Travel Alert - Coronavirus

Coronavirus Travel Update for Africa

Option to Postpone your Safari up to December 2022*

Originally Posted: March 13, 2020
Last Updated: July 29, 2021 @ 10:23am

With the ongoing changes in travel due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the rapidness at which things are changing around us, we are continually adapting to serve the needs of our customers. Some countries in Africa have restricted foreign visitors, or now require additional screening/testing and quarantine periods or proof of vaccination as well as testing. The USA & Canada have also introduced testing requirements for travelers returning from international trips – Lion World Travel can assist with facilitating the testing within the destination. Additionally, airlines have reduced their number of departures.

Lion World Travel is monitoring news and guidelines coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and governmental departments in North America and Africa to ensure the safety of all of our guests.

Know that Lion World Travel is in constant contact with our suppliers throughout Africa. For concerned travelers, we are happy to say that for the majority of bookings, you have the option to postpone travel to as late as December 9, 2022*. There are some exceptions, so please call us at 1 800 387 2706 to confirm what travel options you have if you want to change, postpone, or transfer your impacted trip with Lion World Travel.

Future Travel Credits: Should you be uncertain about new travel dates or other changes to your booked vacation, we will gladly issue a travel credit for any future travel with Lion World Travel. Credit for issued airline tickets as well as all booked accommodations would remain with the same suppliers. Our Africa Specialists will be able to give you information specific to your booking. In some cases partial credits can be moved to other TTC brands.

If restrictions are still in place when the time comes for your safari, we can work with you to adapt your plans as needed. If you prefer to travel elsewhere than Africa for the time being, Lion World Travel is part of The Travel Corporation family of brands, providing travel and tour options around the world.

We have added more departures on our Exclusive Vacation Packages for 2021 and 2022, giving travelers more options to choose their new departure dates from. For the vast majority of 2021 re-bookings, we are able to get travelers on the exact same safari, without a price increase for travel within the same season. Most safaris have 2022 dates available as well, however price increases should be expected.

In addition to the information on this page, we encourage you to read "Your Well-being, Our Top Priority", which outlines some of the health, safety and well-being initiatives we have in place to safeguard all of our Lion World Travel guests. We want everyone who books with us to enjoy their dream trip to Africa! If you have any questions at all, and wish to postpone your safari, our Africa Specialists are here to answer your call.

See below for some important details before you consider re-booking your African safari.

* Important Notes:

If you choose to postpone travel to 2021: almost all Exclusive Vacation Packages can be re-booked on the same safari, during the same season, with no penalties or extra costs.
If you choose to postpone travel to 2022: please be aware that the itinerary and inclusions may change, and 2022 re-bookings might be subject to price increases. We will contact you with dates and prices for 2022 safaris as soon as they are available.
Provided that you talk to us at least 30 days before your originally booked departure, most of our Exclusive Vacation Packages can be re-scheduled to a future date of the same safari and season (for any departure up to December 9, 2022, based on availability.)
Requests to postpone an Exclusive Vacation Packages received less than 30 days to departure may be subject to change fees
If deciding to re-schedule your Exclusive Vacation Package, you have up to 60 days from the date you notified us of your intention to postpone your travel, to advise us what your new preferred date of travel is, or to advise us you will re-book to travel in 2022 when dates are available.
For postponing custom and private safari bookings, please contact us to review your options
Postponed trips may incur change or cancellation fees from airlines, and some of our accommodation suppliers in Africa
Standard cancellation penalties still apply to all bookings. You can view our booking terms and conditions here.
Future Travel Credits: Airfare portions of travel credits are valid until December 31, 2021 in most cases; while land travel portions of travel credits are valid until December 31, 2022.
If the newly chosen date is priced higher than the originally booked departure, travelers are responsible to pay the difference.
This offer is valid until further notice, and this policy may change at any time

Country-Specific Restrictions and Travel Alerts in Africa:

The information below, combined with our Sherpa - Travel Restrictions & E-Visa tool, are provided to help you determine what entry requirements and restrictions may be in place for your destination(s).

Note that country regulations are changing frequently. In general, wearing masks in public and maintaining social distancing is required wherever you go. Failure to follow these protocols can result in fines. We have made efforts to keep these guidelines as up to date as possible, but there are sometimes communication delays from the authorities in Africa. Please note Sherpa uses the most recently updated information from countries across the world. You may find information supplied by different government sites may vary at times, so be sure to check for the most recent local updates too.

