COVID-19 African Country Travel Restrictions: Southern Africa
A vast and highly diverse continent filled with dramatic landscapes, remarkable scenery, extraordinary cultures, exceptional fauna and flora and an endless variety of magnificent destinations to explore, Africa offers some of the most incredible travel experiences in the world. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and various regulations and restrictions imposed on travel and tourism, many keen travellers and adventurers are wondering when they’ll finally be able to visit these bucket-list worthy travel destination once again.
We’ve put together a guide of all the latest updates regarding when some of your favourite African destinations are expected to re-open to international travellers, as well as border statuses, and what you can expect regarding the various COVID-19 travel restrictions and protocols of each country.
**Important note: It is important to consider that each African country has their own set of COVID-19 travel protocols in place. Some of these protocols are also subject to change as circumstances evolve.
For those who are thinking of travelling to Africa, here is everything you need to know about some of the safest COVID-19 African destinations to best plan your next thrilling African adventure.
**Disclaimer: This article was last updated on 17 September 2020 and is thus subject to change.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
The beautiful Southern Africa includes bucket-list worthy African destinations like South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique – Southern Africa is the ultimate post-COVID-19 travel destination.
SOUTH AFRICA
**Note: *The city of Cape Town is an approved and recognised user of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safety Stamp.*
South Africa’s risk-adjusted approach to COVID-19 is based on five Lockdown Levels. On the 26th of March 2020, the South African government implemented a Nationwide Level 5 Lockdown and risk-adjusted approach. On the 17th of August 2020, the country transitioned to Lockdown Alert Level 2 with the relaxation of certain regulations and restrictions. On the 16th of September 2020 President Cyril Ramaphosa made an announcement that South Africa will officially move to Alert Level 1 of Lockdown from midnight on Sunday 20 September 2020.
The transition from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 comes with great news for international travellers as it means South Africa will reopen its international borders on 1 October 2020.
**Local travel restrictions: Level 1 of South Africa’s Risk-Adjusted Strategy allows for all domestic interprovincial travel for business and leisure purposes. Domestic flights for business and leisure purposes are available from all commercial airports in South Africa.
**VISA Restrictions: In preparation for the re-opening of borders from 1 October 2020, the South African missions abroad will open for visa applications and all long-term visas will be reinstated.
When is South Africa expected to re-open for international travel?
South Africa will reopen its international borders on 1 October 2020, under Alert Level 1 of Lockdown. International travel will be allowed into and out of South Africa for business, leisure and other travel. This is however subject to various containment and mitigation measures. Travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the COVID-19 lockdown or one of the three main South African airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo or Cape Town International Airport.
Who can visit?
For international travel, the South African government will place restrictions for travel to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published based on the latest scientific data.
What health/screening procedures have been put in place?
The following health screening and quarantine protocols have been put in place:
- On arrival, travellers will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
- Where a traveller has not done a COVID-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost.
- All travellers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted.
- All travellers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. Countries that have used this type of app have been able to manage the Coronavirus pandemic quite effectively.
BOTSWANA
Botswana has reported some of the lowest number of COVID-19 cases in the world. As a result, the Botswana government was quick to respond by closing its borders to limit the spread of COVID-19 within the country. As of June 2020, the government of Botswana has maintained their stronghold and have not announced any plans to resume commercial international flights into the country. They have also kept their current ban on all individuals entering the country firmly in place.
When is Botswana expected to re-open for international travel?
As it currently stands, Botswana has banned the entry of all visitors (except residents) from entering the country.
Who is allowed to visit?
All borders remain closed at this time. Only residents of Botswana are allowed in the country.
What health/screening procedures have been put in place?
No health/screening protocols or procedures have yet been stipulated or outlined for international visitors.
What will happen if you test positive for COVID-19 in Botswana?
No information has been provided as of yet as to what the steps would be in this scenario.
ZIMBABWE
On the 30th of March 2020 Zimbabwe imposed a country-wide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, the Zimbabwean government announced the reopening of the country’s local tourism sector on 3 September 2020, allowing for domestic flights to resume. Zimbabwe is expected to resume international flights from 1 October 2020. Land borders remain closed until further notice.
When is Zimbabwe expected to re-open for international travel?
Zimbabwe is expected to re-open to international travellers on 1 October 2020.
Who is allowed to visit?
International guests that can provide a COVID-19 clearance certificate will be allowed to visit Zimbabwe.
What health/screening procedures have been put in place?
The following health screening and quarantine protocols have been put in place:
- All travellers will be required to present a PCR COVID-19 clearance certificate issued by a recognised facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
- All travellers will undergo health screening and temperature testing.
- Social distancing, hand sanitisation and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
ZAMBIA
Zambia is open to foreign nationals as well as issuing visitor visas upon entry into the country. Limited domestic flight schedules are currently operating with twice-weekly flights between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Mfuwe International Airport, as well as between Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
When is Zambia expected to re-open for international travel?
Zambia’s borders are open to international travellers.
Who is allowed to visit?
Zambia has not placed any specific restrictions on any countries.
What health/screening procedures have been put in place?
The following health screening and quarantine protocols have been put in place:
- All international visitors are screened and tested for COVID-19 on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to self-quarantine for 14 days at their residence or preferred place of stay.
- All arriving passengers must have a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 14 days of arriving in Zambia.
- Visitors will be expected to adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical/social distancing, wearing face masks, and upholding personal health and hygiene standards. Visitors will also need to monitor themselves daily for 10 days for any symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
- Even if you test negative for COVID-19, you are still required to complete the 14-day self-quarantine period.
What will happen if you test positive for COVID-19 in Zambia?
Anyone entering Zambia who either tests positive for COVID-19 or displays symptoms related to COVID-19 will be taken to government facilities for treatment and quarantine.
NAMIBIA
Namibia announced new implementation protocols that will guide the country’s international tourism revival initiative. These newly released protocols came into effect on the 1st of September 2020, signalling the re-opening of Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek to international visitors and travellers. This is the only airport in Namibia that will allow entry into the country.
When is Namibia expected to re-open for international travel?
Namibia initiated the gradual re-opening of their borders to international travellers from the 1st of September 2020.
Who is allowed to visit?
Namibia has not placed any specific restrictions on any countries. This means all countries are allowed to travel to Namibia.
What health/screening procedures have been put in place?
The following health screening and quarantine protocols have been put in place:
- All passengers arriving on international flights must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the plane.
- All arriving travellers are required to submit their full itinerary on arrival.
- All visitors must be available for a swab test on day five (5) of their trip. You must then be reachable / contactable on day seven (7) to receive the results of the swabbing. If the result is negative, you may proceed with the rest of your itinerary. If the result is positive, you will be treated at isolation facilities authorised by the Ministry of Health and Social Services at their cost, and according to national case management guidelines.
MOZAMBIQUE
As it currently stands, Mozambique has suspended all international passenger flights, as well as the issuance of visas and travel documents until further notice.
When is Mozambique expected to re-open for international travel?
There has been no confirmed date as to when Mozambique is expected to re-open their borders to international travellers.
What health/screening procedures have been put in place?
No health/screening protocols or procedures have yet been stipulated or outlined for international visitors.
What will happen if you test positive for COVID-19 in Mozambique?
No information has been provided as of yet as to what the steps would be in this scenario.
