Covid 19 Travel Updates

Here is the latest guidance to set you on track for planning a safari to Africa’s Eden. Being in a position where so many countries meet, our aim is to ensure smooth regional and international travel. Please note that this Covid travel information is relevant at the time of posting; however, it is ultimately the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that their documentation is in order. Every Africa’s Eden member is dedicated to ensuring guests have a fantastic time in the heart of Africa, so please reach out with any questions or queries.

Getting to Zimbabwe

Land borders are open and domestic flights resumed on the 10th of September 2021. Zimbabwean international airports re-opened on the 1st of October 2021 with flight schedules continuing to increase from a variety of destinations.

International Airlines to Zimbabwe

• Ethiopian Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• Emirates
• Fastjet
• Eurowings Discover
• Comair
• Airlink
• MackAir – charter flights from Botswana

Domestic Airlines in Zimbabwe

Air Zimbabwe flies between Harare and Victoria Falls, while Fast Jet flies between Harare and Victoria Falls as well as Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe Covid Entry Requirements

• All passengers entering Zimbabwe are required to complete a COVID-19 contact-tracing document on arrival at the port of entry.
• As of 1st April 2022, all passengers 12 years of age and over are required to either present a negative PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate obtained within 48 hours before departure or proof of being fully vaccinated
• 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
• Anyone recording a temperature equal to or higher than 38°C will be tested for COVID-19.
• Travellers that test positive will then be required to go into local isolation for 10 days if they have no symptoms, or 13 days if they are symptomatic
• A negative COVID-19 PCR test is no longer a requirement for departure from any Zimbabwean international airport or land borders unless the onward destination or airline requires it

 

Frequently Asked Questions about travel in Zimbabwe and Covid-19.

Is a negative PCR test required to depart Zimbabwe?

No, a negative PCR test is no longer a requirement for departing Zimbabwe unless the onward destination or airline requires it.

Is a doctor’s letter or proof of recovery from Covid-19 accepted for entry to Zimbabwe?

Currently, travellers are not permitted to enter Zimbabwe with either a doctor’s letter or proof of recovery from Covid-19. A negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure from your initial destination or proof of full vaccination status is the only permitted document to showcase Covid status.

Is proof of vaccination required for entry to Zimbabwe?

Proof of full vaccination or having a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival is needed for entry to Zimbabwe via land borders for anyone over 12 years of age.

Do kids need a PCR test to enter Zimbabwe?

Children under 12 years of age do not need a PCR test to enter Zimbabwe. Children twelve years and over will either need a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival or have their printed vaccination record showing that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated to enter Zimbabwe means one dose of a one-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson or two doses of any mixture of two-dose vaccines.

Does a Covid vaccination card require a QR code to enter Zimbabwe?

No, currently your vaccination card does not require a QR code to enter Zimbabwe. However, the covid vaccination certificate should be printed rather than only carrying a digital version.

Getting to Zambia

Zambia was one of the first countries in Southern Africa to open international borders. As a result, all land borders and airports in Zambia are open and ready to welcome tourists and returning residents.

International Airlines to Zambia

• Kenya Airways
• Airlink
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Emirates
• Proflight
• Royal Zambian Airlines
• Rwandair
• Qatar Airways
• MackAir – charter flights from Botswana

Domestic Flights in Zambia

Proflight and Royal Zambian Airlines also offer domestic flight schedules, with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) being the central hub. United Air Charters also operates charter flights from Livingstone throughout Zambia.

Zambia Covid Entry Requirements

• As of 22nd March 2023, Zambia lifted all Covid-19 related entry requirements for tourists and residents

Frequently Asked Questions about travel in Zambia and Covid-19.

Is a negative PCR test required to depart Zambia?

Zambia has no published exit requirement, and therefore you are not required to produce a negative PCR test for travel if the airline you are flying with, the country you are flying to or the country you are in transit through does not require it.

Is a doctor’s letter or proof of recovery from Covid-19 accepted for entry to Zambia?

As of 22nd March 2023, Zambia lifted all Covid-19 related entry requirements for tourists and residents; therefore a doctor’s letter or proof of recovery is also not required.

Is proof of vaccination required for entry to Zambia?

No, proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry into Zambia as of 22 March 2023.

Do kids need a PCR test to enter Zambia?

No, proof of vaccination is no longer required for children or adults for entry into Zambia as of 22 March 2023.

Does a Covid vaccination card require a QR code to enter Zambia?

No, proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry into Zambia as of 22 March 2023.

Getting to Namibia

Airspace and land borders are open for travel in Namibia. International travellers are permitted to enter Namibia through Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Airlines flying into Namibia

• Airlink
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Eurowings Discover
• FlyNam (previously WestAir)
• Qatar Airways

Namibia Covid Entry Requirements

• From 25th August 2022, foreign visitors to Namibia no longer need a Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test to enter the country.
• Adults and children under 12 years of age are not required to be vaccinated or carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter Namibia
• International travellers must have valid insurance that covers medical care or an unexpected extended stay

Frequently Asked Questions about travel in Namibia and Covid-19.

Is a negative PCR test required to depart Namibia?

Namibia does not require a PCR test to depart the country unless the airline or onward country requires it.

Is a doctor’s letter or proof of recovery from Covid-19 accepted for entry to Namibia?

As of 25th August 2022, foreign travellers entering Namibia no longer need any Covid documentation to enter the country.

Is proof of vaccination required for entry to Namibia?

As of 25th August 2022, foreign travellers entering Namibia no longer need any Covid documentation to enter the country.

Do kids need a PCR test to enter Namibia?

As of 25th August 2022, neither adults nor children are required to be vaccinated or carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter Namibia.

Getting to Botswana

Travel to Botswana is back and in high demand! Airspace and land borders are open for travel in Botswana. Should anyone require Covid-19 testing in Botswana then it is readily available in the major cities such as Gaborone, Maun, Francistown and Kasane.

Airlines flying into Botswana

• Airlink
• Air Botswana

Botswana Covid Entry Requirements

• As of 28th September 2022, Botswana dropped all Covid protocols including the wearing of masks in public places and the need for a PCR test at point of entry
• As of 28th September 2022, travellers entering Botswana no longer need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination for entry

Frequently Asked Questions about travel in Botswana and Covid-19.

Is a negative PCR test required to depart Botswana?

No – as of 28th September 2022, all Covid protocols for arrival or departure from Botswana have been dropped.

Is proof of vaccination required for entry to Botswana?

No – as of 28th September 2022, all Covid protocols for arrival or departure from Botswana have been dropped.

Is a booster shot required for entry to Botswana?

No – as of 28th September 2022, all Covid protocols for arrival or departure from Botswana have been dropped.

Do kids need a PCR test to enter Botswana?

No – as of 28th September 2022, all Covid protocols for arrival or departure from Botswana have been dropped.

Does a Covid vaccination card require a QR code to enter Botswana?

No – as of 28th September 2022, all Covid protocols for arrival or departure from Botswana have been dropped.

South Africa Covid Entry Requirements

• As of 22nd June 2022, all Covid protocols were lifted for travellers arriving to South Africa and masks are no longer required in public areas.
• Upon departure from South Africa, Covid travel requirements will be dependent on the advice and regulations of your destination country, transit point and/or airline

Frequently Asked Questions about travel in South Africa and Covid-19.

Is a negative PCR test required to depart South Africa?

As of 22nd June 2022, South Africa dropped all Covid testing requirements for incoming travellers; however, upon departure, the regulations will depend on your destination country, transit point and airline.

Is a PCR test required to transit through a South African Airport?

Travellers transiting through a South African airport are not required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a negative PCR test.

Is a doctor’s letter or proof of recovery from Covid-19 accepted for entry to South Africa?

As of 22nd June 2022, South Africa dropped all Covid protocols for incoming travellers therefore a letter or proof of recovery is not required.

Is proof of vaccination required for entry to South Africa?

No, travellers entering South Africa as of 22nd June 2022 no longer require a proof of vaccination or negative Covid test to enter the country.

Do travellers need to be fully vaccinated for entry to South Africa?

No, travellers entering South Africa as of 22nd June 2022 no longer require a proof of vaccination or negative Covid test to enter the country.

Is a booster shot required for entry to South Africa?

No, a booster shot for Covid-19 is not a requirement to enter South Africa.

Do kids need a PCR test to enter South Africa?

Children under 12 years of age do not need a PCR test to enter South Africa. As of 22nd June 2022, there are no longer Covid protocols for any age traveller to enter South Africa.