Botswana:

All visitors entering Botswana are required to have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their departure for Botswana, and all visitors must do a rapid Covid antigen test upon arrival in Botswana.
With a negative test, visitors are not required to quarantine.
Travelers coming from high risk countries may be required to quarantine at a designated facility. A COVID test will be done on day 7 before they may be released to travel.
If positive, travelers are liable for the cost of food and lodging during quarantine – please check your travel insurance policy as some providers plans will cover these costs. An additional COVID-19 test is required on day 10 of the quarantine period at the travelers expense.
All travelers exiting Botswana are required to present a PCR negative test result not older than 72 hours from the time of exit from Botswana. Some camps will arrange for this to be done in camp – additional costs will apply.
Botswana has extended their State of Emergency to September 30, 2021.
There is a daily curfew in place from 10:00pm - 4:00am.
Alcohol sales are currently prohibited.

Egypt:

International arrivals from The USA and Canada (including Egyptian nationals) to any part of Egypt will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate conducted no more than 96 hours prior to arrival.
All arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks, must fill out a Public Health Card, and must show proof of a valid health insurance policy. Find out if you require a visa and apply online via Egypt's Online Visa portal.

Jordan:

All travelers must fill in the travel declaration form for approval to travel and have proof of a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of their flight to Jordan.
If not fully vaccinated, visitors must also and pre-pay for a COVID-19 PCR test which will be conducted on arrival in Amman – currently the cost of the test is 28JD + 40USD.
Visitors can leave the airport once the PCR test is completed. However, you need to stay at your hotel until results are received. In case of positive result, visitors have to immediately go into quarantine and notify their Tour Operator / DMC who in return will advise the Ministry of Health. Visitors will have to follow their instructions.
Fully vaccinated visitors arriving from the United States and Canada can be exempt from the PCR test upon arrival, if you provide: 1) your negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, and 2) a medical certificate documenting your full vaccination, and 3) this completed QR code registration from Gateway2Jordan.
Non-Jordanian nationals must provided proof of valid travel insurance, which includes coverage for COVID 19 treatment, for the entire duration of their trip.
A curfew is in place from 1:00am to 6:00am for individuals, and 12:00am to 6:00am for businesses – exempt are individuals going to the airport for a flight during the curfew hours – proof of this in the form of an air ticket is required.

Kenya:

All passengers on international flights must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure from their home country.
All arriving passengers on international flights must have a body temperature that is NOT above 37.5° C (99.5°F); must NOT have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms.
It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Kenya to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form by the Ministry of Health. The form is available here and must be completed online prior to embarkation.
Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration.
Strict infection prevention and control measures have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory.
There is a daily curfew from 10:00pm to 4:00am in Nairobi.
Prior to departure, everyone leaving Kenya must have a negative PCR test taken in country, with a Trusted Travel (TT) code, if their next destinations require proof of a negative PCR test.

Mauritius:

Phase 1 of #MauritiusNow runs from July 15, 2021 - September 30, 2021.
A PCR test will be taken upon arrival, and fully vaccinated visitors must remain in their hotel/resort room until they get their results.
Fully vaccinated travelers who provide a negative PCR test taken 5-7 days before arrival, are allowed to stay at an approved resort, with access to the resort facilities and their beach. Exploring the island is not permitted unless you have stayed in Mauritius more than 14 days.
Visitors who are not fully vaccinated will be required to book a quarantine hotel for 14-days, and must remain in their hotel room during quarantine.
Depending on the length of your stay, a second PCR test is required on Day 7, and a third PCR test is required on Day 14.
Phase 2 begins October 1, 2021 for fully vaccinated visitors.
It is expected that during phase 2, providing a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival will allow fully vaccinated visitors to explore the entire island.
In Phase 2, unvaccinated visitors will still be required to quarantine for 14 days before they can lave their hotel room and explore the island

Mozambique:

All arriving travelers are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted in their country of origin within 72 hours of departure for Mozambique.
All travelers will undergo temperature screening upon arrival.
Tourism visas are once again available upon arrival with proof of a return ticket and hotel booking, however it is highly recommended to obtain your visa from the Mozambican Embassy prior to arrival.
There is a daily curfew in Maputo, provincial capitals, and many other cities from 9:00pm - 4:00am
Businesses will be open from 9:00am – 4:00pm on Monday – Saturday, and 9:00am – 1:00pm on Sunday. Alcohol sales only permitted from 9:00am - 1:00pm Monday - Saturday.
Restaurants, including takeaway and delivery, are open 6:00am - 6:00pm.
Beaches are closed for leisure activities, and no alcohol is permitted on beaches

Namibia:

