During the last two years, no other topic has kept our minds as busy as COVID-19. While we have come a long way, COVID may very well be a part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future, and since the beginning of 2022, we are finally beginning to see a wave of positive energy surrounding the subject.
Over the past years, successful vaccination rollouts have been implemented, borders have opened up again, and travel bans have disappeared. Southern and Eastern Africa have well-managed COVID outbreaks, with vaccinations readily available at an early stage. Botswana was one of the first countries worldwide to complete the vaccination program, while Tanzania and Zanzibar were declared “COVID friendly” very early on.
Since the conditions and circumstances in travel destinations might still change, we would like to give you a short overview of the most frequently asked questions. Please keep in mind that before and throughout your trip, our team at ZULA will keep you updated with detailed information on the subject.
Entry Requirements
Entry and return regulations may differ depending on where you are travelling from and returning to, as well as the type of passport you possess. Our team will update you with the latest information and on changes to your ZULA booking – if any. Please also check with your Department of Home Affairs on any of the most recent updates.
Please note:
- A PCR test is no longer required for vaccinated travellers entering Southern or Eastern African countries.
- There is still a possibility that non-vaccinated travellers will need to show a negative PCR test result that is not older than 72 hours.
- Compared to other destinations, when travelling to Zimbabwe, non-vaccinated travellers need a PCR-Test no older than 48 hours.
- In Mauritius, travellers must be fully vaccinated to enter restaurants and shops. Without vaccination, travellers must self-isolate 7 days after arrival at their own expense.
Travelling with ZULA is as easy as ever, and your health is our top priority! The majority of our Southern and Eastern African destinations no longer require PCR tests for entry. As a result, travellers who have been vaccinated will have the same unique experience as before Covid.
COVID Statistics in my Destination
As previously stated, the situation in Southern and Eastern Africa have been very well managed, with the numbers continually dropping and travel restrictions lifted. Here you will find the latest information on cases, vaccinations administered, etc.:
South Africa | Namibia | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Zambia | Tanzania | Mozambique | Mauritius
Masks, Sanitizing & Social Distancing
Most of our ZULA destinations follow similar regulations to ensure that travellers and locals adhere to all general rules:
Masks
- A face mask means a fabric mask that covers both the nose and mouth or any other item that covers both safe enough to wear in public. Children under the age of six are generally excluded.
- When in South Africa, masks are no longer mandatory in outdoor and indoor public spaces.
- In Namibia, masks are not required in public. It is recommended, however, to wear a mask when in closed or poorly ventilated rooms and on airplanes.
- When visiting Mozambique, a mask is required for adults and children over the age of 11.
- You usually do not have to wear a mask if you exercise in a public place, as long as you keep an adequate distance from others.
Sanitizing
- Hands should still be sanitized before entering any public area, including shops, restaurants and banks.
Social Distancing
- It is still advisable to maintain a distance of between 1 to 2 meters at all times when in public.
Curfew
Most of the Southern and Eastern African country’s curfews have been lifted. Only Zimbabwe still has a curfew between the hours of 00:00 – 05:30.
Curfews are extremely unlikely to return, but if, there will always be a few exceptions:
- Arrival and/or departure from the airport, if you can prove a valid boarding pass or ticket.
- In the case of a medical or security emergency, you’ll need a valid movement permit.
If any changes occur before or during your trip, we will let you know as soon as possible. Fortunately, your daily routine is unlikely to be significantly disrupted.
Alcohol Sales & Consumption
The restrictions in our ZULA destinations are a bit different and can’t be generalised. In South Africa, the consumption of alcohol has never been allowed in public places (except in licensed on-site consumption areas). Tanzania, Zanzibar and other countries however never placed any restrictions on liquor during COVID. Generally, alcohol is now available in all destinations and restaurants and bars are open. Travellers can therefore enjoy their holiday to the fullest. We will be glad to provide more detailed information about the destination of your choice.
What if I get COVID before starting my trip?
First and foremost: Contact us! Please let us know if you might need to change/rebook or cancel your ZULA’s trip, so we can check with all suppliers and resolve your problem. If you wish to defer your booking, we will waive any ZULA fees and recalculate your travel price based on the new travel season. Deposits will be allocated to new travel dates. In the case of cancellation, the cancellation policy stipulates that we are entitled to charge cancellation fees. They will cover any cancellation charges from our suppliers and administrative costs (banking and/or service fees) incurred during the booking and payment process. However, please be reassured that we are always happy to have a look at your booking to find a suitable solution.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, it is however a good idea to look into insurance – in the event that you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness. Most of the travel insurance policies these days include a COVID policy to cover you for any cancellation fees that might arise, so make sure you check that when booking your ZULA trip.
Is it safe to fly?
Studies have revealed that air travel is safer than most people believe. Although there is still a risk of COVID-19 exposure, the air quality on commercial airlines is excellent. This is because a thorough recirculating of the cabin air takes place every 2-4 minutes. Half of it is circulating with outside air, and the other half passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
It is a common concern of many travellers to avoid social interactions on an airplane, but wearing a mask on a plane has been proven to be an effective way to combat virus transmission. As of January 2021, wearing a mask at the airport or during flights is mandatory. It’s important to check directly with your airline for the latest information and procedures before travelling.
Are the ZULA suppliers COVID compliant?
Each ZULA Partner is carefully selected. They are based not only on their excellent ratings, affordability, or excellent services but also on their commitment to ensuring the safety and happiness of their guests and employees. Each ZULA Partner is COVID compliant according to local regulations.
While we at ZULA take all the necessary steps to ensure our suppliers follow the appropriate health and safety procedures, including the travel safe pandemic protocol, we are not present to ensure they do so. If you feel that health and safety procedures are not being adhered to when you are being housed, transported, or entertained as per the itinerary you have confirmed with ZULA, please let us know right away.
Also note: All our staff, guides, and Meet & Greet colleagues are fully vaccinated!
What happens if I contract COVID while travelling?
Travellers should generally keep up with standard vaccines, such as Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A/B, COVID-19, etc. If you contract COVID while travelling, you will be required to isolate yourself at your own expense. The duration of the quarantine differs depending on your travel destination. You are not required to have travel insurance. However, it’s good to contemplate medical insurance before travelling in the event of unexpected medical bills. Most travel insurance policies include COVID-19 coverage.
When visiting our ZULA destinations, you can expect to find top-quality healthcare facilities and highly trained medical staff. Private hospitals are second to none and will be happy to assist you, providing you take out travel insurance. If not, you will have to pay a lump sum upfront.
Also, we have your back! Our Emergency / Service Phone is available 24/7, Monday through Sunday. Depending on who is on shift, we can also help you in Afrikaans, German, and/or Spanish. You can find all ZULA contact details in your Travel Documents.
Are all ZULA Partners open and in operation?
The suppliers that are part of our ZULA itinerary are all up and running again.
Despite this, travel arrangements may be interrupted or cancelled by the associated travel provider, a government entity, or another party not under the direct control of ZULA for reasons that are not predictable ahead of time. If we discover any such problem, we will notify you immediately, refund you, or find an alternative for you to consider.
