As many countries around the world prepare to reopen their borders in the Caribbean and Europe, African countries are also navigating new health and safety measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns ending around the world, many countries have started to ease border restrictions and reopen for international tourists.
Botswana
Botswana started a phased reopening of international borders on 9 November 2020. Air travel resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane International Airports.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana
- Undergo health screening for COVID-19 symptoms
- Stay in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days while self-monitoring
Mandatory quarantine
Any visitor showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to undergo a PCR test, and possibly isolation and or quarantine for 14 days.
Benin
Open with mandatory COVID-19 testing at the traveler’s expense (~$165) and the traveler must self-isolate for 48 hours until the results are in. [Benin Tours]
Congo
The Republic of the Congo has reopened its borders and airports for international visitors.
Open for international travel
- Yes
- Odzala-Kokoua National Park is due to open on 1 April 2021
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Provide negative COVID-19 test results conducted within a maximum of seven days prior to arrival, and submit the test results within two days of departure for Congo.
- Undergo body temperature scans and may be requested to take another COVID-19 test.
Mandatory quarantine
- Required for 14 days.
Egypt
Borders are open; mandatory temperature checks and 7-day self-isolation upon arrival. Electronic visas are currently being granted. [Egypt Tours]
Ethiopia
Borders are open; air passengers are being asked to complete a Health Declaration Form and must undergo a 7-day quarantine upon arrival at the traveler’s expense [Ethiopia Tours]
Kenya
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.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
Before arriving in Kenya, passengers are required to submit their COVID-19 test certificates to generate a Trusted Travel (TT) code. Click here to create a TT account, upload PCR test certificates, and generate a TT code.
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate is required, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure from your home country.
- Body temperatures must test below 37.5°C (99.5°F) and visitors must have no persistent cough, no difficulty breathing, and no other flu-like symptoms.
- If there is a reported case of COVID-19 on a flight or if the above symptoms are detected, all passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms will be quarantined for testing at designated airport hotels. If the test results are negative, they will be allowed to leave the facility.
- It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Kenya to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form by the Ministry of Health. The form is found here and must be completed online prior to disembarkation. 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.
- Strict infection prevention and control measures have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine
- All passengers arriving on international flights are required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility or at their Kenyan residence.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
- Passengers departing Kenya are required to have a Trusted Travel (TT) code for their COVID-19 test certificates if their destination countries, airlines, or transit airports require PCR tests. Visit www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel to check the test requirements of transit and destination countries.
- A list of laboratories that have been approved to carry out COVID-19 PCR tests, issuing certificates, and TT codes can be found here.
Rwanda
Tourism activities across the country resumed on 17 June 2020 and Rwanda‘s airports reopened for scheduled commercial flights on 1 August 2020. Kigali International Airport is a member of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by the Airports Council International (ACI).
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), performed within 120 hours of departure for Rwanda. Other tests such as Rapid Diagnostics Tests (RDT) are not accepted.
- Complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload your COVID-19 test certificate via www.rbc.gov.rw/travel prior to arrival.
- If you are visiting any national park in Rwanda, you are required to schedule your visit within 72 hours of receiving a negative PCR test result. If your visit/s is more than 72 hours after the initial test on arrival in Rwanda, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test before visiting the parks.
- Follow preventive measures while traveling in Rwanda: physical distancing where possible; the wearing of masks is mandatory, and temperature screenings before entering certain buildings are mandatory.
- All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19, with the RT-PCR test performed within 120 hours before departure. The Rwanda Development Board has advised that as long as travelers depart within 120 hours of their RT-PCR test on arrival, they do not require another test.
Mandatory quarantine
- All travelers arriving in Rwanda will be screened upon entry and take a second RT-PCR test to confirm the negative results of the test done prior to arrival. You will be required to wait about 24 hours for these test results in a designated transit hotel. The Government of Rwanda has negotiated special rates at designated transit hotels for the 24-hour waiting period.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All tourists will be allowed to visit Rwanda’s attractions and destinations after testing negative for COVID-19 in two consecutive tests.
