Border Reopening: Africa and the Middle East

Last update: October 05, 2020

More countries you can visit in 2020 amid the coronavirus lockdown.

UAE

The Emirates will open up to tourism gradually. The first is Dubai, which has started to welcome tourists again since July 7th and to issue visas on arrival for the first time since early March. All tourists must do a coronavirus PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure. Health insurance is also required.

Egypt

After almost two months of lockdown, Egypt resumed some international flights from 1 of July. Tourists arriving directly to the Red Sea coast, South Sinai and Marsa Matrukh are free to travel within these provinces, but there are restrictions that prevent further travel to other parts of Egypt without a negative PCR test certificate.

Ghana

Ghana restarted international flights on September 1, 2020. Passengers will need to bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours before departure, and be tested again upon arrival.

Kenya

Kenya reopened its borders for all international visitors on August, 1. It is necessary to present a proof of a negative no more than 92 hour old PCR test.

Mauritania

Mauritania reopened borders on September 10, 2020. All people must bring a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Nigeria

Nationals of all countries can now visit Nigeria under normal visa rules. All travellers to Nigeria must have tested for COVID-19 in the country of departure. Upon arrival all passengers must isolate/quarantine until taking their 2nd PCR test on day 7 after arriving.

Tunisia

Tunisia has opened its borders since June, 27 to tourists from a wide range of countries. The list is divided into "green" and "orange" parts. The green list includes citizens of countries that do not need to pass coronavirus tests. Travelers from the "orange list" must provide negative results of a PCR test made no earlier than 72 hours before departure. The lists are available at www.santetunisie.rns.tn.

Tanzania

Tanzania has resumed international flights. Visitors no longer need to go into a mandatory quarantine (unless they have symptoms).

Qatar

Qatar's borders have been reopened to foreign travelers since August. Visitors from 40 low-risk countries can now enter the country. 2 PCR tests are required: the first one to be taken before departure, and the second one - at one of several dedicated health centers. Visitors must also self-quarantine for one week, after which they will receive a second Covid-19 test. Should the result be negative, the self-isolation period can end immediately.

Rwanda

The country is open for tourists. Visitors need to show a proof of a negative test that has been taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival. It's also mandatory to take a second test before visiting the country's attractions.

Senegal

Senegal has reopened for tourism. A negative PCR test is required to enter the country.

Seychelles

International flights to the islands resumed on 1 of June. Nationals of 29 countries are allowed to enter. All passengers must bring a negative PCR test.

Sierra Leone

The country reopened for tourism on July 22, 2020. A special travel authorization card from the government and a negative PCR are required.

South Africa

South Africa plans to reopen for tourism from October 1. The list of countries permitted to enter South Africa is soon to be released. All visitors will need to present the negative result of a PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure.

Zimbabwe

The country will reopen its borders to all visitors from October 1. Travellers will need to bring a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure.