This is an update for those of you champing at the bit to get back on safari in Southern Africa.
We are passionate about these countries and want to keep you updated on the Covid – 19 travel requirements.
What do you need to travel? – General Requirements.
Covid-19 PCR Certificate – You are required to have a negative Covid – 19 PCR certificate to allow you to enter and exit from your destination.
Face Mask – The wearing of face masks in public places, frequent hand sanitization and maintaining social distances must be practised.
Adequate Travel Insurance – All tourists must have private travel insurance to cover medical care or an unexpected hotel stay.
Do note that these protocols can change rapidly per country due to the nature of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Country Specific Requirements
Listed below are our most popular Southern African destinations that have opened their borders for travel as of December 2020:
Botswana
A phased reopening of international borders from 9 November 2020. Air travel will resume in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane International Airports. This is open to all nationalities.
Covid – 19 Protocols
On arrival, travellers to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana.
If a traveller is requested to undergo health screening for COVID-19 symptoms, PCR test facilities are offered by Diagnofirm laboratory located in Maun and Kasane at a cost of BWP1000. Results are released within 24 hours (closed over weekends).
Free tests are offered at government hospitals subject to a GP referral with a result time of 72hours.
Wearing of masks, Social distancing and hand sanitizing is mandatory.
For all travellers needing a Covid-19 Clearance certificate on departure, this can be done at the mentioned facilities prior to departure. Travellers to be aware of regulations regarding re-entry into their countries or transiting countries.
Mandatory quarantine
Any visitor showing symptoms of COVID-19 to undergo a PCR test, and possible isolation and or quarantine for 14 days.
South Africa
Open for International travel from all countries from 12 November 2020.
Only the three international airports i.e. OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town and 18 land borders will open for international travellers.
Covid-19 protocol
On arrival, all travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test that has been obtained no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel.
All travellers will be screened on arrival and those showing symptoms will be required to have a COVID test. Those who do not have a certificate will face a mandatory quarantine period at their own cost.
On arrival all visitors to download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.
Wearing of masks, Social distancing and hand sanitizing is mandatory.
For all travellers needing a Covid-19 Clearance certificate on departure, this can be done at various facilities prior to departure. Travellers departing from OR Tambo can get their Covid-19 PCR test and collect their certificate at the airport from the National Health Laboratory Service. The service is available 24/7 at a cost of R600. Results take 4 to 6 hours and the travel is advised via SMS for collection. Travelers to be aware of regulations regarding re-entry into their countries or transiting countries.
Zambia
Zambia opened in July 2020 for international travellers. Limited domestic flight schedules are operating twice-weekly between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) and Mfuwe International Airport and between Kenneth Kaunda (Lusaka) and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
COVID-19 protocols
All airlines entering Zambia will be provided with Health questionnaires for the onboard passengers to complete.
All arriving passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate – conducted within the previous 14 days prior to arrival.
Maintain all COVID-19 regulations e.g. physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. Travellers to monitor themselves daily for 14 days post arrival for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
PCR tests are conducted at SES Clinic Livingstone at a cost of USD160 per person (cash only) with a release time of 24 hours. Lancet has a testing facility in Lusaka with results available in 48 hours.
For all travellers needing a Covid-19 Clearance certificate on departure, this can be done at the mentioned facilities prior to departure. Travellers to be aware of regulations regarding re-entry into their countries or transiting countries.
Compulsory quarantine
International visitors are screened on arrival and will have to quarantine for 14 days if he shows any signs of COVID-19.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe local tourism sector opened on 3 September 2020 and domestic flights (Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet) on 21 September 2020 and the international airports on 1 October 2020. The land borders opened on 1 December 2020.
Covid protocols
On arrival, all travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that has been obtained no more than 48 hours prior to the date of travel to Zimbabwe.
All travellers will be screened on arrival. If a traveller appears to be symptomatic on arrival he can be requested to undergo a PCR test – cost USD60.The test results are available after 2 hours.
PCR Test Facilities are at the Lancet Laboratories in Victoria Falls and Harare.
For all travellers needing a Covid-19 Clearance certificate on departure, this can be done at the mentioned facilities prior to departure. Travellers to be aware of regulations regarding re-entry into their countries or transiting countries.
Wearing of masks, Social distancing and hand sanitizing is mandatory.
Compulsory quarantine
Arriving travellers who do not have a negative COVID -19 test certificate on arrival or test positive for Covid -19 must stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days and then self-isolate for a further 7 days. The cost for the test at airports of entry is USD60 per test per person.
Namibia
Open for International travel from all countries from 1 September 2020 with arrival only at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek.
Covid -19 Protocols
On arrival travellers to present a negative Covid-19 certificate not older than 72 hours of boarding the aircraft. If a traveller’s PCR test is older than 72 hours (but less than seven days) – supervised quarantine of seven days is then required at the travellers expense.
Positive cases are treated at Ministry of Health and Social Services isolation facilities at travellers’ own cost in accordance with national case management guidelines.
Wearing of masks, Social distancing and hand sanitizing is mandatory.
Pathcare has testing facilities in Windhoek as well as Lüderitz, Ongwediva, Otjiwarongo, Swakopmund, Tsumeb and Walvis Bay. Cost from NAD808.
For all travellers needing a Covid-19 Clearance certificate on departure, this can be done at the mentioned facilities prior to departure. Travellers to be aware of regulations regarding re-entry into their countries or transiting countries.
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If you’re ready to start travelling again
you can reach us by email or phone
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or
give us a call on +44 7918162984
We’d like to thank our friends at Flame of Africa for their assistance with this update