Updated Corona Virus (COVID-19) Protocols
Which Safari Countries Are Open for Travel, What Are The Entry Requirements, and When Will Flights Resume?
Many of our current clients as well as potential travelers interested in African safaris have been asking about border closures and flight schedules. Thanks to our direct line of communication with our trusted on the ground partners throughout Africa, cross-referenced with official government entities, we’ve compiled a one-stop informational resource with real-time updates on travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
Here’s the latest on safari travel to Africa
Botswana
UK Air Bridge Approved Since 12 December 2020
Botswana started a phased reopening of international borders from 9 November 2020.
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- 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
Travellers departing Botswana are not required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours of departure, unless your airline, destination or transit point requires it.
Testing can be done 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.
Do you have questions about a Botswana safari?
Kenya
Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safety Stamp
On 6 July 2020, Kenya announced that local air travel will resume operations from 15 July 2020 and 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 recognized medical practitioner showing that the person may have recovered from an active infection in the preceding 90 days.
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- 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.
Curious to know more about going to Kenya on safari during COVID-19?
We’ve been fortunate to have had a few of our clients and staff go on safari over the past few months, and they’ve been kind enough to share first-hand accounts of their recent Kenya safari experiences.
Do you have questions about a Kenya safari?
Malawi
Malawi is open for international travel.
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders (visas cannot be obtained on arrival)
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- Before arriving in Malawi, passengers are required to submit their COVID-19 test certificates to generate a Trusted Travel (TT) code. Visit PanaBios to create a TT account, upload PCR test certificates, and generate a TT code. You will also be required to provide your negative COVID-19 PCR test result on arrival, conducted within 72 hours before arrival in Malawi.
- All arriving passengers without a valid negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate must take a Rapid Antigen Test at own cost. Those testing positive on the Rapid Antigen Test must take a PCR test at own cost and will be conveyed to the District Health System where they will be managed according to standard national protocols.
- Arriving travellers who are not vaccinated will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine (free of charge) at the point of entry before entering the country.
Mandatory quarantine
- All arriving passengers without a valid negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate must take a Rapid Antigen Test at own cost. Those testing positive on the Rapid Antigen Test must take a PCR test at own cost and will be conveyed to the District Health System where they will be managed according to standard national protocols.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
- Provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure and authorized by the Trusted Travel Framework.
Do you have questions about a Malawi safari?
Namibia
UK Air Bridge Approved Since 12 December 2020
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.
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders, except MataMata.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- 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.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All
Do you have questions about a Namibia safari?
South Africa
Cape Town is an Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safety Stamp
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).
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders (partially)
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- 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 12 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, and must present a valid vaccination certificate that includes a QR code. If your certificate does not have a QR code, it’s recommend that you upload your vaccination details to Global Haven which will generate a QR code that you can download and print. US citizens can access their vaccination certificates and generate QR codes in VAMS.
- 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
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.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All
Interested in finding out more about a South Africa safari during Coronavirus?
Our ethos is ‘we know because we go’, and travelling during COVID-19 is no exception. Some of our staff and clients who have travelled to the home of the Big 5 in recent months have been kind enough to share their first-hand experience of a South Africa safari during Coronavirus.
Hear what other international travellers had to say about their trips to Cape Town during COVID-19:
Do you have questions about a South Africa safari?
Tanzania
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.
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- 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 traveler) 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.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on direct arrival in Zanzibar)
- All travellers must complete and submit a Travellers Surveillance Form within 24 hours before arrival. Upon submission you will receive a Unique Health Code which will be requested during primary screening.
- Travellers who are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine and accompanying certificate (with QR code), no longer need to provide a PCR test upon arrival.
- Unvaccinated travellers older than 5 years are required to take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
- Travellers who were infected and recovered from COVID-19 are required to submit a proof of recovery from the disease obtained from Authorised Medical personnel upon arrival.
- The cost of a Rapid Antigen test on arrival in Zanzibar is USD 25. Travellers are advised to pay for COVID-19 rapid test online to avoid unnecessary queues.
- All travellers who arrive in Zanzibar from COVID-19 high risk countries and visiting Tanzania mainland within 14 days from the date of arrival, will be required to present a negative Rapid Antigen Test certificate obtained during entry, otherwise you will be subjected to a Rapid Antigen Test at your point of entry in Tanzania.
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.
Curious about a Tanzania safari during COVID-19?
We’ve been fortunate enough to have some clients experience a Tanzania safari during this period, and they’ve shared their accounts of what it’s like going on a Tanzania safari during COVID-19.
Do you have questions about a Tanzania safari?
Zambia
Zambia is open to foreign nationals and issuing visitor visas upon entry into the country. Depending on your nationality, travellers 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.
Open for international travel via:
- Airports
- Land borders
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)
- As from 28 March 2022, all unvaccinated travellers older than 12 years are required to produce a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
- As from 28 March 2022, all fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to undergo PCR testing prior to departure for Zambia. ‘Fully vaccinated’ means a complete dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, e.g. first and second dose of a two-dose vaccine. Proof of vaccination is required.
- 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.
Do you have questions about a Zambia safari?
Zimbabwe
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 (pre-departure & on arrival)
- All unvaccinated visitors older than 5 years are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognized facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
- All vaccinated visitors are required to present a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- All travellers are required to complete this Track & Trace document.
- Undergo health screening and temperature checks.
- All travellers older than 5 years who arrive via the Kazungula and Victoria Falls land borders must produce proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, or a negative PCR test result no older than 48 hours.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
- Determined by the country you are travelling to or through, or the airline you are travelling with.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required.