Travelling to South Africa from Uganda or the DRC? A new health form is now mandatory

South Africa has introduced a new health screening requirement for travellers arriving from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as authorities continue to monitor the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

The Department of Health announced on 17 July 2026 that all passengers entering South Africa who have travelled in either Uganda or the DRC during the 21 days before arrival must complete a Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ).

Who needs to complete the questionnaire?

The requirement applies to all travellers arriving in South Africa who have been in Uganda or the DRC within the previous 21 days, regardless of their nationality.

Passengers can complete the Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ) up to 24 hours before travelling to South Africa. Completing the form before departure is expected to help speed up health screening and immigration processing on arrival.

Travellers who transit through these countries should also check with their airline or travel agent whether the requirement applies to their specific itinerary.

Why has South Africa introduced the THQ?

The new measure forms part of South Africa's efforts to strengthen border health surveillance while the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa continues.

According to the Department of Health, the Ebola outbreak has resulted in more than 2,000 confirmed cases and over 800 deaths since May, prompting additional precautions for travellers arriving from affected countries.

At this stage, the Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ) is a targeted public health measure and does not affect travellers arriving directly from other countries unless they have recently visited Uganda or the DRC.

What travellers should do

If your itinerary includes Uganda or the DRC before travelling to South Africa:

• Complete the THQ up to 24 hours before your flight.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your recent travel history and health.
• Allow a little extra time at the airport, as additional health screening may be carried out on arrival.
• Monitor official travel advice before departure, as health requirements can change at short notice.

For most visitors travelling to South Africa from Europe, North America, Australasia or elsewhere in Southern Africa, there are currently no changes to existing entry requirements.

As always, if your itinerary involves multiple countries, it is worth checking the latest health and entry requirements before you travel to avoid unexpected delays.

 

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Zambia introduced new visa fees: What travellers need to know!

last updated: 12 January 2026

According to  Zambia Tourism, the Zambian Department of Immigration has implemented revised visa fees, effective 01 January 2026 until further notice. The new fee structure primarily affects travellers from visa-requiring countries, with single-entry and double-entry visa costs doubling compared to previous rates.
The adjustment is part of Zambia’s ongoing immigration and border management framework and applies across standard tourist visa categories.

Overview of Zambia’s updated visa fees (effective 01 January 2026)

Single-Entry Visa

• New fee: USD 50 (previously USD 25)
• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Description: Allows the holder to enter Zambia once during the visa’s validity period.

Double-Entry Visa

• New fee: USD 80 (previously USD 40)
• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Description: Permits two separate entries into Zambia within the validity period.

Multiple-Entry Visa

• New fee: USD 80 (previously USD 75)
• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Description: Allows multiple entries into Zambia during the visa’s validity.
• Important note: Multiple-entry visas are only issued by Immigration Headquarters and must be applied for via the official e-visa platform.

Visa categories with unchanged fees

KAZA Univisa

• Fee: USD 50 (unchanged)
• Validity: Up to 30 days

The KAZA Univisa allows tourists to travel freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe on a single visa. It also covers day trips to Botswana via the Kazungula Border, provided travellers re-enter Zambia or Zimbabwe.
The KAZA Univisa is not available online and can currently only be obtained at the following ports of entry:

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) – Lusaka
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) – Livingstone
• Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) – Zimbabwe
• Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) – Harare
• Victoria Falls Border Post
• Kazungula Border Post

Day-Tripper Visa

• Fee: USD 10 (unchanged)
• Validity: Less than 24 hours

A Day-Tripper Visa is issued at select ports of entry to tourists visiting Zambia for less than 24 hours, provided they exit through the same border post. It also applies to travellers briefly entering a neighbouring country and returning to Zambia within 24 hours.
Currently available only at:

• Victoria Falls Border
• Kazungula Border Control

Visa validity rules

• Single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry visas are valid for 90 days from the date of first entry.
• Exception: Nationals of the United States of America may receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to three years, based on a reciprocal agreement between Zambia and the USA.

Zambia’s liberal visa policy remains largely intact

Despite the increase in visa fees for certain travellers, Zambia continues to maintain one of Africa’s most liberal visa regimes. As of 2025, citizens of 167 countries are visa-exempt when travelling to Zambia.
For most international visitors, Zambia remains an accessible and traveller-friendly destination, particularly for those exploring the wider KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area, including Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and Hwange National Park.

Travellers are advised to confirm visa requirements and applicable fees before departure, as immigration regulations may change without prior notice. 

 

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Passport validity requirements for international travellers in Southern Africa!

To help international travellers navigate passport requirements in Southern Africa, we’ve compared official information from the UK, US, and Germany on passport validity and the number of blank pages required for entry into Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This guide ensures you have the necessary travel documents for a smooth journey.

