Angola has lifted all Covid-19 travel related restrictions at points of entry!

The Government of Angola has lifted with effect vom 15 July 2023 all Covid-19 travel related restrictions for entry into the country. A Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 PCR test result are no longer a requirement for entering the country. The decision follows the Presidential Decree 152/23 of 14 July 2023, which replaces the Presidential Decree No. 98/23 of 14 April 2023. Outgoing travellers leaving Angola are responsible for checking and complying with entry requirements in the countries of their destination and/or transit.

Malawi has lifted all Covid-19 travel related restrictions at points of entry!

The Government of Malawi has announced that with effect vom 05 June 2023 all Covid-19 travel related restrictions for entry into Malawi are lifted. A Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 PCR test result are no longer a requirement for entering the country. Outgoing travellers leaving Malawi are responsible for checking and complying with entry requirements in the countries of their destination and/or transit.
The decision to adjust the Covid-19 measures was made in the light of the current Covid-19 situation in Malawi and follows a World Health Organization (WHO) announcement that Covid-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

Zimbabwe has lifted all Covid-19 restrictive measures! [update]

update (14 June 2023): However, the Zimbabwean Minister of Health has issued an order on 09 June 2023 that returning residents and visitors to Zimbabwe no longer have to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, or a vaccination certificate at the country's ports of entry.

Zimbabwe has lifted all restrictive measures that it had put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic with effected from 09 May 2023. Travellers are no longer required to produce Covid-19 vaccination certificates at ports of entry or at tourist resorts around the country. All border measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have also been lifted. The same applies to the mandatory wearing of face masks indoors in Zimbabwe.
The decision to lift all Covid-19 measures by the Zimbabwean government follows a World Health Organization (WHO) announcement that Covid-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

Zambia: Lifting of all Covid-19 travel related restrictions at points of entry!

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) announced on 21 March 2023 (Ref No: ZNPHI/CIR/09/0004) that all Covid-19 travel related restrictions for entry into Zambia are lifted with immediate effect. Travellers intending to visit Zambia are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, recovery or testing against Covid-19 at the country's points of entry. 

In case you missed it - Zambia has waived tourist visa requirements for citizens from 43 countries in a bid to boost tourism.

eSwatini srcaps all Covid-19 entry requirements!

The Government of the Kingdom of eSwatini has announced that it has suspended all Covid-19 entry restrictions. Effective immediately, travellers intending to visit the country no longer require to produce a proof of full vaccination and a Covid-19 negative PCR test result at all ports of entry. According to Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku, the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions came after low numbers of infections with the coronavirus were observed over a period of time in eSwatini.

"Government wishes to highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over in the country and around the world. Therefore, the Nation is urged to continue to be vigilant and to apply preventive measures to remain safe", said Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku.

Covid-19: Zimbabwe further relaxes regulations!

Zimbabwe has further relaxed Covid-19 regulations. According to Statutory Instrument 169 of 2022, people who have been vaccinated at least twice against Covid-19 are no longer required to wear face masks in public. The wearing of face masks remains mandatory indoors at workplaces, at places to which the public have access and on public transportation. Before gazetting Statutory Instrument 169 of 2022, only those who have received three doses of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended vaccines against Covid-19 were exempt from wearing face masks in public.

As at 05 October 2022, Zimbabwe had recorded 257 655 confirmed cases of the Covid-19, including 251 640 recoveries and 5 604 deaths. A total of 6 533 054 Zimbabweans had been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Botswana removes all remaining Covid-19 protocols!

Botswana's Ministry of Health earlier today (28 September 2022) announced that with immediate effect all remaining Covid-19 protocols in Botswana have been removed. This includes the requirement for vaccination or PCR tests at the country's ports of entry, as well as the wearing of face masks, which is no longer compulsary in Botswana. However, the Ministy of Health advises the public to use discretion and to still follow some protocols.

Covid-19: Mozambique ends mandatory wearing of face masks!

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has announced in an address to the nation that the wearing of face masks in all covered and closed places in Mozambique is no longer mandatory. However, it is recommended to wear face masks in public transport. People showing showing symptoms of COVID-19 remain required to wear face masks. Face masks will also continue to be mandatory inside commercial aircraft as well as in pharmacies, health facilities and elderly care homes.
Travellers arriving in Mozambique are still required to produce a complete Covid-19 vaccination certificate recognised by Mozambican health authorities or a negative Covid-19 PCR test result not older than 72 hours at the country's ports of entry. Children up to 11 years of age are exempt from the regulation.

