Note: The information is correct to the best of Giltedge’s knowledge at time of publication and is updated regularly.
How we travel has changed tremendously. But as one of the world’s leading tour operators, Giltedge is committed to ensuring the safety of our guests and staff. Our expert team will advise you on your post-Covid holiday to Africa.
We suggest that you visit the official government website of the country you’re going to visit. Please also check your airline’s travel regulations prior to departure.
Please note that RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests are different. RDT results and home test results are unlikely to be accepted.
SOUTHERN AFRICA REQUIREMENTS
COUNTRY | SOUTH AFRICA | BOTSWANA | MOZAMBIQUE | NAMIBIA | ZAMBIA | ZIMBABWE |
Airport borders open | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Land borders open | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PCR testing prior to arrival | No | No | No | No | No | If not fully vaccinated, PCR test (hard copy) no older than 48 hours from the time of departure |
PCR test on trusted travel platform | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Vaccination | No | No | No | No | No | Proof of full vaccination (no booster required) = no need for PCR test |
Tests on arrival | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Vaccination OR PCR test for children 5-18 years | No | No | No | No | No | Not applicable to children under 12 years |
PCR test certificate necessary with COVID-19 vaccination | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Quarantine on arrival | No (unless further testing on arrival produces a positive test) | No (unless further testing on arrival produces a positive test) | No (unless further testing on arrival produces a positive test) | No (unless further testing on arrival produces a positive test) | No (unless further testing on arrival produces a positive test) | No (unless further testing on arrival produces a positive test) |
Other national COVID-19 protocols | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Departure requirements | Check with airline / destination country | Check with airline / destination country | Check with airline / destination country | Check with airline / destination country | Check with airline / destination country | Check with airline / destination country |
International Reopened Date:
- 12 November 2020
- Entry currently into King Shaka International (Durban), OR Tambo International (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, Lanseria and Kruger Mpumalanga Airports
WTTC Safety Stamp:
- Cape Town only
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No
Entry Conditions (as of 23 June 2022):
- None
Departure:
- Covid-19 negative test only required if specified by airline/onward destination
In country testing:
- Testing sites: Widely available
- Length of time to get results: 24 – 48 hours
- Cost: +/- R850
- Remote Testing: Yes

International Reopened Date:
- 09 November 2020 – Gabarone, Maun and Kasane Airports
- 01 December 2020 – Francistown Airport
- 01 December 2020 – ground crossing resumed at commercial border points including Kazangula
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No – unless displaying symptoms on arrival, will be required to undertake mandatory testing, , possible isolation and or quarantine
Entry conditions (as of 28 September 2022):
- None
Departure:
- Covid-19 negative test only required if specified by airline/onward destination
Testing in country:
- Testing sites: Done in various sites across the country. Many options provided through private labs in the main access points like Maun. Remote testing:
- Length of time to get results: 24 hours
- Cost: $60-$90
- Remote Testing: Yes / from $300
International Reopened Date:
- 1 September 2020, Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No – unless a guest shows COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive they will be subjected to quarantine at own cost for a period of 10 days.
Entry Conditions (as of 18 Aug 2022):
- None
Other Conditions:
- The wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory, but is encouraged in gatherings or meetings.
On departure:
Covid-19 negative test only required if specified by airline/onward destination
Testing in country:
- Testing sites: Windhoek
- Remote testing: Yes/allow 48 hours
- Length of time to get results: Super Express = 6hours to 48 hours
- Cost: Standard PCR = $80 Super Express = $140
International Reopened Date:
- 11 September 2020.
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No
Entry Conditions as of 31 May 2023
- None
On departure:
Covid-19 test only required if specified by airline / onward destination
Testing in country:
- Testing sites: Vilanculos & Maputo
- Length of time to get results: 24 hours
- Cost: $100
- Remote testing: Yes / $100-$250
International Reopened Date:
- 25 June 2020
- Visas issued on arrival, via e-visas or Zambian missions abroad (as per nationality of traveller)
Entry Conditions (as of 22 Mar 2023):
- None
On departure:
- Covid-19 test only required if specified by airline /onward destination
International Reopened Date:
- 01 October 2020
Entry Conditions (as of 28 April 2023):
- Fully vaccinated – NONE (show proof of vaccine) – fully vaccinated to enter Zimbabwe means one dose of a single dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson or both doses of a two-dose vaccine such as Astra Zenica or Pfizer.
- Unvaccinated = negative COVID test no older than 48 hours prior to departure from your country of origin.