Angola:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Angola and have at least 2 blank pages.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least the planned duration of stay and must have one blank page.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the day of departure.

Botswana:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages. Dual nationals must enter Botswana on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month and must have three or more unused pages; one blank page per entry.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry and should have at least four blank pages.

eSwatini:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport should be valid for 3 months from the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages. If you intend to visit South Africa before or after travelling to Eswatini, you’ll need to have an additional 2 blank pages to enter and leave South Africa.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month and must have 2 blank pages per entry.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry and have at least two to three free pages. 
• NEW: According to Eswatini Air, passengers with damaged passpots shall not be permitted to travel (tempered, stained etc.). An airline found transporting such passengers will be liable to a fine of E15,000. 

Lesotho:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive. You need at least 4 blank pages for passport stamping. Lesotho border control need to stamp your passport and so do South African border control on your way to and from Lesotho.   
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid at time of entry; 3 months of remaining validity suggested. It must have one blank page per entry stamp.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry and have two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Malawi:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an "expiry date" at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Malawi.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month and must have one blank page for entry stamp.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.
  

Mozambique:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. You need at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month from entry into Mozambique and must have 2 blank pages for visa and entry/exit stamps.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

Namibia:

• According to the new Namibian visa regime, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month and must have three blank pages.
• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least one blank page. If you’re travelling to South Africa, you will need an additional 2 blank pages.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month and must have three blank pages.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", when entering Namibia your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the trip and must contain at least two free pages. Your passport must also be in good condition - it should neither be damaged nor difficult to read.

South Africa:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice",  your passport should:
• be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa
• have 2 blank pages
• If you hold South African citizenship, you must use your South African passport to enter and exit the country. It is illegal for a South African citizen aged 18 or over to enter or leave the country on a foreign passport.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa and is must have 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry (not including endorsement pages).
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt",  your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of exit from South Africa and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Zambia:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamping.  
• Zambia recognises dual nationality. However, to avoid delays at the airport you should leave Zambia on the same passport you used to enter.
• According to the US Department of State, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month and must have three blank pages per entry for Zambia.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt", your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Zimbabwe:

• According to the UK "Foreign travel advice", your passport must:
• be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival
• have 3 blank pages, in case you need to enter Zimbabwe and exit through one of the neighbouring countries or if you need to leave at short notice
• The US Department of State is recommending a passport validity of 6 month and two blank pages.
• According to the German "Auswärtiges Amt",  your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
• If you are entering Zimbabwe on a transit flight and/or your return flight is via South Africa, both the South African and Zimbabwean immigration authorities require you to have at least six blank pages in your passport. Zimbabwe and South Africa each require two consecutive blank pages in each passport for entry and exit. In addition, both countries require two additional blank pages.
• The Ausweärtige Amt also advises that for transit flights via South Africa and return flights via South Africa your passport must have at least six blank pages. If you are entering Zimbabwe without a transit flight, your passport must have at least four blank pages.

sources (as of 16 February 2024):

• UK "Foreign travel advice" https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• US Department of State https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
• Auswärtiges Amt https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-und-sicherheitshinweise

Malawi lifts visa requirements for travellers from 48 (?) countries! [update]

update (09 February 2024): According to Minister Kamtukule, visa waiver for 48 countries have been introduced. The Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, lists 67 countries as well as nationals from the Southern African Developement Community (SADC) except for those countries that subject Malawians to a visa requirement.

The Malawian Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, announced on Facebook that the Government of Malawi is lifting visa requirements for travellers from selected countries from around the world in order to boost tourism and trade. According to Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, Malawi is now granting visa waivers to 48 countries, such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the UK and the US. The new requlation also includes nationals from the Southern African Developement Community (SADC) except for those countries that subject Malawians to a visa requirement. The new visa regulation became effective on 07 February 2024.

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).

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.

South Africa introduces a new "Traveller Pass" for everyone entering or leaving South Africa! [update]

update (21 October 2022): The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released a new press release regarding its new online traveller declaration. During November 2022, SARS will launch a pilot implementation of an electronic online portal for travellers to make declarations on a voluntary basis, well ahead of their arrival or departure to/from South Africa. This pilot will initially be implemented at... READ MORE

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that South Africa is set to introduce an online traveller declaration system to simplify passenger movement at South African airports. The new system requires all travellers, including South African citizens and residents, children and infants, leaving or entering South Africa by air to complete and submit an online traveller declaration, as well as receive a Traveller Pass before they travel.
The new traveller declaration process is an online system that collects travel information and returns a Traveller Pass via email. Upon arrival in South Africa, there will be instructions at the airports that will guide and inform travellers what to do next. The new online South African Traveller Declaration system will be rolled out to all South African international airports commencing with OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg in November 2022, followed by other international airports in the first quarter of 2023. We'll keep you posted!

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: 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: 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.