African Countries Reopening

African Countries Reopening

Travel around the world is reopening, this of course is due to the Coronavirus and Global Pandemic response to the virus. I took a look a few countries in Africa and focused on what their reopening strategy looks like. Now of course before you embark on any type of travel please do your research, and maybe even consult with your personal care physician and or health officials to understand all restrictions.

This is not me telling you to book a trip and go to one of these countries, it’s just my attempt to bring awareness to some of the reopening guidelines around the African continent.

Here is a quick summary for a certain group of countries.

                                    Algeria

Algeria has started the process of re-opening very cautiously. For a full list of restrictions please visit the state departments website for more.Even though the country is opening it would be a good idea to check with any local contacts to determine what it looks like for businesses that operated there in the past. I would hate for you to travel there expected to do a certain tour, only to learn that company or supplier is no longer in business. Feel free to join our facebook group at the link provided and ask anyone of our members that are there what’s the state of affairs there are now. It’s also important to remember this country has an established curfew as well, from 8p local time to 5a in just under 30 provinces .

                                    Angola

When the shelter in place orders first took place for the world Angola was among one of the 1st countries to close their borders and prohibit international flights. That happened around mid March 2020 and unfortunately it was indefinite. There are is also curfews in places in some of the provinces. Like most places if there is emergency circumstances you and move around, other than that it’s a no go in most provinces.

                                  Botswana

 

Photo by Precious Medley

Visit Botswana’s unique Okavango Delta for some of the world’s best safari experiences. (Photo by Getty Images)Arguably one of the most sought after destinations in Africa Botswana closed it’s borders around March like the rest of the world. In early June the government started to allow domestic flights with health screenings of course to be performed before any passenger could board a plane. This was mainly for citizens and not tourists. Another measure they country took to ensure they remained safe was to stop allowing foreign visas from countries that had been affected or had high numbers of the coronavirus.

                              Cameroon

Cameroon unfortunately held the dubious title of having the MOST or HIGHEST coronavirus cases on the entire continent of Africa, this of course was a figure compiled and published by the CDC specific for Cameroon.At the time of writing this blog their borders remain closed to foreigners, only with a few domestic flights being allowed, and of course with health screening measures in place.

           Democratic Republic of the Congo

The statue of Congolese national hero Patrice Emery Lumumba in Kinshasa. (Photo by Arsene MPIANA / AFP) (Photo by ARSENE MPIANA/AFP via Getty Images)Congo is currently closed until July 30th 2020, of course this could change but let’s hope it doesn’t. The country has instituted a curfew from 10p local time to 5a every day. International travel is not permitted and there is no future date on when it will return. Anyone planning to travel to the Congo from the U.S. is encouraged to check with U.S. Embassy to see what’s required.

                                 Djibouti

Surprisingly Djibouti opened it’s economy pretty early in the game, like early May. It was a case of the Foreign Minister understanding people’s need to make their living by returning to work. At the time of writing this blog there are a ton of places open such as restaurants, public transportation, stores and even churches.Later in the year around September the country has outlined their plans on opening other establishments like entertainment venues etc.

                                   Egypt

 

Photo by Tyesha Elam Hookem

The Great Pyramids at Giza. Guide to world landmarks reopening International flights and a lot of their national monuments and attractions reopened on July 1st. It’s important to note officials in Egypt took this pandemic very serious, most of the major attractions underwent a very deep cleaning. It’s important to note that if you are planning to visit the country, make sure you check with your hotel or lodge to determine if they have capacity. Since the pandemic and as a response to remain safe after reopening a lot of hotels are under strict orders to only operate at half capacity, and some cases less than 30% occupancy. All in the effort of make sure they practice social distancing. Like a lot of countries, Egypt’s economy is largely driven by tourism. The country is projected to lose over a billion dollars in revenue this year due to the pandemic.

                                   Gabon

Gabon reopened on July 1st, but it’s important to define reopened. At the time of writing this blog they are allowing flights into the country with health screenings, and a lot of the restaurants have opened and much like the U.S. have done so in phases. Some restaurants are still not allowed open unless they can provide outside seating. Schools have reopened with a mandate of social distancing in place.

                                   Ghana

 

Photo by Marilene Shane

The Independence Square of Accra, Ghana, inscribed with the words “Freedom and Justice, AD 1957,” commemorates the independence of Ghana, a first for Sub Saharan Africa. (Photo by Getty Images)Ghana closed like most other places around the globe, but they have reopened with restrictions. Such as if traveling to the country you have to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. There are quite a few more restrictions when it comes to the country, so feel free to read a full list here about Ghana Covid 19 restrictions. This is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit, especially since we are beyond the Year of the Return. 

