Reopening borders for international tourism – updates from our collection in Africa and Latin America

Updated January 2022

Note: This post is updated as of the date above, however will not be updated further. It is critical that travel advisors and travelers always check official government statements and consult with local suppliers and airlines on the latest entry requirements.

Africa partners | Latin America partners

US COVID TEST REQUIREMENTS AS OF JAN 2022

US-bound travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 1 day before their flight to the U.S. departs. This requirement extends to all passengers including US citizens. Airlines must confirm negative test results or documentation of recovery for each passenger before they board. If not provided or if one chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding. Our partners have been helping travelers from around the globe navigate their countries’ testing requirements for months and have well-established procedures in place.

Africa

Tanzania:

• Arrival testing requirements: All travelers are required to fill in an online Traveler’s Surveillance Form within 24 hours before arrival to Tanzania. All travelers, whether foreigners or returning residents will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival using a sample collected within 96 hours before arrival to Tanzania. All travelers will be subjected to enhanced screening for COVID-19 infection including a rapid test. The cost for rapid test is 25 USD per traveler.
• Arrival procedures: A health screening will take place on arrival at the airport, including a temperature check and COVID-19 rapid test.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative PCR Covid test AND a negative rapid antigen test to return to the USA. The PCR test is a new requirement (Dec 2021) by the Tanzanian government. Results generally take more than 24 hours, hence the requirement for an additional (rapid antigen) test to fulfill the US government requirements to enter the United States. Departing safari guests can get tested in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Stone Town, Karatu, or in the Serengeti National Park at either Seronera or Kogatende. It may also be possible to arrange for a medical professional to come to the traveler’s camp at the traveler’s cost. Should you need expedited PCR test results, talk with your Albatros East Africa representative.
• Click here for more details from Albatros Travel on all entry/exit requirements and more.

Kenya:

• Arrival testing requirements: Arriving passengers must present a negative PCR based COVID – 19 test carried out within 72 hours (this is a change from 96 hours) before departure from their home country.
• Arrival procedures: Arriving passengers must register for a Trusted Travel Code (TT Code) before traveling. They must also fill out a health surveillance form. They will then receive an email with a QR code that they should print and carry when traveling to Kenya. Guests must also apply for a visa online before visiting Kenya as it is no longer possible to obtain one on arrival. Guests must present their COVID negative certificate, TT code and the QR code generated from their Traveller Health Surveillance Form at the health check desk before proceeding to immigration. They will also be screened for current signs of infection. Travellers under the age of 18 are required only to have a Covid negative certificate.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present negative Covid test results from within 1 day of departure to return to the USA. There are numerous approved testing labs including sites across Nairobi and Mombasa. A limited number of properties, including Angama Mara and Lewa Wilderness can also carry out tests at the camp and send them to a laboratory. Where testing is not available at the accommodation, Albatros may be able to arrange for a testing professional to visit clients to provide a ‘special access’ test at traveler’s cost.
• Click here for more details from Albatros Travel on all entry/exit requirements and more.

Rwanda:

• Arrival testing requirements: Arriving passengers over the age of 5 must present negative PCR test results from within 72 hours of arrival. They must also take a rapid test upon arrival (US$6 to be paid directly), as well as daily rapid tests (same cost) during their stay in Rwanda.
• Arrival procedures: Visitors must complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload their negative test results before arrival. Passengers will be tested on arrival followed by quarantine in a local hotel for up to 24 hours while awaiting results. Fully vaccinated travelers and children below 18 years will be required to self-isolate and wait for the results at their booked hotel. Arriving travelers must present a valid vaccination certificate showing their full vaccination status. All guests staying at various hotels countrywide are required to present a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test. Tourists visiting national parks will be required to take a mandatory Rapid Antigen or RT-PCR COVID-19 test on daily basis at their own cost. For the most current Rwanda Covid entry requirements check this document.
  • CAS guides will be with clients to assist coordinating the rapid testing in the appropriate clinics. Note that:
    • Tests cost USD$6 per person, per test and will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
    • The rapid test will be taken on a daily basis (tourism exemption details shared below).
    • This daily rapid test is not valid for national park activities.
    • Guests will still follow the PCR test requirements for park activities and for departure, as previously advised.

