Africa is a continent where you need to take care of all the nuances before travelling. Find out more about the rules for entering Africa in 2023 and what restrictions exist

For most travelers, Africa is an interesting and largely unexplored continent, but tourism is an important sector of the economy of many countries in the region.

Africa is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of national parks, game reserves, and other safari destinations. It is here that you can see how elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, rhinoceroses and many other unique and interesting animals live in the wild. The nature of Africa is also quite diverse: in arid areas, "stone" plants grow, more like a fancy stone than a plant; tropics is the kingdom of trees, vines, bamboo and ferns.

Find 16 most useful tips for first-time travelers here.

Also, Africa is the second most populous continent in the world. The culture, traditions, and way of life of the peoples of Africa are very different from what most people in the world are used to.

Africa surprises and fascinates. However, the continent has its own special limitations that tourists should be aware of before planning a trip to the continent.

What are the travel restrictions to Africa that tourists may encounter? Read in our material.

Find the 7 best countries for Americans to visit here.

Restrictions when visiting national parks

Respect local wildlife laws. Keep a safe distance when observing wildlife. Use the services of only reputable and professional guides or tour operators. Follow park rules and ranger advice.

Restrictions due to the epidemic of COVID-19 in Africa

Despite initial dire predictions, Africa has fared very well in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The daily number of new cases of COVID-19 in Africa remains significantly lower than in most other countries in the world. Africa is a safe holiday destination, especially for safaris, as you have minimal human contact during your journey.

African countries have lifted all quarantine restrictions related to the COVID-19 epidemic. All passengers are no longer required to present COVID-19 test results or vaccination certificates upon arrival, however vaccination and regular testing are encouraged. Travelers with flu-like symptoms will be required to undergo an express antigen test and, if confirmed, be quarantined.

Tourists in some African countries, such as Tanzania, may be asked to complete an online internal health screening form during a domestic flight.

The only limitation is that while in the countries, international travelers may be asked to observe the following safety rules: hand hygiene, wearing masks and maintaining physical distance if deemed appropriate.

Important vaccinations for traveling to Africa

When planning a trip to Africa, you should take care of your health and check whether you have all the necessary vaccinations.

Many diseases, which have already become rare in most countries of the world due to regular vaccination, are quite common in African countries. Therefore, four to six weeks before your trip, check whether you have the following scheduled vaccinations: flu, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.

• Vaccination against yellow fever in Africa

Yellow fever is transmitted by certain types of insects that are common in the "yellow fever belt" that stretches across central Africa.

You must get vaccinated at least 10 days before you plan to travel to a yellow fever area. After vaccination, the travel clinic will issue you an international certificate of vaccination or prevention, which confirms that you have been vaccinated.

This document is mandatory for entering the Republic of Congo or Uganda. Also, most African countries require a certificate if you have been to a country in the yellow fever belt.

• Prevention of malaria

The disease is transmitted by female mosquitoes. The risk of contracting the disease increases during the hot and humid summer months in tropical regions. Malaria is one of the most common diseases in Africa, but it is easily preventable and treatable with antimalarial drugs. Follow the established schedule of antimalarial preventives to ensure they work as planned. If you experience any uncomfortable or unexpected side effects during the safari, please inform your guide or camp leader.

Having a health insurance policy is mandatory when traveling to Africa. It can protect you from unforeseen expenses during your trip, so we advise you to purchase insurance from trusted agents before traveling to Africa.

You also need to be in perfect health during your trip if you plan to see gorillas, as they are very vulnerable to human diseases. A common human cold can kill a gorilla, so you will not be allowed to join the trek if you have even the slightest symptoms of illness.

Safety when traveling to Africa

Many countries and regions of the African continent are completely safe and hospitable for travelers, but there are some countries that are considered dangerous. It is also not forbidden to travel there, but certain rules should be followed.

The most dangerous countries include: South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Sudan, etc. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), the countries on the list currently have a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" travel warning.

Tips for safe travels:

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are taking place. Follow local media for updates. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Crime and violence are serious problems in some African countries. Therefore, avoid moving at night and walking alone.
• Criminals target travelers and their bags at airports and public transport. Vehicles parked or stopped at intersections are often the targets. Be aware of the situation and only stop in designated areas, such as gas stations.
• ATM and credit card fraud is common. Criminals wait near ATMs to rob people who have withdrawn cash. Be aware of your surroundings and only withdraw small amounts. Keep your credit card with you at all times.

If you encountered restrictions and prohibitions while traveling in Africa, online consultation of a highly qualified lawyer will help protect your rights.

Restrictions on electricity and water supply

Certain African countries have certain restrictions due to electricity shortages. Outages occur several times a day and are valid for a couple of hours. Water outages also occur from time to time in some areas and can be quite lengthy, causing significant inconvenience. Therefore, find out the schedule of possible shutdowns in advance to prepare for restrictions.

Africa is an interesting and exciting continent, and if you know about the main restrictions and follow the rules, your trip to Africa will be bright and full of unforgettable impressions.

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