All passengers arriving on international flights must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, from the country of departure, no older than 7 days.
All arriving travelers must submit their full itinerary on arrival. Health screening and temperature checks will be conducted upon arrival.
Travelers must complete a Health Questionnaire for Tourism to Namibia before they arrive.
Any non-Namibian travelers who arrive with a negative test that is older than 7 days will be placed in quarantine and tested for COVID-19 on the same day at their own cost and will only be released if the results of this test return negative. Travelers may be placed under mandatory Government quarantine at approved facilities at their own cost.
Results for tests done in Namibia can take up to 48 hours to obtain.
Correct wearing of face masks in public places, including vehicles, aircraft and other means of shared transport is compulsory.
Penalties for transgression of these protocols is subject to up to a $100,000 Naimibian Dollars fine and 10 years in prison.
Restaurants may only sell alcohol for takeaway between 9:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday – no sale of alcohol is allowed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, except at hotels and resorts with guests.
There is a nationwide curfew between 9:00pm and 4:00am daily.

Rwanda:

All travelers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), performed within 72 hours of departure for Rwanda.
Prior to arrival, all travelers must complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload their COVID-19 test certificate via this online portal.
Travelers entering Rwanda, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, will be tested again at a cost of US$60 per person and must complete 24 hours of quarantine at one of the Government of Rwanda’s designated hotels while waiting for the results of their COVID-19 test.
Preventive measures must be followed while traveling in Rwanda: physical distancing where possible; the wearing of masks is mandatory; and temperature screenings before entering certain buildings are mandatory.
All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19, with the RT-PCR test performed within 72 hours before departure, should their stay in Rwanda be shorter than 5 days i.e. they depart within 120 hours of their RT-PCR test done on arrival, they do not require another test.
We encourage travelers to book and pay for their tests at least 2 days prior to departure through the online platform available on www.rbc.gov.rw
Violation of Covid restrictions and protocols will incur fines or up to 5 days of detention by police.
There is a daily 6:00pm to 4:00am curfew in place. Businesses, including restaurants must close by 5:00pm. Restaurants are available for takeout service only. Bars are closed. Hotel restaurants can provide service until 8:00pm.
Until August 10, a stricter lockdown exists in Kigali and the below areas. Under this regionalized lockdown, gatherings are prohibited, businesses are closed (except essential services like food delivery), public transportation is also probibited. Tourism services can continue with strict adherance to guidelines.
Districts of Burera, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Musanze, Nyagatare, Rubavu, Rwamagana, and Rutsiro; plus Southern province areas in Ruhango District of Kinazi, Mbuye, Ntongwe, Ruhango, Byimana and Kinihira;Muhanga District sectors of Shyogwe, Kiyumba, Cyeza, Nyamabuye, Rugendabari, Muhanga and Mushishiro; Nyamagabe District sectors of Kamegeri, Kibumbwe, Gasaka and Mugano; Huye District sectors of Tumba, Kinazi and Gishamvu, Nyanza District sectors of Busoro, Mukingo, Kibilizi and Kigoma; Nyaruguru District sector of Ngera; plus Northern Province areas in Rulindo District - sectors of Cyungo, Burega and Shyorongi; plus Eastern Province areas in Kayonza District - sectors of Mukarange, Mwiri, Gahini, Murundi, Rukara and Nyamirama; Bugesera District sectors of Rilima, Juru, Nyamata Ruhuha and Shyara; Gatsibo District sectors of Muhura, Kageyo, Remera, Kabarore and Murambi; plus Western Province areas in Nyamasheke District oin sectors of Nyabitekeri, Shangi and Bushenge; Rusizi District sectors of Nyakabuye and Gitambi; and the Karongi District sector of Murambi.

Seychelles:

All visitors including infants and children, regardless of vaccination status from permitted countries must have a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate from an accredited laboratory, obtained within 72 hours before departure.
Visitors must obtain a Health Travel Authorization (HTA) for entry into Seychelles. The form is available at https://seychelles.govtas.com/
Completed forms should be submitted via email to visitor@health.gov.sc.
Visitors must have health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage, including costs of quarantine, isolation, treatment
Visitors can only stay at certified hotels, resorts and service providers
There is a curfew between 11:00pm and 4:00am daily. Shops and stores close at 6:00pm on weekdays and 3:00pm on weekends. Restaurants within hotels remain open for guests.
Travelers who have been to Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, or South Africa within the past 14 days are not permitted entry into Seychelles

South Africa:

