East Africa Travel Restrictions due to COVID-19

Kenya

On the 1st July 2020, Kenya was awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp in recognition of the country’s adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed ‘Safe Travels’. International travel to this wildlife mecca resumed on the 1st August 2020, and safari tours to Kenya were able to resume again. 

Countries allowed to travel to Kenya

As at 28 July 2021 Brunei, Thailand, Kuwait and Qatar are required to undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival into Kenya in a government approved facility at their own cost.

Flights between Kenya and India are not possible.

Travelers from the United Kingdom irrespective of their nationality, residency status and route of travel to Kenya must self-isolate for 7 days and take another PCR test 4 days after arrival.

Travelers that are not on the approved list will need to undergo quarantine for 14 days at their own cost. However there are 206 other countries (this list is updated 7 September 2021), that are exempt from mandatory quarantine.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• All passengers on international flights must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test original certificate on arrival, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure.
• Children below the age of 5 years will be exempted from COVID-19 negative PCR test to enter Kenya.
• Before arrival all travelers must upload their negative PCR test certificates here Trusted Travel code account .
• For data collection all travelers arriving in Kenya, even if transiting, must submit a form called a ‘Case Investigation’. This can be found on the Jitenge+ app: an integrated COVID-19 investigation and management system available for Android users in Google Play Store, or online here.
• All travelers arriving into Kenya must complete the Travelers Health Surveillance/traveler’s locator form prior to disembarkation. Forms must be filled online via this link. Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and clicking submit. Check your downloads folder of your device for the QR code. You will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration. Please factor in extra time for this at immigration.
• Thereafter submit daily health information to “jitenge” platform for 14 consecutive days.
• Do not display any of these symptoms: body temperature above 37.5° C (99.5°F); persistent cough; difficulty breathing; other flu-like symptoms. 
• The additional government measures of wearing masks, physical distancing, sanitizing will still be applicable and passengers will be guided by the airline or airport staff where required.
• When departing Kenya you will require to have the TT code (mentioned above) if your destination country, airline or transit airport requires PCR test.
• For latest information on quarantine and testing requirements please refer to the KCAA website here.
• Transit and destination countries checking suggest you view this.
• List of approved laboratories

Airlines Flying into Kenya

Kenyan Airways, Emirates, RwandAir, Lufthansa, Qatar, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines. Emirates require a negative COVID-19 certificate obtained no later than 96 hours prior to flight departure. Kenyan Airways require a negative COVID-19 certificate obtained no later than 72 hours before boarding.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Kenya:

Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience

Tanzania

Also an approved and recognised user of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp, Tanzania announced its lift on the ban of travel on 18 May 2020, just in time for the great annual migration. International flights arriving and departing from the country began, and travel to Tanzania has been a relatively stress-free affair.

Countries allowed to travel to Tanzania

All countries are allowed to travel into Tanzania (excluding India) and there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The country is open for international travel.
This excludes those arriving from India or who have transited through India during the past 14 days.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• You will need to pre fill in an online Traveler’s Surveillance Form available at Traveler Surveillance Form  within 24 hours before arrival to Tanzania. This is also required for children. Once you have submitted this online all travelers will receive a unique health code that will be required.
• All travelers are required to present a negative COVID test in English on arrival. The only accepted test is the Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing or Nucleic Acide Amplification test (NAATs) done at an approved laboratory sample tested within 96 hours of departure.
• Travelers arriving from countries experiencing variants of concern and high number of COVID-19 cases on WHO epidemiological updates or those who have transited through those countries within the last 14 days shall need to have rapid tests at points of entry at their own cost. The cost is 10 USD per traveler and to be paid in cash. Please have cash with you in notes (not older than 2013) and try to bring the exact amount.
• Updated list of countries to view if you will need a rapid antigen test.
• We do suggest you pay for the COVID-19 rapid test online to avoid unnecessary queues upon arrival as you will get a automatically generated control number.
• Travelers displaying symptoms and signs related to COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested. 
• Children aged 5 years and below are exempted form the COVID-19 test certificate or the rapid antigen test.
• While in the country, all international travelers will be expected to adhere to protective safety measures such as hand hygiene, wearing masks and keeping physical distancing as deemed appropriate.

Airlines Flying into Tanzania

Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar, KLM Royal Dutch, Emirates, Kenya Air, Precision Air, Swiss, Turkish.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Tanzania:

Great Migration Safari in Tanzania

Zanzibar

Rwanda

Uganda

Southern Africa Travel Restrictions due to COVID-19

Botswana

On the 9th November, Botswana lifted its international travel restrictions in a phased manner, resuming air travel from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport, and Maun International Airport.

Countries allowed to travel to Botswana

 All countries are allowed to travel into Botswana and there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Travelers will, however, be required to remain in contact with local health authorities for a period of 14 days doing self-monitoring. They are required to fill in a traveler locator form.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• You will be provided with a traveler locator form on the plane, which needs to be handed upon arrival.
• All travelers (5 years and older) to Botswana are required to present a valid original negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana.
• A strict health screening for COVID-19 symptoms will be conducted on arrival.
• All travelers into Botswana will need to have a rapid antigen test (complimentary) is required. Results are provided within 15 minutes. Please factor this in when booking light aircraft flights. This also includes children.
• For departure out of Botswana you will need to present a PCR test 72 hours before departure (original certificate is required). We can arrange in-camp testing or you can do a PCR rest in Maun or Kasane Airport (bookings essential) and results are required within 24 hours so then you will need to overnight in Maun or Kasane. Your Ker & Downey Africa travel specialist will arrange these for you either with in-camp testing (at least 36 hours notice) or in Maun or Kasane (test results within 24 hours) which means you will need to overnight in either of these towns which we can arrange. We arrange this at the Okavango Air Rescue facility in Maun or the Weigh Bridge Clinic in Kasane. Cost is $120 and $60 payable in cash directly respectively.
• If you are arriving or transiting through India, please speak to your travel consultant.

Airlines Flying into Botswana

 Private charter flights, Airlink, Air Botswana, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airways.

 Our Recommended LuxVenture Trip in Botswana: 

Best of Botswana Safari

South Africa

Table Mountain, Cape Town

On 1 October 2020 South Africa reopened its borders to international travelers. Cape Town is an approved and recognized user of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safety Stamp.

Although OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Lanseria International Airport’s are opened, there are still some restrictions.

Countries allowed to travel to South Africa

The country is open to all international travelers.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• You will need to fill in the  Entry form  Traveler Health Questionnaire) no more than 2 days before arrival to South Africa. A form will also be required when exiting see below.
• A valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate is required within 72 hours of departure for South Africa. Travelers must ensure the test is done by a certified medical practitioner with their name and signature.
• Children below the age of 5 years are exempt.
• A person who is not in possession of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test will be subject to antigen testing at the point of entry and may be subject to quarantine at an approved facility at their own cost.
• A standard health screening and temperature check will be done at the Point of Entry before they are allowed to enter the country.
• Your temperature will be recorded on your completed travel questionnaire.
• We recommend clients download the covid alert mobile app when they travel to South Africa.
• You will only be required to quarantine if you do not present your valid and negative certificate or present symptoms. This will be at your own cost for 10 days at a designated site.
• Exit form to download (Traveler Health Questionnaire to exit) will be required when exiting no more than 2 days prior to departure.
• Airport terminal A is temporarily closed.

Airlines Flying into South Africa

Air France, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa

As from 1 March 2021 air travel remains open for international travelers, but land borders are only open at Victoria Falls and Kazangula if you are fully vaccinated. If traveling from Victoria Falls to Kasane (Botswana) we can arrange a light aircraft scheduled flight for you so you don’t need to go through the land border, this means then that you can still travel between Victoria Falls and Kasane/Chobe area.

You can visit national parks and designated tourism facilities as long as you are within curfew hours (18h30 to 6.00). Hotels and lodges are exempt from the mandatory business closures. Your Ker & Downey travel specialist will be arranging this for you.

Countries allowed to travel to Zimbabwe

All countries are allowed to travel to Zimbabwe and mandatory quarantine is not required unless travelers display symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms of the virus are apparent, travelers are required to stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days, then self-isolate for another 7 days.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• All travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognized facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
• This includes infants and children of all ages when travelling to Zimbabwe.
• There will be enhanced health screening and temperature testing on arrival.
  
• Complete a Health Questionnaire detailing where they have traveled to and providing personal details for tracking purposes.
• As per the government information there is a quarantine of 10 days, however this is not being enforced for any international travelers, only those who are from or transiting through India.
• The Kazangula border between Zimbabwe and Botswana, and the Victoria Falls Bridge border between Zimbabwe and Zambia are allowing transfers in both directions, however the traveler must be fully vaccinated and have a negative RT-PCR test result. This is required for those over the age of 18. Children 5-17 need to present negative PCR test certificates however.
• If 17 years or age and younger, a fully vaccinated certificate is not required, but a negative RT-PCR test is still required.
• Unvaccinated travelers may only cross land borders into Zimbabwe when in transit, however, they may still fly into Zimbabwe and exit by road.
• The additional mandatory measures of wearing of masks, social distancing, and sanitization will be applicable for the whole duration of your stay. 
• On departure obtain COVID-19 certificates from approved laboratories if required.

Airlines Flying into Zimbabwe

Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways Air Tanzania, Airlink, Fastjet (as from 15 March 2021).

