Travel Alert - Coronavirus

Coronavirus Travel Update for Africa

Option to Postpone your Safari up to December 2022*

Originally Posted: March 13, 2020
Last Updated: October 14, 2021 @ 9:43am

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 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.
As of August 13, 2021 there is a daily curfew in place from 8:00pm - 4:00am, which will last at least 3 weeks.
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 the departure of their flight into Egypt.
There must be a QR code on your PCR test results, results without a QR code will not be accepted in Egypt.
Vaccinated travelers can be exempt from the PCR test requirement and do not have to quarantine. For entry by proof of vaccination, travelers must present a vaccination card of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccination (two doses for msot vaccines, one dose for Johnson & Johnson), and the vaccination card must have a QR code on it. (Note that most US vaccination cards do not have a QR code and will not be accepted for entry into Egypt.)
All arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks, must fill out a Health Declaration Form, 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 use the online application portal and fill in the travel declaration form for approval to travel and have proof of a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of arrival in Jordan.
All travelers must provided proof of valid travel insurance, which includes coverage for COVID 19 treatment, for the entire duration of their trip.
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 1) have the required travel insurance and have completed your travel declaration form, 2) have your negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, 3) have a medical certificate documenting your full vaccination, and 4) complete this QR code registration from Gateway2Jordan.

Kenya:

All passengers on international flights must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, done within 96 hours of arrival in Kenya.
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.
Tourist visas must be done ahead of arrival, using the e-visa portal.

Mauritius:

Starting October 1, 2021, the Mauritius Now entry requirements are: All visitors must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before their departure to Mauritius. A PCR test will also be taken upon arrival, and a third PCR test on Day 5 of your visit in Mauritius.
All visitors must also prove they have COVID-19 health insurance coverage.
Fully vaccinated travelers who meet the above requirements are allowed to explore the island freely.
Visitors who are not fully vaccinated will be required to book a 14-day quarantine stay, at an approved resort. During those 14-days you must remain in your hotel room and take another PCR test on Day 7, and a final PCR test on Day 14. After testing negative for all tests, you can then leave your hotel room and freely 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 - 10:00pm.

Namibia:

All passengers (even fully vaccinated) arriving on international flights must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result from the country of departure, taken no longer than 7 days before arrival in Namibia. No quarantine or additional testing will be required upon arrival.
Most land borders are closed to tourism, only Katima Mulilo, Ariamsvlei, and Noordoewer border posts remain open.
Travelers must fill out the Namibia COVID-19 Surveillance Form as well as the 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 Namibian Dollars fine and 10 years in prison.
Restaurants may only sell alcohol for takeaway between 9:00am and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, between 9:00am and 1:00pm on Saturdays – no sale of alcohol is allowed on Sundays and Public Holidays, except at hotels and resorts with guests.
There is a nationwide curfew between 11:00pm 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.
Hotels in Rwanda will also check for proof of a valid negative test prior to check-in.
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.
Tourism activities must adhere to curfew hours and COVID regulations. Travelers, including drivers, must complete an online Tourism Movement Facilitation Form if moving within Kigali or between Kigali and other provinces.
National Parks: visitors to Volcanoes, Nyungwe or Gishwati-Mukura National Parks must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entry to the park. Visitors to Akagera National Park can provide a negative rapid antigen test result, taken within 72 hours of entering the park.
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.
Rwanda has a zero-tolerance policy for exporting positive COVID-19 cases. If you test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival or during your time in Rwanda (even if you are fully vaccinated), the severity of your symptoms will determine whether you are isolated in a government-run treatment center or a hotel at your own cost. You will not be permitted to leave Rwanda until you receive a negative PCR test result.
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.
A nationawide curfew is in place from 12:00am (midnight) to 4:00am. All businesses, including restaurants must close by 11:00pm.
Restaurants are open with limited capacity. Bars are closed.
All travelers intending to stay in hotels and must provide valid negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours.

