TRAVEL UPDATE FOR AFRICA

Last Update: June 16, 2023 12:00 PM PST

At African Travel, Inc. our commitment has always been to make your dream of Africa a reality. That also means being able to safely connect you with the people and wildlife and show you Africa like no one else. 

With the ongoing changes in travel due to COVID-19, we are continually adapting our operations to serve the needs of our customers and the travel advisor community. We are monitoring the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and state departments to ensure when it’s safe to travel.

Africa awaits and countries are welcoming travelers. Below are the current travel requirements and tools to help plan travel.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Use this helpful tool to determine what entry requirements and travel restrictions may be in place for your safari.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please continue to adhere to the protocols established by each country that you are visiting as well as those required by the airline that you are using. 

For noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers, CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic has come to an end.  An announcement of the termination of this Amended Order has been published in the Federal Register.  Noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID–19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. 

For detailed information on international travel, please view the following CDC link: International Travel During COVID-19 | CDC

 

BOTSWANA

• Botswana no longer has any COVID-19 restrictions on entry. Wearing of masks, proof of vaccination, and testing at port of entry for unvaccinated travelers are not required.

Additional visa/documents: None required at this time.

Departure: If required by onward destination, PCR tests are available at own expense.  Please check with your airline and onward travel arrangements. 

 

EGYPT

• Egypt has lifted COVID-19 entry restrictions. Passengers from all countries can enter Egypt without the need for valid proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or vaccine certificate.

• Travelers are required to wear a face mask at all times in the airport terminal and asked to maintain a safe distance between themselves and others, especially when boarding and disembarking the aircraft. 

• Face masks must be worn in enclosed public spaces and public transport.

• Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Egypt will be required to self-isolate.

Additional visa/documents:  

• A visa is required. For the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a visa, apply for an e-visa at least 7 days prior to travel.

• Show proof of a valid health insurance policy. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate for updated information on Egyptian government policies regarding required proof of insurance and PCR testing timelines.

Departure: If required by onward destination, PCR tests are available at own expense. A passport sized photo is needed.

 

JORDAN

• The Government of Jordan does not require travelers to present a pre-travel PCR test or take a PCR test on arrival

• Travelers are required to complete the declaration form by visiting the platform https://www.visitjordan.gov.jo/form/ and obtain a QR code prior to arrival.

  • For the latest travel procedures, click here

  • To extract the QR code, click here

  • For frequently asked questions, click here

Additional visa/documents:  

• A visa is required

• Valid health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment for the entire period of intended stay

Departure: If required by onward destination, PCR tests are available at own expense. 

 

KENYA

Getting There​

The Government of Kenya has announced the removal of COVID-19 vaccination and pre-departure testing requirements for arriving passengers.

• All arriving passengers are no longer required to present COVID-19 test results or vaccination certificates on arrival. However, vaccination and regular testing are encouraged.

• All arriving travelers with flu-like symptoms will be required to undergo a Rapid Antigen test, at a cost of USD 30 per person, per test.  Test results are available approximately 15 minutes after sample collection. Travelers who receive a positive result on their Rapid Antigen test will be required to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test, at a cost of USD 50 per person per test.

​Additional visa/documents:  An e-visa is required before entering Kenya. Obtain an e-visa at http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

Departure:  Passengers traveling out of the country, will be required to abide by the travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the transit and destination country

 

MADAGASCAR

• Effective August 11, 2022, the Government of Madagascar has ended all COVID-19 testing requirements for entry.

• Proof of vaccination is not required for entry.

Additional visa/documents: A visa is required to enter Madagascar

Departure:  A COVID-19 test is not required for departure at this time, but requirements will depend on the airline and destination country.

 

MAURITIUS

• The Mauritius Government announced as of July 1, 2022, that COVID-19 regulations have been repealed. Travelers entering Mauritius are no longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests.

• Prior to travel, all travelers should fill out the digital Mauritius All-In-One Travel Digital form, which will generate a PDF document with a QR Code, required to be presented to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. 

• It is mandatory to wear a face mask in airports, during airport transfers and on public transport, plus in all public and private healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies.

Additional visa/documents: None Required

Departure:  A COVID-19 test is not required for departure at this time, but requirements will depend on the airline and destination country.

 

MOZAMBIQUE

• PCR test is no longer needed to enter the country if a person presents a valid certificate showing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  Children 11 and younger do not require a PCR test or proof of vaccination to enter the country.

• Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry as it pertains to public health concerns.

Additional visa/documents: Visa is required and strongly encouraged to be obtained in advance to avoid being denied entry.

Departure: Acting as agents for the airlines, officials at the airport will request a negative COVID-19 PCR test before permitting you through immigration.

 

NAMIBIA

• All COVID-19 restrictions in the country and requirements to enter Namibia have been lifted.

• Health screening procedures are conducted at airports and other ports of entry.

Additional visa/documents:  None required

Departure: A negative COVID-19 test certificate departing Namibia based on the requirements of your next travel destination.