- Children below the age of 12 do NOT need a PCR test (even if vaccinated)
On departure:
- Testing sites: Vic Falls, Harare & Bulawayo
- Length of time to get results: 24 hours
- Cost: $60
- Remote testing: Yes, from Victoria Falls by Ace Ambulance
EAST AFRICA REQUIREMENTS
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Country
Airport Borders Open
Land Borders Open
PCR testing Necessary with Vaccination Certificate
Quarantine on Arrival
PCR test on trusted travel platform
PCR Testing Prior to Arrival
Other National COVID Protocols
Vaccination OR
PCR test for children 5-18 years
Vaccination
Tests on arrival
Departure requirements
Kenya
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
If not fully vaccinated = negative PCR test 72 hours from the time of departure
None
PCR required if unvaccinated (children under 12 years are exempt)
Proof of full vaccination = no need for PCR test
Unvaccinated = antigen test on arrival $30 pp
Check with airline / destination country
Rwanda
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
None
No
No
No
None
Tanzania/ Zanzibar
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
None
Yes
Proof of full vaccination = no need for PCR test
No
Check with airline / destination country
Uganda
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
If not fully vaccinated = negative PCR test 72 hours from the time of departure
All travellers to complete a Traveller health questionnaire prior to arrival or upon arrival.
Yes
Proof of full vaccination = no need for PCR test
No
Negative PCR if unvaccinated 72 hours prior to departure
Country | Airport Borders Open | Land Borders Open | PCR testing Necessary with Vaccination Certificate | Quarantine on Arrival | PCR test on trusted travel platform | PCR Testing Prior to Arrival | Other National COVID Protocols | Vaccination OR PCR test for children 5-18 years | Vaccination | Tests on arrival | Departure requirements |
Kenya | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | If not fully vaccinated = negative PCR test 72 hours from the time of departure | None | PCR required if unvaccinated (children under 12 years are exempt) | Proof of full vaccination = no need for PCR test | Unvaccinated = antigen test on arrival $30 pp | Check with airline / destination country |
Rwanda | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | None | No | No | No | None |
Tanzania/ Zanzibar | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | None | Yes | Proof of full vaccination = no need for PCR test | No | Check with airline / destination country |
Uganda | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | If not fully vaccinated = negative PCR test 72 hours from the time of departure | All travellers to complete a Traveller health questionnaire prior to arrival or upon arrival. | Yes | Proof of full vaccination = no need for PCR test | No | Negative PCR if unvaccinated 72 hours prior to departure |
International Reopened Date:
- 1 August 2020 International flight
- 01 May 2021 Domestic flights
WTTC Safety Stamp:
- Yes
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No
Entry Conditions:
Prior to Arrival:
- Fully vaccinated = NO PCR test * Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of specific vaccine latest shot at least fourteen (14) days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).
- All unvaccinated travellers under the age of 12 = negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival (children under 5 are exempt)
- Unvaccinated travelers arriving at any point of entry shall be subjected to rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD
On Arrival:
- Guest’s temperatures checked with a non-contact thermometer on arrival, 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 case of Covid-19 on the flight or a passenger exhibiting the above symptoms, all passengers within 2 rows will be taken to a government quarantine facility at their own cost and will be subject to a COVID-19 test. If the test results are negative, they are allowed to leave the facility.
On departure:
- Passengers travelling out of Kenya will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.
- A person intending to travel outside Kenya to a destination that requires a COVID-19 test must take the test from an approved laboratory in Kenya. Once the test is done, the traveller will receive an email from admin@panabios.org or their lab contact with their Trusted Travel – TT – certificate.
- On the certificate, they will find the Trusted Testing Code (TT Code) which shows that the test was done in an approved Trusted Lab. The TT Code is used as evidence of the test to generate a Travel Code (TC) for international travel.
- TT Code and TC are standard travel clearance requirements for international travel in a health emergency. Travellers must endeavour to check the test requirements of transit and destination countries as well as the latest list of Trusted Labs on xchange.panabios.org or www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel to ensure that their tests remain valid for the duration of their full trip.
