Major African countries update regarding COVID 19 active cases, Quarantine Measures and Flight Updates as of September 22nd:-
- Confirmed cases = 1,406,599
- Active cases = 219,044
- Recoveries = 1,153,659
- Number of deaths = 33,896
NIGERIA:
International flight operations resumed on September 5. The determination to resume flights was issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos have since reopened to international flights. Nigeria barred flights by Lufthansa, Air France, KLM and Etihad Airways as its airspace reopens to international flights, saying it was in response to similar restrictions imposed on flights from the West African country. Other airlines restricted from flying into Nigeria include RwandAir, Air Namibia, Royal Air Maroc and TAAG Angola. Airlines approved to fly in Africa’s most-populous country include British Airways, Delta Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline and Ethiopian Airlines. Flights are also permitted from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, and Turkey. There is a nationwide curfew from 12am to 4am. It is mandatory to wear a face mask in public spaces. Some restrictions on gatherings and business operations remain. Domestic and international flights have resumed. If you travel to Nigeria, you must have tested negative to COVID-19 in the previous 96 hours as a condition of boarding. You will need to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days. All land borders are closed.
ETHIOPIA:
A State of Emergency is in place in Ethiopia. Restrictions apply to all gatherings, as well as to the number of people allowed in vehicles and on public transport. You must wear a mask when outside. You will need to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Restrictions can change at short notice. Monitor local media and follow authorities’ advice. You may be fined or imprisoned if you violate State of Emergency regulations. Land borders are closed. There are some flights available to limited destinations.
KENYA:
International flights have resumed into and out of Kenya. Earlier visa rules allowing you to stay in Kenya after your visa expired ended on 14 September. You need to make arrangements to leave Kenya within 14 days or apply for a resident permit or pass. You may also need to quarantine at your own expense, depending on where you are travelling from. Measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 are being strictly enforced. Non-essential movement is restricted. There is an overnight curfew between 9pm and 4am. You must wear a face mask in public.
GHANA:
International flights to and from Ghana resumed from 1 September after a five-month hiatus. All arriving passengers must hold a negative PCR test certificate. Ghana’s borders are open to international air travel. If you travel to Ghana, must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) and you will be tested again on arrival at your own cost. There are restrictions on public gatherings. You may face penalties if you violate these restrictions. Wear a protective face mask in public and avoid inter-city travel. There is a higher risk of community transmission of COVID-19 in Accra and Kumasi. Follow the advice of local authorities.
RWANDA:
International commercial flights from Kigali International Airport (KGL) resumed on August 1 amid the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions. All travelers entering the country are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from within 120 hours prior to their departure to the country. Travelers will also be required to enter into temporary quarantine at a government-designated hotel and take a second COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival, with onward travel within the country being authorized after confirmation of a negative test result. COVID-19 screening will also be in place for those leaving the country, with travelers displaying symptoms being prevented from boarding their flight and quarantined at an isolation facility until they can take a COVID-19 test. A curfew is in place from 7pm to 5am.
SENEGAL:
Senegal is under a State of Emergency. A curfew is in place between 11pm and 5am. You may face penalties if you break curfew. There are very limited commercial air transport options. Avoid travelling between the main cities and regions with confirmed COVID-19 cases. You must wear a face mask in public spaces, including in government buildings, shops, restaurants and on all forms of transport.
SOUTH AFRICA:
South Africa also announced the resumption of international travel to the country from October 1. International air travel will be limited to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban airports. The government had placed tight restrictions on international flights since March, banning most commercial flights. Any travelers entering the country from October 1 will be required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in the country. Those unable to provide a certified test result, or displaying COVID-19 symptoms, will be required to quarantine at their own expense until a test result is received. There is a curfew from midnight to 4am.
UGANDA:
Ugandan authorities reopened the country’s land borders and airports on last Sunday, September 20. Tourists and citizens stranded abroad due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is permitted to enter the country, provided they have tested negative for the disease within the 72 hours prior to their arrival. Tourists and returning citizens will not be permitted to mix upon arrival, and tourists will be taken directly to their destinations or designated transit hotels. Returning citizens will not be required to quarantine, but health ministry officials may visit them at their home address for follow up checks. International commercial flights are expected to resume on October 1. Uganda’s borders are closed, and flights are only departing with government approval. Uganda has a nationwide curfew from 9.00pm to 5.30am every day. Essential services including food stores, banks and private security remain open, other non-essential services are gradually re-opening. Public and private transport is allowed, except in border districts, with some restrictions. Gatherings of more than five people are banned including political and cultural gatherings. It’s compulsory to wear masks in public.
ANGOLA:
Angola is under a ‘state of public calamity’ until further notice. Most shops and services are now allowed to operate with some restrictions. Angolan authorities announced plans to allow domestic flights to resume from September 14, and international flights from September 21 as the country gradually eases restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and COVID-19 test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.