Covid-19: Namibia eases entry requirements for foreign travellers! [update #3]

update (12 September 2022): Namibia no longer has COVID-19 restrictions on entry. Travellers no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test to enter the country.

update (01 September 2022): The Government of Namibia has so far not officially gazetted the new regulation, which is required for the implementation of the updated entry requirement. We'll keep you posted!

update (30 August 2022): It seems that the new regulation has already become effective.

The Namibian Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, has announced that foreign travellers visiting Namibia will no longer be required to produce a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 PCR test result at the ports of entry. According to the Minister, the current epidemiological situation in Namibia no longer supports the retention of this requirement. Dr Kalumbi Shangula unfortunately did not mention when the new regulation will become effective, but it is expected that it will be announced in the next few days. We'll keep you posted!

 

Covid-19: Zimbabwe ends mandatory wearing of facemasks in public places!

The Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, announced in a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on 16 August 2022 that those who have recieved three doses of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended vaccines against Covid-19 are with immediate effect exempted from the mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor public places in Zimbabwe, but should however wear masks in indoor public places and on public transport. Those fully vaccinated should carry their vaccination cards all the time.

Covid-19: Namibia re-opens six border posts with South Africa and Botswana!

The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has informed the public that four border post between Namibia and South Africa, which have been closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will re-open. The four border posts are Welverdiend/Mata Mata, Vellorsdrift/Onseepkans, Sendelingsdrift and Klein Manasse/Rietfontein. The Ministry further announced that the Dobe border post and the Kasika border post, which are bordering Namibia and Botswana, are re-opening today (06 August 2022).

Covid-19: eSwatini and South Africa have re-opened the six remaining border posts!

The Government of eSwatini and the Government of South Africa have agreed to re-open the six border posts between the two countries that were still closed due to Covid-19 on 01 August 2022. Travellers intending to visit eSwatini and returning residents of eSwatini are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated persons entering eSwatini do not require a negative PCR-test result, while persons not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are required to present a negative PCR test issued at most 72 hours before arrival at the port of entry.
The following six border posts between eSwatini and South Africa, which had been closed since 01 January 2022, have been re-opened on 01 August 2022:

• Sicunusa/Emahlathini - 08:00 to 18:00
• Gege/Bothashoop - 08:00 to 16:00
• Bulembu/Josefsdal - 08:00 to 16:00
• Sandlane/Nerston - 08:00 to 16:00
• Nsalitje/Onverwacht - 08:00 to 18:00
• Lundzi/Waverley - 08:00 to 16:00

Covid-19: Botswana eases regulations on entry and mask-wearing!

Travellers unvaccinated against Covid-19 or travellers partially vaccinated against Covid-19 intending to visit Botswana are no longer required to undergo immediate Covid-19 testing at the country's ports of entry. This means that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers now only require a 72 hour negative PCR test result to be allowed entry into Botswana. However, anyone presenting themselves at a port of entry into Botswana, without the requisite documents (Covid-19 vaccindation card or 72 hour negative PCR test result), is getting tested on arrival, at own cost and if positive, isolated for five days within the district of the port of entry. The new regulation becomes effective today (02 August 2022). Also from today (02 August 2022), wearing of marks in outdoor areas in Botswana is no longer mandatory. It has also been decided that from today (02 August 2022) there will no longer be isolation of positive cases, unless if such isolation has been prescribed by a physician or medical doctor. [src.]

Botswana to re-open 16 land border post!

The Government of Botswana has announced the re-opening of 14 land border posts between Botswana and South Africa, two border post between Botswana and Zimbabwe and one border post between Botswana and Namibia. All 16 border posts are set to resume operations from 01 August 2022. The border posts were temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The following border posts are set to re-open: 

Botswana - South Africa:

