Covid Protocols for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.

Here’s what you need to know about health and safety regulations for travel to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. (Thank you to African Bush Camps for the update)

Zimbabwe

It should be noted that these guidelines to not negate, in any way, from the current visa regime

Tourists Pre-Travel Requirements

All passengers entering the country are required to complete a COVID-19 contact tracing document on arrival at the port of entry.

As of 1st April 2022, all passengers 5 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

Partially vaccinated – negative PCR Required no more than 48 hours prior to arrival and retesting may take place at point of entry (for own cost)

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

Departure Requirements

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.

Same Day tests are available in Victoria Falls if you require it for your destination country

Zimbabwe Land Borders

All ports of entry are now open. Travellers must present a Vaccination Certificate OR a negative PCR test (within 48 hours of crossing).

NB. We highly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover medical evacuations.

Note: Please be aware that this is a rapidly changing environment and the protocols mentioned are subject to amendment as and when new information is available, or changes are advised.

Zambia

Visas

It should be noted that these guidelines to not negate, in any way, from the current visa regime

Tourists Pre-Travel Requirements

An airport official will take each traveller’s temperature, which should not be equal to or above 38°C.

Fully vaccinated travellers do not require a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter Zambia as of 28th March 2022 – Fully vaccinated means both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine.

Unvaccinated travellers from age 12 and above must carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 72 hours before arrival in Zambia.

Partially Vaccinated – Negative PCR test required no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and retesting may take place at point of entry (for own cost).

Children under 12 years of age are not required to be vaccinated or carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter Zambia

Travellers must present a health questionnaire filled in onboard aircraft

Regulations for Leaving Zambia

1. If travellers require a PCR Covid-19 Clearance Certificate for re-entry to their home country, this can be performed 24 hours prior to departure at the SES clinic in Livingstone.
2. The cost of the test is $160 and this needs to be paid in cash to the SES Clinic

Quarantine Facilities

As Port Health Authorities are allowing evacuations to South Africa, this would be our recommendation.

Treatment Facilities (Severe symptoms)

As Port Health Authorities are allowing evacuations to South Africa, this would be our recommendation.

We highly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover medical evacuations.

Note: Please be aware that this is a rapidly changing environment and the protocols mentioned are subject to amendment as and when new information is available or changes are advised.

Zambian Land Borders

Zambian Land Borders are currently open.

Botswana

Visas

It should be noted that these guidelines to not negate, in any way, from the current visa regime

Tourists Pre-Travel Requirements

Fully vaccinated travellers do not require a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter Botswana – Fully vaccinated means both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine.

Children under 12 years of age are not required to be vaccinated or carry a negative covid-19 PCR test to enter Botswana.

Partially Vaccinated – Negative PCR test required no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and retesting may take place at point of entry (for own cost).

Unvaccinated – Negative PCR test required no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and retesting will take place at point of entry (for own cost).

PCR Test Facilities

1. Government hospitals will test for free but the results can take up to 72 hours. This test will only be done with a referral letter from a GP 2
2. Diagnofirm is a private laboratory based in both Maun and Kasane. Results will be released within 24 hours (except over weekends)

Regulations to Travel Around Botswana

1. All travellers must wear a mask at all times in any public areas.

Regulations for Leaving ~Botswana

If travellers require a PCR Covid-19 Clearance Certificate for re-entry to their home country, this must be performed prior to departure. Please be aware of laboratory opening hours and the 24 – 48 hour testing time.

Quarantine Facilities

Option to quarantine in a hotel of choice at own cost or at a government facility free of charge. This does not include safari lodges out of the city, and only applies to Hotels within the main points of entry (Maun, Gaborone & Kasane).

Treatment Facilities (Severe symptoms)

As Port Health Authorities are allowing evacuations to South Africa, this would be our recommendation.

NB: We highly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover medical evacuations.

Note: Please be aware that this is a rapidly changing environment and the protocols mentioned are subject to amendment as and when new information is available, or changes are advised.

South Africa

Visas

It should be noted that these guidelines do not negate in any way, from the current visa regime

Tourists Pre-Travel Requirements

Fully vaccinated travellers do not require a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter South Africa.

Fully vaccinated means both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine.

Travellers to South aArica must bring a printed Vaccination Certificate with QR code if obtainable from home Country.

Proof of vaccination is required upon entry

Children under 5 years of age are not required to be vaccinated or carry a negative covid-19 PCR test to enter South Africa.

Partially Vaccinated – Negative PCR test required no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Unvaccinated – Negative PCR test must be obtained no more than 72 hours before the date of travel

Arrival procedures

All travellers need to complete an Entry Screening Health Questionnaire

Travellers will be required to wear a mask at all times within the airport or port of entry,

Travellers in Transit

Transit travellers through South Africa by air will be allowed to connect to their destinations, subject to them complying with applicable health protocols. It is important to note that this does not change the entry requirements for international travellers visiting South Africa as outlined above.

Departure Procedures

Destination country requirements must be considered prior to departure.

PCR Testing in South Africa

Testing can be done at testing sites at both OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. There are also numerous hospitals, clinics and laboratories through-out South Africa that would be able to assist with PCR testing.

Medical and Travel Insurance

We highly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover medical evacuations should one be needed.

Note

Please be aware that this is a rapidly changing environment and the protocols mentioned are subject to amendment as and when new information is available, or changes are advised.