• Please check the CAS Covid News page often for updates, and email Mandy with questions on specific bookings.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.

Uganda:

• Arrival testing requirements: Arriving passengers must show PCR COVID-19 negative test results issued within 72 hours before boarding the first flight of their journey to Uganda. The Uganda Ministry of Health has announced the cessation of PCR COVID tests on arrival in Entebbe effective Feb 16, 2022. Note that all COVID-19 PCR certificates for travelers must indicate ‘travel’ as the intended purpose of the test. Guests must not exit their airport(s) en route and no stopovers are permitted.
• Arrival procedures: View this communication for the latest arrival/testing procedures. The testing venue offers services including free WiFi, food and drinks from a cafe (at traveler’s cost), a rest lounge with music, emergency services, trained medical staff and a professional baggage handling team. There are also accommodations at the facility (available at extra cost and not recommended by CAS as they are quite basic) for guests who prefer privacy. Additionally, all travelers should carry all vaccination cards, passports and visa paperwork in their carry-on, as they will not have access to checked luggage until after they are tested and released.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• More details and all entry/exit requirements from Classic Africa Safaris here. The Entebbe International Airport has provided these SOPs for arrivals and departures.

South Africa:

• Arrival testing requirements: A negative COVID PCR test certificate within 72 hours of departure from country of origin is compulsory.
• Arrival procedures: Completion of screening and health questionnaires on arrival. Any symptomatic travelers will be required to undergo further testing and should they test positive, they must quarantine at their own cost at a designated facility. 
• Transit passengers: Transit facilities are open and passengers are allowed to transit through South Africa provided they are in possession of the negative PCR certificate and adhere to screening and health protocols. Transit travelers should also keep a copy of their itinerary and flight tickets with them should they be requested to present these at any stage.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• New Frontiers has a very comprehensive COVID-19 page on the NF Agent Zone that we recommend you review for full details (member log-in required).

Botswana:

• Arrival testing requirements: A negative COVID PCR test certificate within 72 hours of departure from departing country is compulsory for entry as is proof of full vaccination.
• Arrival procedures: Travelers are required to fill out a screening and health questionnaire on arrival and are subject to a (free) rapid antigen test. Any travelers with positive test results must quarantine at their own cost. Find the most up to date entry requirements for Botswana on the New Frontiers Agent Zone (member login required).
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• Transit passengers: International travellers returning to South Africa to stay or transit will require additional negative Covid PCR test certificate valid within 72 hours. More details on the NF Agent Zone (member login required).

Zimbabwe:

• Arrival testing requirements: Travelers are required to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours of arrival.
• Arrival procedures: Travelers are required to fill out a screening and health questionnaire on arrival. A quick health screening will take place, including a temperature check. Any symptomatic travelers will be required to undergo further testing and should they test positive, they must quarantine at their own cost. There has been confusion about a required quarantine for guests arriving in Zimbabwe. This is not the case – no quarantine is required unless travelers exhibit symptoms and test positive upon arrival, or if they are coming from, or transiting through India en route to Zimbabwe.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• Transit passengers: International travellers returning to South Africa to stay or transit will require additional negative Covid PCR test certificate valid within 72 hours. More details on the NF Agent Zone (member login required).
• Zimbabwe’s land borders remain closed to all but essential services and returning residents.

Zambia

• Arrival testing requirements: A negative COVID PCR test certificate within 72 hours of arrival is compulsory.
• Arrival procedures: Travelers are required to fill out a screening and health questionnaire on arrival. A quick health screening will take place, including a temperature check. Any symptomatic travelers will be required to undergo further testing and should they test positive, they must quarantine at their own cost. Find the most up to date Zambia entry requirements on the New Frontiers Agent Zone (login required).
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• Transit passengers: International travellers returning to South Africa to stay or transit will require additional negative Covid PCR test certificate valid within 72 hours. More details on the NF Agent Zone (member login required)

Namibia:

• Arrival testing requirements: All tourists must have a negative PCR result not older than 72 hours (formerly 7 days) before boarding their flight to Namibia.
• Arrival procedures: Tourists must complete a health questionnaire which will need to be submitted, together with a full travel itinerary, to Health Ministry staff when they first arrive at the airport. The health questionnaire forms can be obtained at www.namibiatourism.com.na, which can be found here. Tourists must have travel insurance which covers medical expenses and unexpected hotel stays in case of falling ill while traveling.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.

