Considering to travel during the COVID-19 Era? In this article, we bring you the latest COVID-19 Travel Guidelines for travellers intending to go on safari or holiday in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania.
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
We have categorised the COVID-19 Travel Guidelines in five (05) major categories; Before you leave home, upon arrival at the airport, inside the airport terminal, on the aeroplane, and on arrival at your final destination.
Before leaving your home Country:
- Before you depart your home country, it is advisable that you book your flight/tickets, and check-in online, to minimize contact at both the ticketing office and the airport check-ins.
- We encourage travellers to arrive at the airport at least four (04) hours prior to departure? Why? This is to allow ample time to go through the required mandatory COVID-19 health and safety screenings.
- A Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before departure time from a certified laboratory is required by Airport Authority before departing, transiting or arriving.
- All travellers arriving might undergo quarantine at a designated hotel or medical facility. *check to see what the policy is in the country of your destination
- Travellers manifesting any flu-like symptoms or have come into contact with COVID-19 infected persons within the last 14 days are advised not to travel.
Upon arrival at the Airport:
- Wearing a face mask is mandatory when arriving at most East African Airports and for the duration of stay.
- Ensure you have sufficient Personal Protective Equipment for your entire journey. Additional Personal Protective Equipment may be purchased at the airport’s duty-free shops and in cities.
- Remember (most Airports will have signage to remind you) to always maintain at least ±1 meter of physical distance. Why? This is help prevent congestion a measure known to reduce the chances of either spreading or catching the Virus.
While in the Terminal awaiting check-in:
- All travellers departing often will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 health screening. If you’re unable to check-in online before your journey, we recommend using the self-check-in kiosks spread all-over the departures section. This is to help minimize person to person contact upon while at the terminal.
- Follow the New COVID-19 signage while at the Airport. This will help you observe the recommended physical distancing.
- Much as all surfaces at the airport are regularly disinfected. We advise wearing a pair of disposable gloves while moving about in the terminal (* Please remember to dispose of these before leaving the terminal).
- Although Hand sanitizer dispensers are easily accessible throughout the airport, we recommend carrying and using your personal hand sanitizers.
While Inside the aeroplane:
- Although aeroplanes are now even thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and all surfaces, including tray tables, video screens, armrests, safety belts and overhead luggage bins are sprayed and wiped with disinfectant before every flight. We recommend wearing a pair of disposable gloves for extra protection while you go about ‘business’ on the aeroplane (* remember to dispose of these on arrival at your destination).
- In spite of the fact that all the latest aeroplanes are fitted with high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters that remove over 99% of germs, we encourage all travellers to constantly wear their masks and to avoid hallway seats which definitely require booking in advance (* Hallway seats are associated with high chances physical contact).
- While it’s important to keep rehydrated and well-fed on your trip, we recommend drinking a reasonably sufficient amount of fluids but not too much. High amounts of fluid & food intake might cause you to need a toilet visit, something you want to avoid during this COVID-19. Why? The toilet on board is a point of infection.
- Carry your own lightweight travel blanket and avoid using onboard earphones that are normally made available for your use. Why? These are used by many other travellers and thus might be a point of infection. (*See: Lightweight Travel Blankets sold On Amazon)
- Most carriers will (as always) provide reading material, but we recommend careful handling of these. Wear a pair of gloves. Why? Much as many studies have ruled out the survival of the Virus on the paper surface, some research has shown that the virus could last up to 30 minutes on paper surfaces like magazines, toilet paper and paper money.
On arrival at your Destination:
- On arrival at your destination airport, avoid rushing to disembark the plane (* Some Airports might have systems in place but take caution just in case). Why? The spread COVID-19 is closely associated with physical distance and contact with infected persons. Rushing for the exist puts you at a high risk of catching the virus.
- Depending on Individual Government policies, some governments might require all travellers to undergo a mandatory COVID-19 health screening on arrival for a set period of time ranging from 24 hours to 14 days. (*Endeavour to check with the respective country Authorities what their COVID-19 policy requires)
If you still have any questions about travelling during the COVID-19 era, please get in touch via info@realmafricasafaris.com and follow the latest COVID-19 updates for East Africa on our website and Facebook Account.
