Several government structures were implemented to manage the spread of the Corona virus. This resulted in full economic lockdown in many countries with strict travel regulations being one of the most devastating restrictions immediately implemented in an attempt to flatten the curve.
| COUNTRY | UPDATE ON CURRENT RESTRICTIONS |
|---|---|
| Angola |
Commercial flights to Angola remain extremely limited. Angola’s borders remain closed. Entry to Angola is prohibited except for Angolan nationals and foreign nationals’ resident in Angola. Exceptions are made for medical evacuations, for a small number of humanitarian flights and for the entry and exit of essential workers. Approvals from the Ministry of Interior and Health are to be obtained prior entry.
All air passengers arriving in Angola are required to have taken a coronavirus test in the 8 days prior to their arrival in Angola You should carry proof of your test result with you. All air passengers arriving in Angola will need to undertake 14 days of compulsory quarantine in a government facility or in a government-approved hotel. |
| Botswana |
There are no commercial flights into or out of Botswana. The Botswana authorities have also closed land border posts with neighbouring countries. Entry to Botswana is open only to Botswana nationals and foreign nationals with valid work and residency visas provided that they received the necessary approval from Government. Flights into and out of Botswana from South Africa are affected by South Africa’s own coronavirus (COVID-19) response. Returning residents will be subject to a 14 days mandatory quarantine period in government facilities at their own expense and compulsory COVID-19 testing. The Authorities are strict in terms of entry to Botswana and will conduct a thorough investigation prior allowing entry.
|
| Ghana |
The borders in Ghana reopened on the 01st September 2020 and permits holders as well as residence can book flights and depart. Travellers must adhere with the below regulations in order to be allowed into the country—
1. Any passenger arriving in Ghana must be in possession of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin. The test should have been done not more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure from the country of origin. All airlines have been instructed to ensure compliance with this directive for all passengers wishing to travel to Ghana, and those airlines who fail in this regard will be duly sanctioned; |
| Ivory Coast |
The borders in Ivory Coast are open and Work Permit holders as well as essential permit holders can enter provided that they receive an approval from the relevant authorities prior departure. A COVID clearance certificate is required to enter the country. The Authorities are operational and accept work and residence permits applications currently.
|
| Lesotho |
Lesotho remains on lockdown and borders are closed except for all but essential trade. SAA Airlink flights between Maseru and Johannesburg Airport have been suspended. Moshoeshoe International Airport and the border crossing points at Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Butha Buthe), Maputsoe Bridge, Qacha’s Nek Bridge and Vanrooyens Gate (Mafeteng) remain open, but with reduced operating hours, for conveyance of essential goods and services only. Entry and exit to Lesotho is allowed with approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide or receive emergency medical services for a life threatening condition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that foreign visitors will be permitted to leave Lesotho to board flights out of South Africa when flights resume. However, visitors to Lesotho must travel through, or transit via, South Africa.
|
| Malawi |
Currently in Malawi, there is widespread community transmission. All flights are suspended until further notice. However, travellers can enter by road provided that they are essential permit holders. The Departments of Labour and Immigration are accepting applications however, processing of same is lengthy as they are not fully operational.
International restrictions – |
| Mozambique |
Commercial flights to and from Maputo remain extremely limited. Entry to Mozambique is prohibited except for Mozambican nationals and foreign nationals with a valid work and residence permit for Mozambique.
Recently, the regulations changed and holders of a work and residence permit, or a ‘DIRE’ identification and residency documents for foreigners, will not need to obtain prior permission from authorities to enter or leave Mozambique. Those with temporary stay visas, or business visas will be required to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Interior for entry into Mozambique. All travellers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued from their departure country within 72 hours prior to travel. You may be tested for COVID-19 on your arrival in Mozambique. You will need to quarantine in your own accommodation for 10 days upon arrival. If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, your self-isolation period increases to 14 days. If you do not have the means to pay for a COVID-19 test, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. All arriving passengers are required to provide their contact details to the Mozambican authorities. |
| Namibia |
The Namibian borders are closed except for entry of Namibian citizens and entry for foreign nationals with essential services certificates. The transport of essential goods and repatriation flights for foreign nationals is ongoing. Delays to the transport of goods are likely, given enhanced screening measures. Commercial international flights and maritime operations remain suspended. Authorities may amend restrictions in the coming weeks.
The Department of Home Affairs in Namibia is processing urgent Work Visas and Long-term Employment Permit applications; however, Visitor’s Visas are still suspended until further notice. International restrictions – |
| Nigeria |
International commercial flights are currently suspended, however, they are due to resume in Abuja and Lagos on the 5th of September, subject to change without prior notice, this is exceptionally arranged for occasional humanitarian or repatriation charter flights. All airports in Nigeria are closed to all international commercial flights.
Passengers (aged 2 years old or above) are not permitted to enter Nigeria unless they are holding a PCR test done within 7 days prior to their travel proving that they are free of novel coronavirus. The PCR test is preferably done within 72 hours, or as close as possible to the departure time. Passengers (except diplomats and holders of passports for service purpose) must also hold proof that they have an appointment and have paid for a laboratory certified by the health authorities to do a PCR test on arrival in Nigeria within 72 hours. |
| Swaziland |
Non-essential travel has been prohibited in Swaziland. Immigration Authorities are allowing Work Permit holders to enter the country, and in some cases, a letter from the Department of Immigration is required to enter the country. Work Permit applications are currently accepted, however, the processing time is longer due to the current circumstances.
Neighbouring South Africa is the only foreign destination served by eSwatini’s International Airport. However, the suspension of all international flights by South African authorities means that there will be no flights to and from eSwatini in the coming weeks. The country’s borders are closed, except for returning citizens and legal residents who are subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Foreign nationals from high-risk countries will not be allowed to enter Eswatini until further notice. Visas already issued have been revoked. |
| Zambia |
Zambia eased their travel restrictions and travellers may now enter the country provided that they have a COVID clearance certificate from the country where they come from, a Ministry of Health letter, as well as a valid legal status in the country (Visas and work permit). An approval from the Department of Labour is also required to be cleared when the traveller arrives. The Authorities are accepting permits applications, however, processing thereof will be delayed as they are not fully operational.
International restrictions – If your body temperature is equal to, or above 38.0, and you have other symptoms of COVID-19 (a cough, shortness of breath, a headache or a sore throat), you will be tested and taken to a government facility for treatment and quarantine until your tests results are known. Returning residents must self-isolate for 14 days at their residence after arrival. There is no requirement for visitors to self-isolate. Traveller Health Questionnaires are provided on incoming flights for passengers to complete before disembarkation. |
| Zimbabwe |
The Immigration Authorities are currently allowing Zimbabwean nationals to enter, however they are subject to quarantine for 14 days. Due to the high volume of infections, they are anticipating to have further restrictions in terms of travellers entering and exiting the country. The Departments of Labour and Immigration are currently working remotely on pending cases, however, they are not responsive. No new applications are submitted at the moment.
International restrictions – Individuals will be responsible for meeting costs associated with private facilities. Your travel document or identity document may be retained by the authorities for the duration of the quarantine period. You will be required to complete track and trace information on arrival in Zimbabwe. |
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