                                   Guinea

Guinea is currently still under their state of emergency until August 15th 2021. For a full list of restrictions when it comes to travel and intra-country activities please check the link provided. If you travel out of the country you must provide or produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within a 7 day window. Interesting note, you must make sure you travel with a mask wherever you go while in Guinea and you have to report you negative test results, along with your daily temperature to one of the government agencies.Guinea travel restrictions

                                    Kenya

 

Photo by Amandino Jones

The Kenyan government announced their reopening to take place in early July 2020. Like most of their counterpart countries they will open in different phases. Domestic travel will start on July 15th, and international travel will begin Aug 1st. That’s good news for anyone that wants to salvage the year 2020 and visit Kenya. One of the things Kenya is none for is it’s great safaris. Coronavirus is definitely taking it’s toll on the tourism industry in Kenya.Keep pace with the coronavirus numbers, and additional travel information at Kenya coronavirus updates.

                                   Liberia

The Liberian government and the citizens have had an interesting time with dealing with the pandemic and the shelter in place orders. With the resumption of commercial flight operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA) on June 28, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism announced the following health measures and protocols for arriving passengers:
1.      All passengers will be required to have their temperature taken for symptoms of COVID-19 and register via phone numbers/USSD Mobile App.
2.      All arriving passengers who have been tested at point of departure must present a valid negative result document on arrival at RIA.
3.      All arriving passengers who have not been tested at point of departure will be required to take a rapid test and a PCR swab at the airport upon arrival in Liberia.
a.       In the event of a positive rapid test result, the passenger will be placed in the holding unit at the airport pending the final PCR test result.
b.      Passengers having negative test results will be allowed to go home pending final PCR test.  There will be continued symptom monitoring via USSD and Mobile App. 

                              Madagascar

Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava, MadagascarMadagascar had one of the strictest set of guidelines in terms of the pandemic response. It’s strongly encourages for anyone planning to travel there to make sure they read the Travel Advisory before going.  Instead of relaxing like a lot of other countries, Madagascar did the opposite by tightening up their restrictions in early July. Citizens are only allowed out for essential runs with their personal vehicles for just a short part of the day. Same thing for the mass transit authority system, they only operate until Mid-Day every day. There is also unique punishment for people that don’t follow the guidelines of wearing a mask or face coverings. You’ll be made to do some type of community service for the country.

                                  Mauritius

 

Photo by Ronnie-Sheba Dunston-road10100countries.com

This island was closed and lockdown from mid-March all through Mid-June, which is when the restrictions were fully lifted. The government has announced the nation is now coronavirus free and they are beginning a plan around opening their borders. Unfortunately, no date has been set yet.Mauritius is a beautiful country, and it’s definitely a place on earth that’s absolutely pleasing in terms of rest and relaxation. When you get ready to plan your dream trip to Mauritius make sure you take in account what their restrictions are and please follow them accordingly.

                                 Morocco

 

Photo by Chauncey Clark

The Hassan II Mosque largest mosque in Morocco. (Photo by Getty Images)Morocco did a partial reopen on July 14th to allow travelers to return to their countries. Because of their strict lockdown in March they left a lot of Moroccan citizens trapped outside of their borders, and non citizens trapped inside.One thing Morocco did to help stop the spread of the coronavirus was use drones to help with the sanitization, and for surveillance as well to make sure no one was breaking curfew.Anyone traveling to Morocco must submit to a serum test and provide a negative COVID-19 test at least 48 hours prior to entering the country.

                              Mozambique

This African country had a very low number of cases ever since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. They still instituted a lockdown and it’s scheduled to be lifted on July 29th. That could change if the country sees a spike in COVID-19 cases.Currently Mozambique has suspended all visas, and if you were in the country on a visa that was expiring around the months of the lockdown your visa should have been extended until September 30th. It’s important to check with your Embassy or Consulate.As of right now there are no plans for any entertainment venues, bars, restaurants etc to reopen.

                                 Namibia

Like most countries at the time of the blog Namibia is in their phase 4 reopening process. This is good news because this country relies heavily on tourism dollars to stimulate the local economy. The country is carefully selecting countries with low numbers of coronavirus cases as they ease back into some normalcy. Feel free to check this link to see how you would be affected if you plan a trip to this country.Their current restrictions are set to last through September 2020, unless there is some type of spike in COVID-19 cases. Right now Namibia has certain restrictions on entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and casinos. Air travel is considered to be one of the last things that will be allowed on some type of restriction basis starting in September.

                                  Nigeria

 

Photo by Panama Williams

Although the airports have reopened on July 8th, there is no set date when international travel to or from the country will resume.Like most African countries, Nigeria has a strict curfew for those that are in country which starts at 10p local time to 4a daily. No more than 15 to 20 people are allowed to gather in locations. You can imagine how this will affect the hotel industry going forward.Another note, face masks are required wherever you go in the country.