 

RWANDA

• The Government of Rwanda has removed all requirements for travelers to present negative RT-PCR COVID-19 and Rapid Antigen COVID-19 tests or vaccination certificates when visiting the country's National Parks. However, vaccination and regular testing are encouraged.

• All travelers, over the age of 5, are still required to wear face masks while visiting primates at Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Gashwati-Mukura National Park.

   

Additional visa/documents: 

• A visa is required to enter Rwanda.

• All travelers are encouraged to have international travel insurance.

Departure:

• Testing is essential only for departing passengers whose airline or destination country requires a negative COVID-19 test certificate. This can be facilitated by the Rwanda Biometrical Center, Government health centers, and other designated testing sites.

 

SEYCHELLES

• Seychelles is open to visitors all over the world. 

• Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated visitors are no longer required to present a negative PCR or antigen test to be allowed entry into the country and fully vaccinated passengers are not required to show proof of vaccination.

• Every non-citizen visitor to Seychelles must apply for the mandatory digital Travel Authorisation (Seychelles Electronic Border System (govtas.com) from 10 days prior to entry. This digital form serves as approval for travel to Seychelles.  Seychelles Immigration reserves the right to deny entry on arrival.  Required information to complete the form, includes: Valid Passport, Passport Photo Selfie, Contact Information, Trip information, Credit or debit card information.  Click on Country of Residence | Seychelles Electronic Border System (govtas.com)

• Visitors must have a valid travel and health insurance to cover potential COVID-19 related costs (quarantine, isolation, treatment).

• Face masks must be worn at all times within the airport terminals.

• Visitors will be subjected to temperature screening, symptom checks, document checks prior to border security screening.  Random testing may be conducted upon arrival.

Departure: A COVID-19 test may be required and additional documentation submitted before departure.  Please check the requirements as per the regulations of the airline and destination country.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

• The South African Government announced on June 22, 2022, that the remaining COVID-19 regulations have been repealed. Travelers entering South Africa are no longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests.

Departure:

• Outbound travelers from South Africa must comply with the requirements of the country of destination.

 

TANZANIA (Mainland)

• All travelers entering or transiting mainland Tanzania and advised to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and tested regularly.

• All travelers entering or transiting mainland Tanzania are no longer required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, or RT-PCR certificate on arrival unless required by the airline, transit destination, or final destination.   

• For surveillance purposes, Port Health Officials may at any time perform COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test, free of charge, for randomly selected travelers during arrival at points of entry.  Travelers who receive a positive result on their Rapid Antigen test will be required to undergo a mandatory Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, at a cost of USD50 per person per test and isolated for treatment at a designated health facility.

• All arriving passengers will undergo thermal and physical screening.  Symptomatic travelers will immediately be isolated and handled as per health protocol.

• For your safety and the well-being of those around you, travelers who arrive from or transited in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are required to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours before or upon arrival in URT.  If arriving or transiting from other countries, it is not mandatory to fill the Travelers Health Surveillance Form unless the traveler's country of origin or airline insists.

Additional visa/documents: A visa is required to enter Tanzania. Obtain an e-visa in advance Tanzania eVisa - Welcome (immigration.go.tz).

Departure: 

• Only passengers whose airline or destination country requires a negative COVID-19 test certificate need testing prior to departure. This can be facilitated by Government laboratories in cities and various safari destinations.  RT-PCR test is $50 per person, but the cost can vary depending on where the test is done.  Rapid Antigen Test is USD10 per person if less than 24 hours before departure. Travelers taking an airport rapid test from the mainland should register through https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/ and list both their origin and destination as Tanzania in the system.  

 

TANZANIA (Zanzibar)

• All travelers, including returning residents, entering, or transiting Zanzibar are advised to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and tested regularly. 

• All travelers, including returning residents, entering, or transiting Zanzibar are no longer required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, or RT-PCR certificate upon arrival unless stated otherwise by conveyance or country of final destination. 

• For surveillance purposes, Port Health Officials may at any time perform COVID-10 Rapid Antigen test free of charge for randomly selected travelers upon arrival at the point of entry.  Travelers who receive a positive result on their Rapid Antigen test will be required to undergo a mandatory Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, at a cost of USD 100.

• All travelers temperatures will be assessed through a walking thermos-scan.  Any traveler found to be symptomatic during the screening will be immediately isolated and overseen in accordance with local health guidelines for travelers.

Additional visa/documents: A visa is required to enter Tanzania. Obtain an e-visa in advance Tanzania eVisa - Welcome (immigration.go.tz).

Departure: 

• Only passengers whose airline or destination country requires a negative COVID-19 test certificate need testing prior to departure.  This can be facilitated by Government laboratories in cities and various safari destinations.  The cost for a rapid test is $25 if less than 24 hours before departure.  The cost for RT-PCR test is $80, but the cost can vary depending on where the test is done.