On July 26, 2021 the level 4 lockdown in South Africa ended.
International borders and airports are open to international travel subject to necessary health protocols listed below.
On arrival, travelers will need to present a negative COVID-19 CR test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure. Where a traveler has not done a COVID-19 PCR test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost.
All travelers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 PCR test is conducted.
All travelers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. International travelers are required to have mandatory travel insurance, and must cover the cost of a COVID-19 PCR test (for those showing symptoms) and their own quarantine costs, if required.
If a flight arrives within the curfew hours, passengers will be able to show proof of their boarding passes or tickets for their flights if stopped by law enforcement en-route to the airport or hotel.
Wearing of masks are mandatory in public places (Fines and possible imprisonment up to 6 months for non-compliance), maintain a social distance of 2 meters where possible.
A curfew is in place from 10:00pm to 4:00am daily.
Restaurants must close by 9:00pm and can serve alcohol until 8:00pm.
General alcohol sales are only Monday - Thursday from 10:00am - 6:00pm.

Tanzania and Zanzibar:

Mainland Tanzania, and Zanzibar Island are open to tourism.
Travelers are required to complete an Online Health Surveillance Form within the 24 hours prior to their arrival in Tanzania. Once completed, travelers will receive a Unique Health Code (UHC) to show to health officials upon their arrival.
All travelers are required to produce the negative COVID-19 certificate upon arrival into Tanzania, taken within the 72 hours of their arrival.
Any arriving travelers may be required to undergo enhanced health screening and take a Rapid Antigen Test at a cost of approximately $25 per person upon arrival. Should the tests be positive, quarantine at the travelers own expense will be required.
While in Tanzania, visitors will be expected to adhere to full protective measures against the spread of COVID-19.

Uganda:

You must have an approved visa before being considered for entry to Uganda. Applications are at www.visas.immigration.go.ug
Arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in their country of origin, issued within 120 hours of departure for Uganda.
Anyone arriving in Uganda from India, USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, or Tanzania will be required to take a PCR Test regardless of their vaccination status, at a cost of US$65 per person. The test is conducted near the airport, and visitors wil lbe transported there, where they will stay to wait for their results.
Anyone testing positive must isolate at their own expense in Uganda at an approved facility.
Visitors are expected to wear masks, maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) where possible, and practice good personal hygiene.
As of June 18th, many businesses are closed for 42 days, including bars, discos, sporting events and places of worship.
Departing passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled flights and must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, issued within 72 hours of departing from Uganda. The test results must indicate that they are for the express purpose of travel with the annotation “TRAVEL” clearly marked.
There is a daily curfew of 7:00pm to 5:30am in place.

Zambia:

Visitor and Business Visas are being issued in advance, not upon arrival.
All arriving passengers must have a certificate of a negative PCR COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 72 hours of arriving in Zambia. Visitors coming into the country without evidence of a negative CoV-2PCR test conducted with the previous 72 days will not be allowed to enter the country.
Travelers from “High Risk” countries may be asked to undergo additional COVID-19 testing with rapid antigen test upon arrival in Zambia. All travelers from “High Risk” countries will be required to undergo a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days, after arrival in Zambia.
All travelers from countries other than “High Risk” with and Negative CoV-2PCR test who have complete documentation of vaccination will be exempted from quarantine.
Visitors will be expected to adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene.
All international visitors are subject to temperature and symptom screening on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.
PCR testing can be done in Livingstone but must be sent to Lusaka for processing, express tests for results within 48 hours cost approximately US$150 per person

Zimbabwe including Victoria Falls:

All travelers will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate, obtained from a recognized facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
As of June 29, 2021: Visitors arriving from, or transiting through, countries with Alpha or Delta COVID variants will be quarantined upon arrival at their own expense, even if they provide a negative PCR test upon arrival. These visitors will be tested on day 1, 3, 5, 10 before being released from quarantine.
All travelers will undergo health screening and temperature testing. Social distancing, hand sanitization and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
Travel between cities in Zimbabwe is suspended, except for food or medicine production purposes
Hotel and lodge restaurants are open to serve guests, all other restaurants are only open for takeaway service until 3:30pm.
There is a curfew in effect from 6:30pm to 6:00am daily. Businesses are open from 8:00am to 3:30pm.

Airline Restrictions and Requirements in Africa:

Be aware that in addition to the country requirements above, certain airlines may require a negative PCR test before allowing you on a flight, even if one is not required to exit a country in Africa. Speak with one of our Africa Specialists to discuss what airline requirements may affect your travels.

Returning Home to the US or Canada:

In addition to the above requirements, know that there are restrictions and possible quarantine requirements in place for when you return home from a foreign country.

All travelers returning to the United States (ages two years and older) must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within 72 hours of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the US may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Travelers returning to Canada are required to quarantine for 14 days. Some exceptions may apply for fully vaccinated Canadians and eligible visitors.