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. As from 26 March 2021, Kenya announced a ban on all inland travel in the capital Nairobi and out four other counties. No road, rail or air transport will be permitted in these 5 areas.

Countries allowed to travel to Kenya

Travelers that are not on the approved list will need to undergo quarantine for 14 days at their own cost. However there are 205 other countries (this list is updated 8 March 2021), that are exempt from mandatory quarantine.

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

• All travelers arriving into Kenya must complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form prior to disembarkation. Forms must be filled online via this link. 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.
• Before arrival all travelers must upload their negative PCR test certificates here Trusted Travel code account . Once you log in and create an account, you will receive a code and then you can upload your certificate. Keep this code.
• All passengers on international flights must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure and must 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 the your destination country, airline or transit airport requires PCR test.
• Before taking a COVID-19 test, travelers are required to 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.
• Transit and destination countries checking suggest you view this.

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. Except for India.

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 RT-PCR test in English, not older than 72 hours prior to arrival in Tanzania.
• All travelers will have enhanced screening for COVID-19 and could be asked to have a rapid test upon arrival. The cost is 25 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.
• Travelers displaying symptoms and signs related to COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested. 
• 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.
• Travelers on transit in other countries more than 72 hours will be required to be re-tested by rapid test upon arrival in Tanzania.

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

• All travelers 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.
• If travelers are arriving at Maun International Airport, a rapid antigen test (complimentary) is required. Results are provided within 15 minutes. Please factor this in when booking light aircraft flights from Maun.
• For departure out of Botswana you will need to present a PCR test 24 hours before. 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  no more than 2 days before arrival to South Africa. A form will also be required when exiting see below.
• A 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 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 to returning residents and essential services. 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 (20h00 to 5.30). 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 recognised 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 Questionaire detailing where they have traveled to and providing personal details for tracking purposes.
• The additional mandatory measures of wearing of masks, social distancing, and sanitisation 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 characterised by the endless desert landscapes and sand dunes that disappear into pristine coastlines, and is definitely worth experiencing. 

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 SARS COVID-19 PCR test not older than 7 days, from their country of departure.
• There is no mandatory quarantine for arriving travelers (unless the PCR test is positive).
• Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test results will no longer be accepted for entry into Namibia at ports of entry.
• 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.
  
• You will be required to present your full travel 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, 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

• Traveler Health Questionnaires 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 from your country of origin.  This must be a SARS CoV-2 PCR test certificate result from the country of departure. 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.
• From 24 May,  Zambia updated information any travelers coming from countries on the high risk category must take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Zambia as well, this is mandatory. Even if they have a negative PCR test certificate. The test is done on arrival at the border prior to immigration. There are 2 options: Ministry of Health $55 per person and results within 48 hours or Profmed $105 per person (later includes an email or SMS). We recommend the Profmed option. Payment in cash or credit card directly. Currently the countries are Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Chile, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Netherlands, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Tunisia and Turkey. This list is liable to change at short notice. The testing will be at their own cost. Your travel designer will arrange the logistics for you. This COVID test certificate is required to also exit Zambia providing travelers depart within 72 hours. If you have transited less than 24 hours in these high risk countries, you will not be considered high risk. Travelers who receive a negative result or have proof of vaccine will be exempt from 14 day mandatory quarantine.
• All travelers are expected to monitor themselves for possible signs of infection and report to the nearest medical facility if they discover any.
• Anyone entering Zambia with a body temperature of 38.0 C and above, will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival.
• Social distancing, hand sanitisation and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
• Travelers leaving Zambia will need to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate when flying with an airline or to a country that requires this. You can obtain this from the Ministry of Health. Advisable to check with your airline or destination country if this is required prior to travel.
• You will also need to obtain a Travel Certificate from the Ministry of Health if you destination or airport requires a COVID-19 test certificate. Provide your Passport and COVID-19 test results to obtain a Travel Certificate. There are 5 locations you can obtain this from:
  Cost is $12 per person or 200 Kwacha and is payable on the ground in cash directly to get the test certificate.

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