- Travelers arriving in England from Rwanda will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. This ruling comes into effect on 21 November 2020.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Charter flights (individual and groups)
- Commercial airlines
- RwandAir between Dubai and selective African routes from 1 August 2020, and between London and Kigali
Madagascar
Madagascar announced that the island of Nosy Be will reopen for international travel on 1 October 2020. Travel will be limited to Nosy Be and the surrounding archipelagos – no travel to the mainland of Madagascar will be allowed. Fascene Airport on Nosy Be will be ready to welcome international visitors and perform the necessary health checks and testing. Domestic travel within Madagascar resumed in September 2020, with international travel expected to resume when Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo reopens for international visitors.
Open for international travel
- Yes – only the island of Nosy Be
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Present a return air ticket.
- Provide a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test, carried out within 72 hours before boarding the flight to Madagascar.
- Undergo a PCR test upon arrival at the airport, at your own cost.
- A letter of commitment must be signed, acknowledging the COVID-related health measures in Madagascar.
- Submit a signed health letter of commitment to the Public Health Ministry.
- Complete a health form and comply with all airport health procedures like temperature scans and using a disinfectant corridor.
- Conduct a COVID-19 PCR test at a hotel (at your own expense) 72 hours before departure from Madagascar, if the destination country requires a negative test result.
Mandatory quarantine
- All visitors are required to self-isolate at a hotel (at their own cost) for a maximum of 48 hours while waiting for the results of the PCR test conducted at the airport.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All except Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, USA, India, Brazil, Morocco, Argentina, and Iran.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Ethiopian Airlines
Malawi
Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, is open for international commercial and charter flights.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 10 days before arrival in Malawi. Any passenger arriving without a negative test result will be denied entry into the country.
- Complete a health declaration form, undergo basic screening and be requested to self-monitor for any virus symptoms for 14 days.
- Only passengers and airport staff will be allowed to enter the terminals and are required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing at all times.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
- Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours (starting when the sample is collected) before departure.
- If you fail to produce a valid negative test certificate or if you display any COVID-19 symptoms, you will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test at
your own expense.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Kenya Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
Mauritius
Approved & Recognised User of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safety Stamp
Mauritius announced a proposed phased reopening of borders for international travel. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is a member of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by Airports Council International (ACI).
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted between five and seven days prior to boarding an airplane to Mauritius.
- Provide proof of purchase of a travel package including accommodation (on a full board basis) at a designated hotel for a mandatory 14-day in-room quarantine.
- Download and complete the Public Health COVID-19 Passenger Health Self-Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form, which must be submitted to the Ministry of Health and Wellness counters upon arrival. The forms can be found here.
Mandatory quarantine
- Required for 14 days at a designated hotel (in-room) approved by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA). Click here for the updated reservations platform for quarantine accommodation.
- Arriving passengers will have to undergo PCR tests (at their own expense) on the day of arrival, day seven, and day 14 after arrival. If tested positive for COVID-19, travelers will be transferred to a public medical institution for treatment.
Please note: The 14-day mandatory quarantine has been extended to 15 February 2021.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Air Mauritius should resume flights from 1 October 2020, subject to the opening of borders and the lifting of travel restrictions.
- Emirates from 3 October 2020.
Mozambique
Mozambique‘s borders are open for international travel and flights have been approved from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa. Land borders are also open for self-drive travelers. Maputo International Airport is a member of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by the Airports Council International (ACI).
Mozambique implemented a 21-day lockdown from 15 January 2021. Beaches are closed along with casinos, nightclubs, bars, gymnasiums, cinemas, theatres, museums, and galleries. Restaurants may open from Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 20:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 06:00 and 15:00.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, conducted in your country of origin within 72 hours of departure for Mozambique.
- Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required.
Airlines flying to the destination
- All of the main airlines fly from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa.
- Airlink from South Africa.
Namibia
Namibia announced new implementation protocols that will guide the country’s international tourism revival initiative. These protocols came into effect on 1 September 2020, which signaled the reopening of Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek to international visitors. Entry to Namibia is only allowed via this airport.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the flight to Namibia.
- Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
- Submit your full trip itinerary.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required, unless a traveler’s PCR test is older than 72 hours (but less than seven days) – supervised quarantine of seven days is then required.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
- A negative COVID-19 test certificate, be conducted within 48 hours of departing Namibia if your country of origin requires it.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All
- Travelers arriving in England from Namibia will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. This ruling comes into effect on 21 November 2020.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Namibia
- Eurowings
- Qatar Airways
Seychelles
From 1 June 2020, Seychelles gradually started reopening its borders to visitors from low-risk countries traveling via private jets and direct chartered flights. After successfully implementing this first phase, Seychelles reopened for commercial flights on 1 August 2020.