- Covid-19 test only required if specified by airline
- If required, test must be digitally verified & TT code obtained as per above
International Reopened Date:
- 1 August 2020
WTTC Safety Stamp:
- Yes
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No
Entry Conditions:
Prior to Arrival:
- None
- All travellers are encouraged to be fully vaccinated but it is not a requirement
Testing in country:
- Testing sites: all around country
- Length of time to get results: 24 hours
- Cost: $50
- Remote testing: Yes. Cost = $70 – $150
International Reopened Date:
- 18 May 2020
WTTC Safety Stamp:
- Yes
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No
Entry Conditions:
- None
Other Conditions:
- International travelers are encouraged to have valid health/medical insurance before arrival
- International travelers are encouraged to apply for online e-visas prior to arrival
On departure:
Presentation of negative PCR test if required by airline or onward destination.
Please note that the current government advice is for travellers to undergo COVID-19 testing a minimum of 5 days prior to departure (depending on the specific airline and destination country requirements) to ensure adequate time is allowed for test results to be received
Testing in country:
- Testing sites: Dar, Arusha, Zanzibar & Manyara, Kili, Grumeti & Seronera.
- Length of time to get results: 48 hours (24 hours in Dar)
- Cost: $100
- Remote testing: Yes / variable
International Reopened Date:
- 1 October 2020
Quarantine on Arrival:
- No – if passenger tests positive for Covid-19 they will be taken to a treatment centre or repatriated for treatment outside of Uganda at their own cost.
Entry Conditions (as of 27 Feb 2023):
- None
On departure:
- Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated guests must have had a negative PCR COVID 19 test done within 72 hours before departure from Uganda
INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND REQUIREMENTS
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Country
Airport Borders Open
Land Borders Open
PCR Testing Prior to Arrival
PCR Testing for Minors <5 Years on Arrival
PCR testing Necessary with Vaccination Certificate
Quarantine on Arrival
Other National COVID Protocols
Madagascar
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
None
Maldives
Yes
Yes
No -
All tourists arriving in the Maldives will still be required to complete the Online TravellerHealth Declaration form via https://travel.immigration.gov.mv/96 HRS PRIOR TO TRAVEL
No
No
No
None
Mauritius
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Mandatory mask wearing in hospitals, ports, airports and on public transport
Seychelles
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
None
Country | Airport Borders Open | Land Borders Open | PCR Testing Prior to Arrival | PCR Testing for Minors <5 Years on Arrival | PCR testing Necessary with Vaccination Certificate | Quarantine on Arrival | Other National COVID Protocols |
Madagascar | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | None |
Maldives | Yes | Yes | No - All tourists arriving in the Maldives will still be required to complete the Online TravellerHealth Declaration form via https://travel.immigration.gov.mv/96 HRS PRIOR TO TRAVEL | No | No | No | None |
Mauritius | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Mandatory mask wearing in hospitals, ports, airports and on public transport |
Seychelles | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | None |
International Reopened Date:
- 05 March 2022
Entry Conditions:
- None
Other Conditions:
- Face masks mandatory
International Reopened Date:
- 15th July 2020
WTTC Safety Stamp:
- Yes
Quarantine on arrival:
- No
Entry Conditions:
- All tourists arriving in the Maldives will still be required to complete the Online TravellerHealth Declaration form via https://travel.immigration.gov.mv/96 HRS PRIOR TO TRAVEL
Prior to Arrival:
- Pre-arrival PCR test is NOT required for all passengers arriving in the Maldives.
On Arrival:
- All tourists will undergo non-intrusive temperature checks and screening on arrival to the Maldives
Other Conditions:
- All tourist facilities will have access to medical services, well-managed stock of PPE and a COVID-19 safety manager.
International Reopening Date:
- 15 July 2021
Entry conditions:
- None
The MTPA recommends that the All in One Mauritius travel form be filled in by visitors before departure. The form, with its QR code, should then be printed out and presented at the airport on arrival. Failing that, the disembarkation card can be filled in on arrival.
The form can be found at https://safemauritius.govmu.org/
On arrival:
- All travellers must fill out the mandatory health forms before or during your flight to Mauritius. To save time, you can fill out the All in One Travel Form Safe Mauritius (govmu.org)
WTTC Safety Stamp:
- Yes
International Reopened Date:
- 1st August 2020
Entry Conditions:
- Complete Travel Declaration
- Health Travel Authorisation must be done for entry to Seychelles at www.seychelles.govtas.com
- Valid Travel & Health insurance to cover potential COVID-19 related costs2.
On Arrival:
- May be subject to routine health screening.
Other Conditions:
- Information regarding the safety of visitors including further measures taken are available on the Tourism Department’s website via the following link: http://tourism.gov.sc/covid-19-guidelines/
–> SEE TANZANIA