There’s no denying that planning travel has become a more complex and intricate task in recent months, but we’re here to help guide you through the information minefield to ensure that your holiday is as safe and as memorable as those we have been providing for nearly 14 years.
The below data is based on UK government guidelines, destination country regulations and information gathered from our local ground handlers and partners.
The UK government has identified certain countries where you can travel without having to self-isolate on your return, these are called ‘travel corridors’. Please note that the different countries of the UK may have different rules in place.
We are updating this information on a regular basis but, given the rapidly changing situation, cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies:
Botswana
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: Botswana re-opened international borders at Gaborone, Kasane and Maun airports on 9th December 2020. Land borders remain closed. Travellers must present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for Botswana. Test screening will also take place on arrival, and travellers must keep in touch with local health authorities throughout their stay.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Botswana are significantly lower than those in Europe and are among the lowest in Africa
- British nationals do not normally need a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days.
Kenya
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: Travellers arriving from the UK are exempt from the Kenyan government’s 14-day quarantine requirement, but must have a negative Covid-19 test obtained no more than 96 hours prior to departure from the UK. All travellers arriving in Kenya must complete a COVID-19 Travellers Health Surveillance Form before their arrival, even if only transiting. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a QR code which must be presented to port health officials for them to be allowed to proceed to arrival immigration. Visas continue to be required and are available via the High Commission.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Kenya are significantly lower than those in Europe and are among the lowest in Africa
- Kenya has been awarded a Safety Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council
Madagascar
Open to international tourists: Yes (but only the island of Nosy Be)
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All arriving passengers must present a valid return flight ticket and must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test, carried out no more than 72 hours before arrival. A letter of commitment must be signed by passengers, acknowledging the Covid related health measures in Madagascar. A further Covid test must be conducted at the travellers hotel (at own expense) 72 hours before departure.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Madagascar are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Visas are available for purchase on arrival
Malawi
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All arriving passengers must have a negative Covid-19 test, conducted within 10 days of arrival. Passengers arriving without a negative result will be denied entry. Health screening and temperature checks will be made at arrival airports. There is a mandatory quarantine requirement of 14 days on arrival
Notes:
- Infection rates in Malawi are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Visas are available for purchase via the Malawi High Commission
Mauritius
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: The UK government added Mauritius to the ‘travel corridor’ on 8th October 2020 and travellers, therefore, will not need to self-isolate on return. Currently the Mauritius government require a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 7 days before arrival and will be given further tests on arrival and after 7 days.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Mauritius are low
- Visas are not required for British passport holders
Mozambique
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All arriving passengers must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure. There will be health screening temperature checks on arrival. All passengers are required to self-isolate for 10 days in their accommodation, followed by a further Covid-19 test at their own expense.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Mozambique are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Visas are available for purchase via the Mozambique High Commission
Namibia
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All passengers arriving on international flights must present a negative Covid-19 test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the plane. You should not use the NHS testing service, you should arrange to take a private test. On arrival you will be required to provide a full itinerary and contact details and be available for a further Covid-19 test on day 5. Provided that test is also negative you can continue your journey.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Namibia are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Visas are not required for British nationals for stays of up to 90 days
- Travellers must comply with local coronavirus measures: wear a face mask at all times in public spaces and maintain social distancing
Rwanda
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All passengers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative Covid-19 certificate. The only acceptable test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), performed within 120 hours of departure to Rwanda. Other tests such as Rapid Diagnostics Tests (RDT) are not accepted. Prior to arrival, all travellers must complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload their test certificate via www.rbc.gov.rw/travel. All travellers arriving in Rwanda will be screened on entry and take a second RT-PCR test (at a cost of US$50), they will be required to wait 24 hours for their results in a designated transit hotel.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Rwanda are significantly lower than those in Europe
- You need a visa to enter Rwanda. These are available on arrival or via the Rwandan High Commission
- Penalties will be issued for non-compliance with health measures, including physical distancing, wearing facemasks and hand hygiene
Seychelles
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: Travellers from the UK are among seven countries with special status allowing them to visit Seychelles. However, there are stringent guidelines: you must have a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure and you must not leave your designated accommodation for 5 days after arrival. A further Covid test will be made after 5 days and, if it is negative, you will be free to travel within the country.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Seychelles are low
- All travellers must apply for Health Travel Authorization via the official government website
- Visas are not required for British passport holders
South Africa
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: Business travellers from the UK are permitted entry with a negative Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours from the time of departure. Given the high Covid rates in the UK, leisure travellers are currently not permitted entry. Currently any visitors require a visa to enter South Africa. These can be obtained via the High Commission.
Notes:
- Infection rates in South Africa are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Cape Town has been awarded a Safety Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council
- Visitors will be requested to download a government contact notification app on arrival
Tanzania
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: The Tanzanian government is implementing temperature scanning for all international arrivals. If you show symptoms of Covid-19 you may be required to take a test. If you are tested you may be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Visas continue to be required and can either be obtained at the High Commission or at arrival airports.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Tanzania are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Tanzania has been awarded a Safety Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council
- All accommodations and other tourist facilities have been through a Covid-19 certification process and place official documentation to that effect at their entrances
Uganda
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: If you are travelling to Uganda you will need to provide a negative Covid-19 test certificate, issued no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight. You should arrange a private test rather than use the NHS service. You will also be temperature checked on arrival. Passengers may also be required to present a negative Covid-19 test certificate on departure (there are a number of private test centres in Uganda).
Notes:
- Infection rates in Uganda are significantly lower than those in Europe
- You need a visa to enter Uganda and these can be applied for via the Ugandan High Commission
Zambia
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All arriving passengers must have a negative Covid-19 test certificate, conducted within 14 days of arrival into Zambia. There will be temperature checks on arrival and if over 38 degrees you will be tested for Covid-19.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Zambia are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Visas are available for purchase on arrival
- Travellers must comply with local coronavirus measures: wear a face mask, social distancing and personal hygiene
Zimbabwe
Open to international tourists: Yes
On the UK government travel corridor list: No
Local entry requirements for UK nationals: All arriving passengers must have a negative Covid-19 test, taken no more than 48 hours before your journey. Health screening and temperature checks will be made at arrival airports. If you exhibit symptoms on arrival you will be detained at a holding facility where you will be obliged to pay US$60 for a test. If the test is positive you will be required to enter isolation at a state facility for 14 days.
Notes:
- Infection rates in Zimbabwe are significantly lower than those in Europe
- Visas are available for purchase on arrival
- Travellers must comply with local coronavirus measures: wear a face mask, social distancing and personal hygiene
Please call us on 0161 789 8838 or visit the FCDO for further information