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. Restaurants within hotels remain open for guests.
Travelers who have been to Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Ivory Coast or Guinea within the past 14 days are not permitted entry into Seychelles

South Africa:

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 PCR 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.
Arriving travelers must complete the Domestic Travel Questionnaire form and Traveller Health Questionnaire from the Department of Health.
Prior to leaving South Africa, all travelers must also complete the Exit Screening Questionnaire from the Department of Health.
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 1.5 meters where possible.
A curfew is in place from 12:00am (midnight) to 4:00am daily.
Restaurants must close by 11:00pm.

Tanzania and Zanzibar:

Mainland Tanzania, and Zanzibar Island are open to tourism.
Travelers are required to complete an Online Public 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 a negative COVID-19 certificate upon arrival into Tanzania, taken within the prior 96 hours.
Any arriving travelers may be required to undergo enhanced health screening and take a Rapid Antigen Test at a cost of approximately $10 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.
The online visa portal for Tanzania can be found here.

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 72 hours of departure for Uganda.
Travelers arriving from USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania will require another COIVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Uganda. If you have proof that you are fully vaccinated, you may be exempt from this requirement, however, this exemption is not guaranteed so it is highly advised to prepare to take this PCR test upon arrival.
The arrival PCR Test is done at a cost of US$65 per person. The test is conducted near the airport, and visitors will be 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.
Some businesses have re-opened with strict operating protocols. This includes salons, restaurants, malls, and arcades.
Private transportation can operate with no more than 3 passengers in a vehicle.
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 hours 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. High risk countries include: Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Peru, Maldives, Iraq, Costa Rica, Panama, Tunisia, Fiji, Paraguay, Uruguay, Mongolia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Suriname.
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
Departing Zambia: Travelers must use an authorized Trusted Traveler laboratory for their COVID-19 PCR test. Travelers will get a Trusted Travel code from the laboratory where the test was performed. Travelers must create an account at Trusted Travel – Africa CDC. This is where your results will be uploaded. You will then get a QR code to display on your phone and show to authorities at the airport to allow your departure. Tests must be taken within the past 72 hours, and tests taken outside of Zambia (even within this 72 hour window) are not valid, and another test must be taken in Zambia.

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.
All new arrivals and departures to and from the country are to present a negative COVID-19 test on the Trusted Travel Initiative Platform.
If arriving from a country that is not part of the African Union's Trusted Travel platform, travelers must upload their negative test results to Global Haven for validation, then get a Travel Code which will allow entry into Zimbabwe.
For departure: Travelers must use an authorized Trusted Traveler laboratory for their COVID-19 PCR test. Travelers will get a Trusted Travel code from the laboratory where the test was performed. Travelers must create an account at Trusted Travel – Africa CDC. This is where your results will be uploaded.
All travelers will undergo health screening and temperature testing. Social distancing, hand sanitization and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
Hotel and lodge restaurants are open to serve dine-services for hotel guests from 8:00am - 10:00pm
Other restaurants are closed for eat-in service, but may serve take-away customers until 3:30pm
Other businesses are open from 8:00am - 7:00pm
There is a curfew in effect from 10:00pm to 5:30am daily.

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. Certain airlines do not accept cloth masks, and require travelers to wear surgical / KN95 masks while flying. 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 3 days of entry into the US. 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. All travelers entering the US will be given an Attestation Form to confirm they meet the entry requirements. This will distributed/collected by the airline, and can also be found on the CDC website.

All travelers returning to / entering Canada must use the ArriveCAN app to provide their receipt of proof of vaccination and a record fo their travel plans. If you are symptomatic or not fully vaccinated, you will need to include a 14-day quarantine plan in your ArriveCAN app details. Starting October 30, 2021, only full vaccinated travelers will be allowed to enter/depart Canada. Even if fully vaccinated, you may be selected for a randomised COVID-19 test upon arrival in Canada.