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Zimbabwe:

Hwange to Vic Falls & Mana Pools Safari

Namibia

Namibia reopened its borders to international travelers wanting to holiday in the country from the 1st September 2020 and announced its new implementation protocols to revive the country’s tourism initiative. Entry to Namibia will only be allowed via Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. This renowned safari destination is characterized by the endless desert landscapes and sand dunes that disappear into pristine coastlines, and is definitely worth experiencing.  A curfew is in place from 22:00 to 04:00.

Countries allowed to travel to Namibia

All countries are allowed to travel into Namibia and there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Quarantine is required if a swab done in the country displays a positive test result as stipulated below.  Entry is only allowed into Namibia at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.

• Travellers arriving from predetermined hotspots like India are required to take a second PCR test seven days after arriving in Namibia.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• Travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test not older than 7 days from date of test. This is not required for children under 5 years old.
• There is no mandatory quarantine for arriving travelers (unless the PCR test is positive).
• Passengers will be subject to temperature checks on arrival, and anyone showing symptoms or with a temperature above 38ºC will be tested for COVID-19.
  
• Present your itemized full itinerary.
• On arrival travelers will go through a health screening and will also need to complete a short health questionnaire, which can be found here.
• International travelers must have valid insurance that covers medical care or an unexpected extended stay, and must submit their full itineraries on arrival. 
• Travelers must also present a valid negative test result certificate at check-in for their flight to Namibia.
• If your country requires a negative COVID-19 test, this can be conducted within 48 hours of departing Namibia.

Airlines Flying into Namibia

Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Qatar Airways, Airlink, Mack Air.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Namibia:

African Photo Safari

Madagascar

Pristine wilderness in Madagascar

Madagascar opened Nosy Be on 1 October 2020, however, travel to the mainland is currently closed. Ivato International Airport is not open in Antananarivo for international visitors.

Countries allowed to travel to Madagascar

All countries are allowed to travel to Nosy Be except for Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, India, USA, Morocco, Argentina and Iran.  This list is subject to change.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• All travelers must present a return air ticket on arrival.
• All travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding the plane from their point of origin to Madagascar.
• All passengers will be subject to temperature checks on arrival and are required to complete a health form. All travelers that show symptoms or have a temperature above 38ºC will be tested for COVID-19.
• A PCR test upon arrival will be required at your own cost.
• An official letter will be signed by all travelers on arrival which will be given to the Health Ministry.
• You will need to conduct a COVID-19 PCR test at a hotel 72 hours before departure from Madagascar (at your own expense) if your destination country will require this.
• For 48 hours, you will need to remain at the hotel and wait for the results.

Airlines Flying into Nosy Be

Ethiopian Airlines.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Madagascar:

Madagascar Wildlife Safari

Mozambique

Mozambique

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• Before arrival in Zambia, travelers must uploaded their COVID-19 test certificate to generate to Trusted Travel (TT) code. Trusted Travel code account. You will receive a TT code once submitted.
• Traveler Health Questionnaires Traveler Health Questionnaire for entry are provided on provided on incoming flights for passengers to complete before disembarkation. These should be completed and handed in on arrival. Will need to be completed in English and handed.
• All arriving visitors will need to carry proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours of original flight departure. This must be a SARS CoV-2 PCR test certificate result. it must include a medical practitioner name, signature and stamp. Except for children below five years entering Zambia.
  
• Entry screening will be conducted at all airports. All travelers entering the airport will be subjected to temperature and symptom screening. This will be captured on health declaration forms. There is also thermo-scanning. Anyone entering Zambia with a body temperature of 38.0 C and above, will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival.
• Testing on arrival: all travelers from ‘high risk’ countries (as of 26 August 2021 it is Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Chile, India, Iran, Iraq, Netherlands, Peru, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) must take a COVID-19 test (at your own cost) on arrival or within 48 hours of your arrival. This is exempted if you transited through these countries for less than 24 hours. Updated list of high risk countries link
• The Zambian MOH SARS-CoV-2 Medical Certificate for International Travel or Travel Clearance Code (TT code) is required for all passengers exiting Zambia to a country with test requirement.  This certificate or code will be verified by Port Health at Lusaka airport, prior to allowing the passenger to proceed to international airline check-in counters.  Please ensure you have this certificate or code for all test results.  Note that diplomats are exempt from this exit-certificate requirement.
• You can obtain this medical certificate from:
  University Teaching Hospital | District Health Office | Public Health Office | Zambia National Public Health Institute | Adult Infectious Disease Centre. Take your COVID-19 test result and Passport with you to obtain this certificate.
• Travelers from high risk countries will only need to quarantine for 14 days if their COVID-19 test result on arrival is positive.
• All travelers are expected to monitor themselves for possible signs of infection and report to the nearest medical facility if they discover any.
• Social distancing, hand sanitization and the wearing of masks are mandatory.

Airlines Flying into Zambia

Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines Oman Air, Airlink, Proflight. 

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Zambia:

Liuwa Plain & Kafue National Park Safari