A Visitor Travel Advisory has been implemented for passengers arriving from countries permitted to travel to Seychelles. Permitted countries have been divided into two categories. Visitors must ensure that they have valid travel insurance with full medical coverage, including COVID-19-related medical care, for the duration of their stay in Seychelles.
Visitors must ensure that accommodation bookings are made only at licensed establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Seychelles Public Health Authority. The lists of certified establishments for visitors from countries allowed to travel to Seychelles, as well as for visitors from countries with Special Status are available here.
As of 4 January 2021, excursions or trips can be organized with certified operators for only one family unit (maximum of 6 guests) at a time. Stand-alone restaurants will be closed, but restaurants within hotels and guesthouses will remain open for their guests only. Other communal areas and recreational services within hotel premises including bars, swimming pools, spas, and children’s clubs will not be operational. Inter-island travel is strongly discouraged.
On 14 January 2021, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism announced that Seychelles will review its entry requirement procedures following the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the island nation. The campaign is expected to have about three-quarters of the local adult population vaccinated by mid-March 2021.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
Vaccinated visitors:
- Seychelles is welcoming visitors from any part of the world who have completed a full course (two doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Non-vaccinated visitors:
- Permitted countries have been divided into two categories. The list of permitted countries is revised periodically and available here.
- Special Status has been given to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and the United Arab Emirates. Whenever the number of COVID-19 cases in these countries goes beyond a particular threshold, they will move from Category 1 to Category 2 list of permitted countries.
After mid-March:
- Once the majority of Seychelles’ adult population is vaccinated, the country will welcome visitors from all countries, vaccinated or not.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
For vaccinated visitors:
- Provide verification of a complete course (two doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine and that two weeks have passed after receiving the second dose.
- Submit an authentic certificate from their national health authority as proof of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel.
Mandatory quarantine
For vaccinated visitors:
- Not required for travelers who have completed a course on the COVID-19 vaccine.
For Category 1 & 2 lists of permitted countries:
- Required to spend a minimum of 10 nights in a designated COVID-19-certified establishment. Visitors may not leave the premises and must adhere to all the conditions in place at the establishment. A repeat PCR test will be performed after the fifth night.
There is no minimum length of stay in Seychelles but if your departure is before the completion of five nights, the surveillance PCR test is exempt and you can transfer directly to the airport with a certified transport company. If your departure is before 10 nights and you need an exit PCR test, you can be taken by a certified transport company to a regional testing venue and await the results at your hotel.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Private jets and direct chartered flights from the above countries.
- Commercial flights from the above countries from 1 August 2020.
South Africa
South Africa announced on 16 September 2020 that the country’s borders will reopen for tourism on 1 October 2020.
As of 11 January 2021, all land borders into and out of South Africa are closed until 15 February 2021. International air travel is restricted to and from OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport. The aforementioned airports are members of the Airport Health Accreditation Programme by Airports Council International (ACI).
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Complete a Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ) not more than 2 days before arrival. The same applies when leaving South Africa.
- Provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) from the time of departure for South Africa. 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.
- Undergo screening for any COVID-19 symptoms and/or for contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
- Download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app – more information here.
Mandatory quarantine
Not required unless:
- Arriving passengers fail to present a valid and negative COVID-19 PCR test. This will require quarantine at its own cost.
- Travelers 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, travelers will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site, at their own cost.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All
Airlines flying to the destination
Following the president’s announcement that South Africa will institute adjusted Level 3 Lockdown regulations, the curfew requires every person to be at their place of residence from 23:00 to 04:00. If a flight arrives within the curfew hours, passengers will be able to show proof of their boarding passes or tickets for their flights if stopped by law enforcement en route to the airport, hotel, or home.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Air France
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Emirates
- Lufthansa
- Edelweiss Air
- Virgin Atlantic
Tanzania
The government of Tanzania announced on 18 May 2020 that it will lift the ban on international flights arriving and departing from the country. All hotels and other tourist facilities in the country must go through a COVID-19 certification process, and official documents must be placed at the entrances of all facilities. The Tanzanian government has also directed all the country’s tourism entities to appoint and adequately train COVID-19 liaison officers to be the point of contact with its Health Ministry.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- If you are traveling with an airline that requires a negative COVID-19 certificate, or if your country of origin requires a negative COVID-19 certificate upon departure, then Tanzania will also request the certificate on arrival. All other travelers do not require a negative COVID-19 certificate, although it is recommended that all travelers have the certificate as a precautionary measure.
- Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19.
- While in Tanzania, visitors will be expected to adhere to full protective measures against the spread of COVID-19.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination
- All
Airlines flying to the destination
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Emirates
- Air Tanzania could resume operations in other countries that have re-opened for international travel, or for passengers looking to fly with the airline – to be confirmed.
Tunisia
After more than three months of its borders being locked down, Tunisia reopened its sea, land, and air borders to SELECT tourists on June 27. A color-coded system has been implemented to show which countries may enter without restrictions and which countries can enter with enhanced restrictions. They have created two lists of countries that are eligible to visit Tunisia for the purposes of tourism. A GREEN list and an ORANGE list.
Forbes recently listed Tunisia as one of 7 countries for becoming a top tourist destination in a post-covid world. [Tunisia Tours]
This is an ever-changing list. We will be adding more countries to it daily once we confirm with local governments/media.
Uganda
Uganda has released a tentative phased reopening schedule for all its land borders and the resumption of international passenger flights to Entebbe International Airport, effective 1 October 2020.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
Arriving passengers:
- Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in your country of origin, issued within 120 hours of departure for Uganda.
- Undergo temperature checks and health screening on arrival.
- Wear masks, maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) where possible, and practice good personal hygiene.
Departing passengers:
- Arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled flights.
- Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, issued within 120 hours of departing from Uganda.
- Undergo temperature checks and health screening.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required. Passengers who exhibit signs and symptoms of infectious disease will be transported to an isolation center for a COVID-19 test. Results will be available within 24 to 48 hours. If foreign nationals test positive for COVID-19 and wish to be repatriated to another facility outside Uganda, they can do so at their own cost and according to COVID-19 medical evacuation protocols.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Turkish Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Kenya Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
Zambia
Zambia is open to foreign nationals and issues visitor visas upon entry into the country. Depending on your nationality, travelers can arrive without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa before traveling 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
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Provide a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 7 days of arriving in Zambia.
- Adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. You will also need to monitor yourself daily for 14 days post-arrival for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
- Travelers leaving Zambia will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate when flying with an airline or to a country that requires said certificate.
Mandatory quarantine
- All international visitors are screened on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure
Obtain a Travel Certificate from the Ministry of Health, originating from Zambia, if your destination or airline requires a COVID-19 test certificate. To obtain a Travel Certificate, travelers must present their passports and COVID-19 test results at one of these offices:
- University Teaching Hospital (UTH)
- District Health Office (DHO)
- Public Health Office (PHO)
- Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
- Adult Infectious Disease Center (AIDC) at UTH
Airlines flying to the destination
- Ethiopian Airlines
- RwandAir
- Kenya Airways
- Emirates is set to start flying to Zambia on 1 September 2020.
- Proflight Zambia is operating limited domestic flights.
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.
The government instituted a national lockdown until 15 February 2021. Air travel remains open for leisure travelers, but land borders are closed until further notice. Inter-city and inter-provincial holiday travel, as well as visiting national parks and designated tourism facilities are allowed between 06:00 and 18:00. Visitors who are traveling between destinations are required to provide documentation of bookings at national parks and other designated tourism facilities. Hotels and lodges in Zimbabwe are exempted from the mandatory lockdown business closures.
Open for international travel
- Yes
Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on arrival
- Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognized facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
- Undergo health screening and temperature testing.
- Social distancing, hand sanitization, and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine
- Not required unless travelers show symptoms of the virus or don’t have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival – they are then required to stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days, then self-isolate for another 7 days. A fee of $60 will be levied on travelers tested at ports of entry.
Airlines flying to the destination
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- Air Tanzania
- Fastjet flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls are suspended until 15 March 2021.
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