This is a rapidly changing environment and the protocols laid out below are subject to amendment as and when new information is available or processes change.

South Africa

South Africa announced its borders were open to international leisure travellers effective 01 October 20202.  Travel permitted from a list of designated ‘low risk’ countries which will be revised every two weeks.

Covid-19 health screening and protocols

• All arrivals must present a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) from the time of departure to South Africa, from an accredited laboratory.
• All arrivals will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms and/or for contact with people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus.  
• Should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person, they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to quarantine at a designated site, at the traveller’s cost. 
• All arrivals must provide proof of accommodation address (or place of residence) should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.* 
• All arrivals will be asked to download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. Information on the app can be found here.*
• All foreign national arrivals are subject to the prevailing visa requirements. Foreign national arrivals from high-risk countries may enter with an application in compliance with the business travel exemptions laid out by government, in addition to the prevailing visa requirements.
• All foreign national arrivals must have travel insurance that covers the cost of any testing or quarantine.* 
• All arrivals will be given an entry screening health questionnaire to complete (either on the plane or at arrival).

Quarantine Required?

Not required unless travellers show symptoms of the virus or don’t have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival (see above).

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe announced the opening of its international airports effective 01 October 2020.  Land borders to reopen on 01 December 2020.

Covid-19 health screening and protocols

• All travellers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognised facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
• All travellers will undergo health screening and temperature testing.
• Social distancing, hand sanitisation and the wearing of masks are mandatory.

Quarantine Required?

Not required unless travellers show symptoms of the virus or don’t have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival – they are then required to stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days, then self- isolate for another 7 days. A fee of $60 will be levied on travellers tested at ports of entry.

Zambia

Zambia is open to foreign nationals. Travellers can arrive without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa before travelling to Zambia – visit the Zambia Department of Immigration website for more info.

Health screening and COVID-19 protocols

• All arriving passengers must have a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 14 days of arriving in Zambia.
• Visitors will be expected to adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. They will also need to monitor themselves daily for 14 days post arrival for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
• Travellers leaving Zambia will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate when flying with an airline or to a country that requires said certificate.

Quarantine Required?

All international visitors are screened on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.

Namibia

Effective 01 September 2020, Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek reopened to international visitors. Entry to Namibia will only be allowed via this airport.

Covid-19 health screening and protocols

• All passengers arriving on international flights must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the flight to Namibia.
• All travellers will undergo health screening and temperature testing and must submit their full itinerary on arrival.

Quarantine Required?

• Not required, unless a traveller’s PCR test is older than 72 hours (but less than seven days) – supervised quarantine of seven days is then required.

Mozambique

Mozambique’s borders are open for international travel and land borders are also open for self-drive travellers.

Covid-19 health screening and protocols

• All arriving travellers are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, conducted in their country of origin within 72 hours of departure for Mozambique.
• All travellers will undergo health screening and temperature testing.

Quarantine Required?

Not required.

Botswana

International travel restrictions are being lifted in a phased manner.  On 09 Nov 20, air travel resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport and Maun International Airport.  On 01 Dec 20, Ground Crossing will resume at the commercial border points of Kazagula road, Kazugula ferry, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Martins Drft, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer and Mohembo.  Furthermore, international air travel will resume on 01 Dec 20 at Phillip G Matante International Airport in Francistown.

Covid-19 health screening and protocols

All arriving travellers will be expected to present a valid 72 hour negative Covid-19 PCR result from time of departure and will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms upon entry.

Quarantine Required?

Not required unless a valid PCR rest is not presented on arrival. Without a positive test, quarantine will be for 14 days.

Above details are applicable as of 11 November 2020 and are subject to change.