• Bray Border post 08:00 – 16:00
• Makopong Border post 07:30 – 16:30
• McCarthys’ Rust Border post 06:00 – 18:00
• Middlepits Border post 06:00 – 18:00
• Parr’s Halt Border post 06:00 – 18:00
• Phitshane Molopo Border post 07:00 – 18:00
• Plaatjan Border post 06:00 – 18:00
• Pont Drift Border post 08:00 – 16:00
• Ramotswa Border post 07:00 – 19:00
• Sikwane Border post 06:00 – 19:00
• Tshidilamolomo Border post 06:00 – 16:00
• Two Rivers Border post 07:00 – 16:00
• Zanzibar Border post 07:30 – 18:00

 Botswana - Zimbabwe:

• Pandamatenga Border post 07:00 – 16:30
• Mabolwe Border post 07:30 – 16:30

Botswana - Namibia:

• Dobe Border post 07:30 – 16:30

Covid-19: eSwatini eases restrictions under Adjusted Risk Level 0!

The Prime Minister of eSwatini, Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, earlier today (18 July 2022) announced new eased Covid-19 restrictions under Adjusted Risk Level 0 which come into effect immediately. According to the Prime Minister, Adjusted Risk Level 0 means eSwatini is shifting from the acute emergency phase of the Covid-19 pandemic to allow for long term sustainable integrated approach to Covid-19.

• Visitors intending to visit eSwatini and returning residents of eSwatini are required to be fully vaccinated. For fully vaccinated persons entering the country, a negative PCR test result is not required. For those who are not fully vaccinated, a negative PCR test is required.
• The wearing of face masks in eSwatini is no longer mandatory in all settings. However, individuals are free to wear face masks based on their assessment of perceived risk of acquiring Covid-19 in any given situation. A person exhibiting flu-like symptoms should take the responsibility to wear a face mask.
• Hand-washing and sanitisation is encouraged at all times in all public spaces as a good health and hygiene practice.
• Testing for Covid-19 remains available in eSwatini and is encouraged for all persons experiencing flu-like symptoms. If tested positive for the Covid-19, a person should wear face masks at all times if they need to go to public areas.

Covid-19: Namibia removes (almost) all restrictions! [update #1]

update (19 July 2022): Tourists not vaccinated against Covid-19 can still enter Namibia if they provide a negative PCR test. See the excerpt of the Government Notice No. 211 below.

click to enlarge

Namibia's President Dr. Hage G. Geingob announced on the occasion of the 45th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 15 July 2022 that Namibia is now at a stage where it can lower the scale of investment in the fight against Covid-19. The Government of Namibia therefore decided to remove all restrictions imposed on account of Covid-19. The control of the Coronavirus disease in Namibia will now be carried out in the same way as was for Hepatitis E. However, foreign travellers are still required to present vaccination certificates against Covid-19 at Namibia's border posts similar to the requirement for travellers to produce certificates of vaccination against Yellow Fever in some other countries.

Covid-19: Namibia and South Africa have re-opened three border posts! [CANCELED]

update [14 July 2022]: The media release regarding the re-openening of the three border posts by Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security by has been canceled! All three border posts are still closed.

Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has announced that South Africa and Namibia have re-opened the following border posts on 10 July 2022: Velloorsdrift/Onseepkans Border Post, Klein Menasse/Rietfontein Border Post and Sendelingsdrift Border Post. Due to the water levels of the Orange River at Sendelingsdrift, the border post - a pontoon ferry carries the traffic between the two countries - is currently still closed.
The opening of the three border posts is guided by the relaxation of health protocols governing the management of Covid-19 in South Africa.
The Velloorsdrift/Onseepkans Border Post, Klein Menasse/Rietfontein Border Post and Sendelingsdrift Border Post have been closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Covid-19: South Africa repeals regulations on mask-wearing, gatherings & entry!

South Africa has repealed Covid-19 regulations on mask-wearing, gatherings and Covid-19 tests for incoming overseas travellers. The country's Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, signed a document on 22 June 2022 lifting sections 16A ("wearing of masks indoors), 16B ("limitations of gatherings") and 16C ("vaccination proof or PCR negative tests at Ports of Entry") of the Regulations Relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions made under South Africa's National Health Act.
Minister Phaahla said the Department of Health has been working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NIDC) on monitoring the epidemic. As of mid-June 2022, the critical indicators showed:

• decline in daily cases
• decline in hospitalization
• decline in positivity rate
• decline in reproductive number
• decline in reported deaths

On this basis, the Department of Health approached the National Coronvirus Command Council (NCCC) and the National Health Council with a proposal to repeal the regulations 16A, 16B and 16C.