9 African Countries open for tourists after COVID-19 Pandemic
Which African countries are open for tourists now?
Many African countries benefit from tourism industries, but all countries have closed their border because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, African countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, and Madagascar have a successful tourism industry. Some African Countries open for tourists and international flights. So, which African countries are open for tourists now?
Over five secure websites and respective countries’ websites are reviewed to identify reopened countries and their entry requirements. For further information, visit the reference websites as well.
List of African Countries open for Tourists and their Entry Requirements
After months of lockdown, many African countries are reopening their borders and inviting tourists. Although many African countries are open for international travel, some of them yet do not open for international tourism. The list of 10 African Countries reopened for tourists and their entry restrictions.
All countries have their own entry restrictions and requirements. Currently, only nine African Countries reopened for tourists, though some resumed international flights after COVID-19. Mind that, as we will update the status every week.
1. Egypt
Egypt has reopened borders to international tourism and flights in July 2020. However, all travelers must fulfill entry requirements.
Entry requirements
Valid negative test result for COVID-19 both before departure to and on Egypt airport (within 72 hours)
- Proof of a valid Travel Health Insurance policy
- Valid travel visa
- Sign for health declaration card
- Wear face masks
The Egyptian authorities are likely to ask passengers to self-quarantine for up to 14 days in a at hotel if the test result is positive. Passengers may be treated at a public hospital if signs of COVID-19 continue. Alternatively, passengers may also to go private hospital under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
More information about applying for a travel Visa: https://www.egyptonlinevisa.com/visa-requirements/
2. Ethiopia
Since August 2020, Ethiopia reopened the boarders to all visitors. So, what are the travel requirements for passengers?
Entry Requirements
- Negative test results for COVID-19 (no more than five days of arrival) but if the proof of negative PCR test is not given at arrival, a traveler must quarantine for 7 days at a government-approved hotel. However, any person that tests positive for COVID-19 will be prohibited from entering Ethiopia. Diplomats are required to self-isolate for 14 days at their residence.
- Re-test on arrival
- 7 days mandatory self-quarantine (at own cost)
- completing a health screening questionnaire and answering questions from health officials
Transit Via Ethiopia
Ethiopia exempt transiting travelers from COVID-19’s existing quarantine conditions. However, 72 hours is the permissible transit time. People traveling for 24 hours or fewer will stay in the airport’s departure lounge. But travelers with a transit of over 24 hours will stay at a designated transit hotel. Moreover, passengers should report to the transit desk upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to clarify their hotel information. Thus, passengers need to show the hotel information and passport to the desk designated “transit shuttle bus” after health screening and immigration.
Further information about Ethiopia’s Tourist Visa (ETV).
3. Kenya
Kenya has reopened its national boundaries since August 2020 and accepts all countries as long as passengers comply with the entry requirements.
Entry Requirements
- All travelers and transit passengers must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departure.
- Screen all passengers on arrival. But anyone who shows the signs of COVID-19 will quarantine for 14 days.
- Fill out Travel Health Surveillance Form
Learn more about Travel Health Surveillance: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/ and learn more about Trusted Travel (TT) Code: https://africacdc.org/trusted-travel/
4. Namibia
Namibia has reopened international airports for tourists and flights since September 2020. However, all passengers must comply with the travel requirements.
Entry requirements
- Submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; and must be tested again after 7 days in Namibia.
5. Seychelles
In October 2020, Seychelles re-opened its international flights to all islands. Seychelles is accepting travelers from all parts of the world who have received a full dose of the COVID-19 immunization. On the other hand, when Seychelles gives vaccines to most of the adult population, the country will welcome travelers from all countries. However, non-vaccinated travelers have the following requirements.
Entry Requirements
- Passengers present either a PCR no more than 72 hours or rapid test on arrival within 48 hours.
- Fill out health check form
- Temperature and symptom check on arrival
- If a departure is before staying five-night and transfer directly to the airport with a certified transport company, the surveillance PCR test is exempt
- If a departure is before nights, a traveler needs an exit PCR test
6. South Africa
South Africa has reopened three international flights and tourism in October 2020 whereas the land borders are closed until mid of February 2021. Eligible travelers must have the entry requirements.
Entry Requirements
- show a negative test for COVID-19 that is less than 72 hours before departure
- Complete a Traveler Health Questionnaire (THQ) before arrival and departure
- Quarantine is not mandatory unless passengers cannot show negative COVID-19 -19 test, display any symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with an infected person.
- 10-day quarantine at a designated site when a traveler has a positive test result.
Learn More about Traveler Health Questionnaire of South Africa: https://sa-covid-19-travel.info/ Learn more about travel protocol: https://wttc.org/COVID-19/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp Download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app Here : https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covidalert/
7. Tanzania
Tanzania opened to tourists in June 2020. What are the entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
- Submit PCR Test on arrival and departure
- Temperature checking on arrival
- No Mandatory quarantine for passengers but 14-day self-isolation when travelers show signs and positive result of COVID-19 on arrival
- Wear face masks and keep a distance
- Fill out a “Health Form of Tanzania” and present it upon arrival
Learn more about health screening and COVID-19 protocols on arrival https://wttc.org/COVID-19/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp
8. Zambia
Zambia resumed international flights and tourism since August 2020. But tourist visas are only available in advance, not permitted on arrival, or must apply for an e-visa before traveling to Zambia. What are other requirements of entry?
Entry Requirements
- Show proof of negative PCR test taken no more than 7 days before arrival
- Quarantine and a nasal swab test for Passenger show COVID-19 symptoms on arrival
- Wear face masks in all public places
- Keep at least one meter away
- 14 days quarantine if passenger shows any signs of COVID-19
Learn more about entry requirements, via Policy and rules: https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/
9. Zimbabwe
In October 2020, Zimbabwe reopened the border to all travelers, though the government instituted a national lockdown until 15 February 2021. Still, the land borders of Zimbabwe are closed until further notice. But travelers must fulfill the entry requirements.
Entry Requirements
- Show negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure.
- Undergo health screening and temperature testing
- Social distancing, hand sanitization, and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
- travelers show symptoms of the virus or don’t have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival, 7 days quarantine is Mandatory
As of February 10, 9 African countries are open for tourists with different entry requirements. Travelers should get updated information from Embassy before they travel. The following websites are sources for my blog. Visit all the websites for further information. Moreover, Ethiopia Tourism updates information every week. So, visit our website again and leave your comments.
Sources
2. Gov.UK- Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/world
3. COVID-19 Control and Travel Sentry: https://covidcontrols.co/traveller-entry
4. Department of Foreign Affairs: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/
5. Africa CDC – Trust Travel
6. Global Protocols: Safe Travels