Ethiopia:

• Arrival testing requirements: A negative PCR Covid-19 test issues no earlier than 120 hours before arrival is required for entry and must be presented prior to boarding, as well as upon entry. Children under the age of 10 are exempt.
• Arrival procedures: A quick health screening will take place on arrival at the airport, including a temperature check.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• Transit passengers: Transit passengers are not required to present a negative PCR test, however most airlines and countries will require a negative test for boarding or entry.
• Comprehensive entry requirements from Ethiopian Airlines here.

Latin America

Belize:

• Arrival testing requirements: Arriving passengers who provide a certificate of a negative Covid-19 PCR test from within 96 hours of travel or a negative rapid test from within 48 hours of arrival will be allowed immediate entry into Belize. Arriving passengers without a negative Covid-19 test must be tested upon arrival in Belize at the passenger’s expense (USD $50). Vaccinated passengers arriving more than two weeks past their final immunization date may enter Belize without a negative PCR test.
• Arrival procedures: Passengers must download and complete the Belize Health App within 72 hours of arrival as well as the Customs and Immigration Form that is provided to you on your flight to Belize.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• More details from Maya Trails.

Guatemala:

• Arrival testing requirements: Passengers must provide a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result issued at most 72 hours before departure. A test can also be administered on arrival at the traveler’s expense, though this will take time (including waiting for results). It is recommended that travelers have the tests administered in their home countries prior to departure. Testing requirements do not apply to children under the age of 10. Additionally, arriving passengers must have proof of full vaccination completed at least two weeks before arrival.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• More details from Maya Trails.

Costa Rica:

• Arrival testing requirements: Currently, residents of all U.S. states and Canada are allowed entry to Costa Rica with no Covid testing required. Rules will be changing however. From December 1, 2021 to January 7, 2022 there will be a transition period where businesses in Costa Rica can admit people without vaccinations provided they operate at 50% capacity. Local businesses, including hotels, will have the ability to decide if they operate at full capacity, therefore requiring proof of vaccination, or at 50% capacity without proof of vaccination. If you have travelers visiting between December 1, 2021 and January 7, 2022, check with Costa Rica Sun Tours to determine if vaccine status information will be required for their activities or accommodations. From January 8, 2022, all tourists 12 years of age and older without proof of full vaccination with an approved vaccine will effectively be banned from entering Costa Rica.
• Arrival procedures: Complete the electronic epidemiological Health Pass form, available at https://salud.go.cr/ Form should be completed and submitted 48 hours prior departure. At the end of the health form, a QR code is generated which the customer can save on their mobile phone or print out. This QR code must be presented upon check-in at the airport and entry to Costa Rica. Visitors must purchase travel insurance and provide proof of insurance. Effective August 1, 2021, Costa Rica will eliminate travel health insurance policy requirements for visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.
• The latest details from Costa Rica Sun Tours here.

Ecuador:

• Arrival testing requirements and procedures: All travelers entering Ecuador over the age of 16 must present proof of full vaccination that was completed at least 14 days prior, as well as a negative RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal sample) test result from within 72 hours of departure for Ecuador. Children between 2 and 15 years, 11 months and 29 days of age must present a negative RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal sample) test result from within 72 hours of departure for Ecuador. Additionally, for passengers visiting both the mainland and Galapagos, a negative RT-PCR test result from within 72 hours is required to visit the Galapagos, which may necessitate additional testing in the mainland depending on length of stay. Visit the Tropic blog for full details. All passengers arriving to mainland Ecuador by air must present the digital “Traveler’s Health Declaration” when boarding the plane. You can find the form here. If for some reason the platform is not available, the physical form must be submitted at point of entry in Ecuador to the Ministry of Health officials.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA.

Baja California Sur, Mexico:

• Arrival testing requirements: There are no entry requirements for travelers arriving at Los Cabos International airport.
• Arrival procedures: Travelers must fill out a questionnaire about recent travel and exposure for safety.
• Departure testing requirements: All US-bound pax must present a negative Covid test taken within 1 day of their departure to return to the USA. TOSEA can arrange for tests for clients either at Los Colibris or at their bodega in La Paz.
• More details on TOSEA’s safety protocols for Covid-19 here.