                                  Rwanda

On June 17th Rwanda opened it’s borders back to the world. International air travel will not resume until August 1st. Upon arrival you will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test that was taken with 72 hours of entry to the country. You have to take a 2nd test at the airport then you will have to remain in your hotel or lodging until the results of the 2nd test come back. A lot of the national parks and attractions are open, but we encourage you to call or visit the website of any of the places you are planning to visit.You will be required to take a COVID-19 test before entering some establishments and even some national parks.

                                   Senegal

Senegal is jumping back in the international flight game on July 15th. It’s still very important for you if planning to travel there to check out all of the restrictions that come along with entering the country via a flight. They are requiring all travelers wear a masks at all times in the airport, and the airport officials have done an excellent job making sure there are hand sanitizing stations all throughout the concourses, gate area and ticketing desks. Upon arrival you will pass through some thermal imaging cameras to check body temperatures, and they are asking travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test result.

                               Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone does not have any immediate plans to reopen their borders to foreign tourist. With this being one of the poorest countries in Africa there is some turmoil now going on with the hospital and medical infrastructure.Even though the death numbers due to COVID-19 compared to the recovery rate is not that high, officials are still remaining vigilante to not allow any foreign travelers in right now, and for the indefinite future.

                                 Seychelles

 

Photos by Brent Ellis

One of the most beautiful series of island off the coast of Africa, otherwise known as Seychelles had opened their airport on June 15th. However that does not mean you are free to fly in from your country. The return for international flights into this country is currently still suspended with no set date in the future.Because this country is made up of different islands, if you have a small private jet, or can charter a flight you will be permitted to land on one of the remote island resorts, however you might be permitted to leave until after a certain length of time. You will be required to be tested for COVID-19 at the least 48 hours before you arrive, and produce those negative results to be allowed entry. You must also provide proof of where you are staying while visiting the country.

                                South Africa

 

Photo by Jameisha Blackshear

All borders are closed to foreign nationals, and international flights have been suspended. Returning residents are subject to medical screening and quarantine upon arrival for 14 days in a state appointed facility.
A risk-based, five-level approach to easing lock down restrictions is being rolled out. Restrictions differ between provinces and districts across the country.
A cloth face mask is mandatory in public across South Africa.
The nationwide lock down began on 26 March.

 

                                     Sudan

Effective Monday, July 13, 2020, the Government of Sudan has partially re-opened Khartoum International Airport to international flights. All travelers entering Sudan from other countries are permitted to travel now that International travel is coming back to that country. Keep in mind there is a local curfew in place, and upon entering you will have to provide a negative results of COVID-19 testing prior to arrival.

                                    Tanzania

 

Photo by Marilene Shane

Believe it out not, Tanzania is allow tourist to enter the country with NO quarantine conditions attached.  That does not mean you can fly over without adhering to some of the pre-COVID rules that have been put in place for tourists entering the country. You have to complete a health surveillance form upon arrival and you are subjected to additional screening at the airport.You have to practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering at the airport, and most public venues and establishments.  Schools in the country reopened at the end of June. Students will wear mask during the day except for physical exercise or if they have underlying conditions. Sanitizing and social distancing will be implemented.

                                    Uganda

Uganda still has some tough pandemic restrictions, and it doesn’t look like international air travel will be allowed anytime soon.  The country is currently allowing some international travel, but that’s only repatriation flights. Although they have eased some restrictions Uganda COVID-19 screenings upon arrivals for domestic flights and social distancing in airports is still enforced.

                                    Zambia

 

Photo by Jerry C’way

The borders for Zambia have been open since mid June 2020. This is good news because this is one of the countries that relies heavily on the tourist dollars for the economy to grow and exceed. There is a still a hold on all international travel right now, and for those that are entering the country domestically or via a land border you will still be subject to a health screening at the airport, along with having to provide information on where you will staying while in country.

                                 Zimbabwe

 

Photo by Brent Ellis

Zimbabwean authorities suspended all inbound and outbound commercial air travel indefinitely on March 23. Cargo and freight shipments remain unaffected. Air and land boarders are closed.No Foreign Nationals are allowed to enter the country. Pax must quarantine for 14-days at a Government Mandated Facility or Hotel. Zimbabwe nationals can return home but will face a 21-day quarantine, and could possibly face a quarantine that could last up to 21 days. Other guidelines are the country having a curfew, and enforcing social distancing and face coverings. If planning to travel to Zimbabwe please check out a full list of guidelines on the U.S. Embassy website specific to this country.

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