Covid-19: Lesotho has reopened borders!

The Government of Lesotho has eased the Covid-19 restrictions last week. The country is now open for regular travel, including tourism, through all border crossings and Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), which is located about 15 km southeast of Maseru. Travellers intending to visit Lesotho need to present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure when entering the country. There are no restrictions on intercity or interstate travel within Lesotho. Covid-19 health and safety protocols must be followed at all times, including observance of guidelines for social distancing, sanitation and hygiene, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, like cloth face masks. Supermarkets, pharmacies and most businesses can operate in line with safety protocols. Accomodation facilities in Lesotho are allowed to open with 100% occupancy. Public recreational areas (such as parks) are permitted to operate, while nightclubs remain closed. Liquor stores are allowed to operate from Mondays to Sundays (08:00 - 20:00). The daily curfew starts at 22:00 and ends at 04:00. Public transport is allowed to operate at 100% capacity.

Botswana set to lift international travel restrictions in a phased manner!

The Government of Botswana just announced that the country's President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has approved the lifting of international travel restrictions in a phased manner starting from 09 November 2020 and extending to 01 December 2020, covering the 14 Points of Entry listed as follows:

• On the 09 November 2020, air travel will resume at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, Maun Airport (MUB) in Maun and Kasane International Airport (BBK) in Kasane.
• On 01 December 2020, Ground Crossing will resume at the commercial border points of Kazungula road, Kazungula ferry, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer and Mohembo.
• Furthermore, international air travel will resume on 01 December 2020 at Phillip G. Matante International Airport (FRW) in Francistown.

All arriving travellers will be expected to meet the following requirements:

• Present a valid 72 Hour negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result from time of departure.
• Screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry.
• Symptomatic clients upon arrival will be required to undertake mandatory testing and possible isolation and or quarantine, as per section 76 (1) (2) and 80 of the Public Health Act of 2013.
• The traveller will be required to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days doing self-monitoring.
• Returning citizens and residents not meeting the requirement will undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine and testing at their own cost (as assessed by local authority).
• Non-citizen travelers not meeting the requirements will NOT be allowed entry into Botswana.
• Travellers exiting Botswana are expected to comply with travel regulations of the destination country at their own expense.
  

The remaining Points of Entry will be considered in due course subject to disease burden and harmonization with other neighbouring countries.

Mozambique eases travel restrictions!

The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, announced during an address to the nation on 29 October 2020 that the country eases the current travel restrictions imposed due the coronavirus pandemic. According to President Nyusi Mozambican diplomatic missions abroad are allowed again to resume the issuing of tourist visas. He also announced the relaxation of quarantine requirements in Mozambique. Travellers who can present a negative Covid-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test not older than 24 hours at Mozambique's ports of entry are exempt from quarantine. Travellers who cannot present a negative Covid-19 PCR test at the border are required to go into quarantine for 14 days or to take a Covid-19 PCR test at own costs. Children under eleven years of age are exempt from presenting a Covid-19 test when entering Mozambique. President Nyusi did not mention during this address if tourist visa are available again at Mozambique's ports of entry. We'l keep you posted!

As of 01 November 2020, Mozambique has 12,988 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 93 deaths. A total of 10,439 individuals have recovered from the disease.