure.
* Complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload your COVID-19 test certificate via www.rbc.gov.rw/travel prior to arrival. On completion of the form, you will be provided with a Unique Health Code (UHC) which you must present on arrival. Note: this can only be submitted within 72 hours before your departure. 
* Complete a short health questionnaire on arrival.
* All arriving travellers will be required to take a PCR test on arrival at a cost if USD 70. An additional test will be taken on day 3 at a designated testing site.
* All tourists older than 5 years who are visiting national parks in Rwanda must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 24 hours of arrival. A PCR test is required for those visiting primates at Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks. Rapid Antigen tests are required for those visiting Akagera National Park, and all other activities.
* All travellers transiting or connecting and not leaving the airport for less than 12 hours will not be required to take a second COVID test.
* All visitors entering via land borders may be required to take random COVID-19 tests.

Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure:
* Travellers older than 5 years are required to present a negative result for a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Allow 48 hours for results from when the sample is collected.
* Passengers are encouraged to book and pay for tests online at least 2 days prior to departure.

Mandatory quarantine: 
* All travellers arriving or transiting for more than 12 hours – except those visiting any of Rwanda's national parks – must undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival (USD 70 per traveller). An additional PCR test is then required on day 3.
 
South Africa 
Last updated 24 March 2022
South Africa announced on 16 September 2020 that the country's borders will reopen for tourism on 1 October 2020.
OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town 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: 
* Download, print and complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire (Entry) not more than 2 days before arrival. The same applies when leaving South Africa.
* All unvaccinated travellers older than 5 years are required to present a valid, printed certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. 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.
* All vaccinated travellers are exempt from taking a PCR test prior to departure for South Africa.
* Undergo screening for any COVID-19 symptoms and/or for contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
* Travellers who recently recovered from COVID-19 may be requested to present a letter of exemption – see more details.

Mandatory quarantine is not required unless: 
Not required unless:
* Arriving passengers fail to present a valid and negative COVID-19 PCR test. This will require a 10-day quarantine at own cost.
* Travellers 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, travellers 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.

 Tanzania 
Last updated: 24 March 2022
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 Countries are allowed to travel to the destination 
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
* All travellers (including children) are required to complete a Traveller's Health Surveillance Form, to be submitted within 24 hours before arrival in Tanzania. Upon submission, you will receive a Unique Health Code that will be requested during primary screening on arrival.
* Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to take a PCR test before departure and must show a vaccination certificate with a QR code upon arrival. Vaccines must be approved for use by the Republic of Tanzania and the WHO.
* Unvaccinated travellers older than 5 years must present a negative certificate for a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Tanzania.
* Travellers who were infected and recovered from COVID-19 are required to submit a proof of recovering from the disease, obtained from Authorised Medical personnel upon arrival in Tanzania.
* Undergo enhanced screening for COVID-19 and complete a health form.
* All travellers who have been in these countries in the preceding 14 days will be required to take Rapid Antigen Tests (USD 10 per traveller) at their points of entry. Travellers are advised to pay for the test online to avoid unnecessary queues on arrival. Payment can be done via an automatically generated control number that's obtained after completing the online Traveller's Health Surveillance Form.

Mandatory quarantine: 
Not required unless a traveller tests positive on arrival – isolation for 14 days is then required at an approved hotel, or until they test negative (RT-PCR test).
 Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
*All departing travellers must adhere to COVID-19 requirements of their country of destination or conveyance to be used. 


Uganda 
Last Updated: 24 November 2022
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. 
All Countries allowed to travel to the destination 
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival are subject to: 
Arriving passengers: 
*Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft or crossing land borders. Children younger than 5 years are exempt when accompanying parents arrive with a negative test certificate. COVID test certificates must indicate 'travel' as the intended purpose of the tests.
*All arriving passengers (except children under 5 years) at Entebbe International Airport are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at a designated testing facility at their own cost (USD 30 per test). Tests must be registered and paid for online in advance.
*Undergo temperature checks and health screening on arrival.
*Wear masks, maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) where possible, and practice good personal hygiene.

Departing passengers:  
* All travellers (except children under 3 years) must provide a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection.
Mandatory quarantine: 
*Not required
Airlines flying into the destination are: 
*Turkish Airlines 
*Qatar Airways 
*Emirates 
*Kenya Airways 
*Ethiopian Airlines 
 
Zambia 
Last updated: 24 March 2022
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: 
* All travellers are required to produce a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
* Complete a Traveller Health Questionnaire from the Ministry of Health on board the flight before landing in Zambia.
* Undergo temperature and symptom screening.

Mandatory quarantine: 
Not required
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
* Travellers will be screened and must meet all the COVID-19 entry requirements of the destination or transit country. 
 
Zimbabwe 
Last updated: 24 March 2022
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.
As of 1 February 2022, the government instituted a curfew from 00:00 to 05:30. 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.
Open for international travel via:
Airports
Land borders (Victoria Falls and Kazungula for fully vaccinated travellers only)

Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival and pre departure are subject to: 
All unvaccinated visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognised facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
Social distancing, hand sanitisation and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
All travellers older than 18 years who arrive via the Kazungula and Victoria Falls land borders must produce proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as negative PCR test results no older than 48 hours. Children under 18 years are only required to have negative PCR test certificates. Children younger than 5 years do not require PCR test certificates.

Mandatory quarantine: 
Not required
 
 
 
 
 ​
Picture
Picture
Picture

Contact us:

email: info@edgetravel.co.za
+27-(0)21-7941619
Address:
De Hoogte, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, 7806, Cape Town, South Africa​
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Top Sellers
    • Short Breaks & Add On's
    • Post Covid Special Offers
    • Covid 19 Update
  • Reviews
  • Destinations
    • Botswana on safari >
      • Chobe Savute Linyanti areas
      • Kalahari and Makgadikgadi
      • Okavango Delta
    • Mozambique Island and Beach Lodges >
      • Quirimbas Archipelego
      • Bazaruto Archipelago
    • Namibia land of contrast
    • South Africa a world in one country >
      • Kruger National Park Safari
    • Serengeti Balloon Safari
    • Zambia the real Africa >
      • South Luangwa National Park
      • Lower Zambezi National Park
    • Zimbabwe is it OK to travel? >
      • Victoria Falls >
        • Victoria Falls Activities
  • Contact
  • Agents
    • Why Use Us
    • The Competitive Edge
    • e Contracting
  • Gallery
    • Botswana safari
    • Ngorongoro Crater
    • South Africa Safari >
      • Eastern Cape Safari
      • Sabi Sand Kruger Park Private Game Reserve
      • Timbavati Kruger Park Private Safari
    • Serengeti Safari
    • Victoria Falls
    • Zambia safari
  • Blog
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Africa Travel Advisories
    • Privacy Policy
  • OTHER
    • Resources
  • Video