 

UGANDA

• All arriving travelers are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers are encouraged to bring paper copies of their vaccinations. 

• Unvaccinated travelers 6 years and older must obtain a valid negative COVID-19 Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight to Uganda.  COVID-19 certificates must specify TRAVEL as the intended purpose of the test.

• All arriving travelers are subject to temperature screening at the airport.

Additional visa/documents: A visa is required to enter Uganda. Obtain an e-visa at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

Departure: 

• All departing travelers are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers are encouraged to bring paper copies of their vaccinations.  Passengers will abide by the travel, health, and COVID-19 related requirements of the airline, transit, and onward destination country.

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

• All passengers traveling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. 

• Passengers traveling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements of their destination.

• Information on COVID-related entry requirements is available on the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates and Etihad  for Abu Dhabi and Emirates  for Dubai websites, respectively.

• Quarantine requirements for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 at any point while present in the UAE will be required to quarantine for five (5) days in their private residence or hotel.

Additional visa/documents:  No visa is required for tourist stays under 30 days. Passports must have minimum of 6 months of validity after date of arrival.

Departure: Departure requirements will depend on the airline and onward destination country.

 

ZAMBIA

• All COVID-19 travel related restrictions for entry into Zambia are lifted.  All travelers to Zambia will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination, recovery or testing against COVID-19.  The Zambian Government recognizes that COVID-19 is still detected worldwide, supports that vaccination is the most sustainable way to prevent and control COVID-19, and encourages everyone to be vaccinated.

Additional visa/documents:  None required.

Departure: 

• Requirements for travelers departing Zambia will be in line with the requirements issued by the travelers’ respective airline or destination country. 

 

ZIMBABWE 

• All arriving passengers are no longer required to produce COVID-19 PCR tests or vaccination certificates at ports of entry in Zimbabwe.

• Wearing masks in public gatherings is no longer mandatory.

Additional visa/documents: A visa is required. Obtain an e-visa at https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home

Departure:

• Requirements for travelers departing Zimbabwe will be in line with the requirements issued by the travelers’ respective airline or destination country.

 

Below are additional updates from air carriers who serve the continent: 

 

South African Airways:

• South African Airways (SAA) resumed both domestic and regional Africa service. Home - South African Airways (flysaa.com)

 

Kenya Airways:

• Find out all you need about health and entry requirements, to and from your destination where Kenya Airways fly at Kenya Airways - Explore The World | Pride Of Africa (kenya-airways.com) or visit TravelDoc Passenger View - TravelDoc.Website

 

Emirates: 

• Find out all you need to know about entry requirements, travel to/from Dubai at Tourists travelling to, from and through Dubai | Emirates United States . 

• For other destinations where Emirates fly, visit Travel requirements by destination | COVID-19 information hub | Emirates United States

 

Etihad Airways: 

• Operating flights around the world and working with the UAE government.  All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the UAE, no test or vaccination required if your final destination is Abu Dhabi.

• If transiting through Abu Dhabi, you only need to take a test if it is required by your final destination.  For more information, visit Etihad Airways – Travel with peace of mind when you fly.

 

Ethiopian Airlines:

• In an effort to control cross border public health concerns, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute requires all passengers traveling to Ethiopia to fill the e-Health Declaration Form for Monkey Pox and get a QR code. The e-forms can be accessed at https://forms.gle/zpDUEyHzEByyQw4A8

• As part of the ongoing effort to fight the pandemic, all international and domestic passengers are required to wear face masks during check-in, boarding, in-flight, deplaning and at the airport.  Bring your own masks or face coverings. 

• Children under the age of 6 and passengers with underlying medical conditions are exempted from the above face mask requirement. However, passengers with underlying medical conditions shall be required to present medical certificate ascertaining that they cannot wear face masks due to health reasons.

 

Qatar Airways:

• Passengers who are transiting through Doha, and not leaving the airport, are not required to present any test results or certifications above the requirements of their departure or destination country. 

• In case that government regulation requires you to present a negative COVID-19 test result on departure and/or arrival, Qatar Airways will verify this information at check-in and retain a copy of the test result. We request that you bring a filled-out copy of the Customer Acknowledgement Form, which will be collected at the airport’s check in counters. 

• Qatar Airways requires passengers, 6 years and older, to wear a face mask throughout their flight.  Passengers in possession of a Hidden Disabilities Card or a Mask Exemption Card / medical certificate due to a medical condition will be exempt from wearing a face mask throughout their flight. 

 

CURRENT OPERATIONS

African Travel is in constant contact with our partners throughout Africa.

Now more than ever we are here to answer your questions about when and how to best fulfill your dream. For 45 years our safari specialists have seen many global events and are accustomed to handling any changes.  We continue to promise excellence and look after our guests through every step of the journey.  

Our parent company, The Travel Corporation, has a century’s long commitment to serving customers while ensuring rock-solid financial independence that you can count on in a changing world.

To view information on our our booking and wellbeing policy, click here