For Iconic Expeditions, the safety of tourists comes first, as well as the quality of services provided. This issue is especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We personally made sure that countries in Africa complied with all preventive security measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
At the moment, there are no restrictions on the operation of national parks and various tourist sites.
However, during the stay in African countries, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public places and on domestic flights. The same applies to regular hand hygiene treatment.
All vehicles, such as safari jeeps and cars for transfers, are subject to regular sanitary treatment.
Hotels and lodges work strictly according to COVID-19 protocols with obligatory disinfection of rooms, observance of social distancing, and wearing of medical masks.
Most countries require a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the country.
We have prepared a short guide on the rules of entry into popular countries to help our clients prepare for a safe trip.
Fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from mandatory pre-departure checks. Passengers will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate with a QR code for inspection upon arrival. The EU digital COVID-19 certificate is accepted and travelers are advised to bring a printed copy. The only acceptable vaccines are those approved by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and WHO.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated or vaccine-eligible will be required to present a negative COVID-19 RT PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) or NAAT (nucleic acid amplification tests) certificate with a QR code obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated who arrive in Tanzania without a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival using a rapid antigen test at a cost of $10 for mainland Tanzania, except for children aged 12 and under. If positive, an additional $50 OT-PCR test will be administered. For ground crossings, positive cases will be handled in accordance with bilateral and joint border agreements.
Transit passengers are exempt from both the vaccination certificate and COVID-19 testing requirements unless otherwise specified by their tour operator or the authorities of their final destination country.
Complete the online medical form for Tanzania https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/ and for Zanzibar https://healthtravelznz.mohz.go.tz/.
All travelers above the age of 12 years, arriving in the country through any point of entry, will be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure. NB: Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of a specific vaccine latest shot at least fourteen (14) days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).
Travelers below the age of twelve (12) years shall be exempt from the requirements of a vaccination certificate or Pre-departure PCR test.
Any traveler above the age of twelve (12) arriving at any point of entry with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test or those with flu-like symptoms shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to an entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate as per MOH guidance on isolation.
Any traveler arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill out the passenger locator form and undergo a rapid antigen test at their own cost, regardless of age or vaccination status. If positive on the antigen test, they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost.
Passengers traveling out of the country will be required to abide by the particular travel, health, and COVID-19-related requirements of the transit and destination country
Pre-departure RDT or PCR testing may be considered at the discretion of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya.
Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding a flight to Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.
The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure.
An additional COVID-19 test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.
Face masks are no longer mandatory in Rwanda, but their use is encouraged in public indoor settings.
When entering Uganda, you must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccinations, except for children aged 5 years and below. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll be required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of travel. Children aged below 5 years aren’t required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test upon arrival or departure.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International airport, you may be subject to temperature checks and screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health authorities.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and wish to be repatriated for treatment outside of Uganda, you’ll be expected to cover the costs.
When departing Uganda, you must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccinations, except for children aged 5 years and below. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll be required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of travel. Children below 5 years aren’t required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test upon arrival or departure.
There is no requirement for a COVID-19 test to enter Botswana.
COVID test is not required when arriving in South Africa.
No tests or vaccination certificates are required to enter Namibia.
Anyone entering Zimbabwe must present a negative PCR test, no older than 48 hours before departure.
Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt. The results must be uploaded to the Trusted Travel Initiative platform. All arrivals will be tested upon arrival.
Anyone arriving to Zambia will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test, from the past 72 hours.
Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt.