African Countries Open to Tourists in 2021-22

Africa is ramping up its vaccination efforts. With more than 200 million doses of vaccines already transported there, African countries are taking actions to improve anti-coronavirus measures. They’re strengthening airport security and introducing temperature measurement at borders. Some countries even have already opened for tourists. Others plan to follow through as soon as they can. Check out the post below to learn how to get to one of these culturally rich countries, while staying safe.

Countries Opened Right Now

The pandemic situation varies in different parts of Africa. Some countries managed to slow down the spread of coronavirus almost completely. At this moment, places such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Mauritania, Nigeria, and others have opened borders for tourists with some requirements:

1. A PCR test, taken recently and showing negative results
2. Quarantine is required for some locations
3. A certificate of vaccination 

Angola, Libya, Morocco, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Niger, and others also welcome tourists on their territory. The requirements are the same. A 7-14 days quarantine is necessary to be able to explore the country at your leisure. 

How Can I Get a Visa?

The procedure hasn’t changed since the coronavirus outbreak. You can apply through the Embassy, although it’s much cheaper to do it online. Most African countries offer an opportunity to submit all the necessary documents electronically.

1. Fill in the application form online. These are the documents you may need:

• Booked tickets
• A domestic and international passport
• An invitation from a hotel, business partner or a friend 
• Two photos compatible with a certain set of specifications (Check here for visa photo requirements)
• Proof of sufficient funds

Go to the official website of your destination country for a detailed list of documents.

1. Pay a visa fee. It usually depends on the processing country, as well as on your destination.

1. Submit the application. In some cases, you’re required to print it out and send it to the Embassy via mail. You may also be required to visit in person for an interview with a consular officer.

Meet Photo Specifications

One of the most popular reasons for visa rejection is incorrect photo format. Every country sets its own standards. As a rule, they clearly establish the sizes: height and width for paper applications, pixels for online submissions. The background color is also important. The most common one is white or light grey. Some countries have red or blue, but those are quite rare.

Apply to online editing tools to save your time and money. The service will crop the image automatically. You  just need to set the country and ID type. 

You won’t have to go to a professional photo studio to get the picture, if you use your phone to take a selfie at home.

Once you have uploaded your image, the software will process it and leave you with a download link to a fully compliant photo. Besides, online photo services are much cheaper than professional studios or photo centres. To take, edit and print out your photo will cost you no more than $8, which is half the price for most offline alternatives. 

Visa Photo Tips

These are the tips to help you make the photo better:

• Look straight, eyes focused on the camera, lips relaxed
• Sunglasses and prescription glasses non allowed
• Wear monochrome clothes that flatter your complexion. Naked shoulders are not accepted
• Avoid any shadows in the frame
• Choose a place where an over or under-exposure won’t happen 

Africa Post-Covid: Protect Yourself

When traveling in Africa, follow the rules to avoid catching the infection:

1. Vaccinate several weeks before the trip. It’s necessary for the antibodies to fully form and fight off the virus. Besides, the certificate will help you skip quarantine in some cases.
2. Always wear a mask and gloves. They decrease the risk of interacting with the virus.
3. Maintain the distance to other people (1,5-2 meters). 
4. Wash your groceries.
5. Avoid social gatherings.

Many African countries profit from tourism. No doubt they are suffering economically due to the restrictions. Most of them are working hard to meet international security standards and provide a safe environment for travelers. In 2021-2022, the majority will open borders for foreigners to explore the rich African cultures. Learn more about the COVID situation in Africa on the official website.