Kenya safari for Indian travellers | what you need to know when embarking on a Kenya safari post-Covid-19 | travel requirements as you travel to Kenya today
Indian travel enthusiasts who have been craving to go on a Kenyan safari now have reason to celebrate!Kenya has just reopened its borders and is receiving inbound travellers from India. The East African nation is the most renowned destination as far as wildlife safaris are concerned.
However, it had temporarily closed its borders following a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Having the situation under control, the country has resumed delivering its trademark world-class safari experiences.
At the moment, the tourism calendar is rife with exciting opportunities and attractions.
One of the most magical experiences you can hope to be part of is the annual wildebeest migration, which is still ongoing in the Maasai Mara.
But first, it shall be necessary for every visitor to observe a few basic protocols before allowing their free movement in the country.
The following are the travel requirements you will have to meet;
Passports
As with every instance where cross border travel is involved, the inbound visitor shall be required to produce their official travel document- the passport.Visas
The other requirement you will need to meet is a Kenya entry visa. As of 1st January 2021, the Kenyan government made it mandatory that all visa applications are created and issued online.That makes the process much easier for the traveller who no longer has to make numerous visits to embassy offices or go through a lengthy bureaucratic procedure.
Now, you can visit the e-visas website and apply for your entry visa.
Please note that all the visa requirements must be met before you depart from India. In other words, you must apply and be issued with a visa before you can schedule your travel.
Visitors are advised to apply for single entry or transit visas depending on the nature of their travel.
Curfew
Although the country is adequately managing the pandemic and keeping the number of infections low, a nationwide evening curfew continues to be in force.Consequently, people are required to be indoors between 10 pm- 4 am. That, unfortunately, means no clubbing or nightlife on your safari for now.
On the brighter side, with the host of attractions and exciting daytime activities available, you may probably find yourself too exhausted for a night out anyway.
Health screening
All inbound travellers to Kenya must also undergo mandatory screening for Covid-19 in their countries of origin. The test has to have been taken within the last 96 hours before travel.You will be required to furnish a Covid-19 travellers health surveillance form online as proof of this.
To provide this information, duly tested travellers are advised to download the Jitenge Moh app on Google Play Store to access the online form.
This requirement applies to visitors to Kenya as well as those transiting through the country.
Upon submitting the relevant information on the app, you will be issued a QR code that you will avail to the health officials at the airport upon arrival.
Please note that only visitors whose codes check out shall be allowed to proceed to immigration.
So, what happens to those without the Covid-19 clearance? Failure to furnish proof of the negative Covid-19 test as outlined above may result in one of two things.
The visitor will either be returned by their airline to their country of origin or; may be committed to mandatory quarantine at a government facility at their own cost.
Other protocols
Once done with immigration, you will be allowed to visit any part of the country subject to your observance of these other protocols;- Wear a face mask when in public places at all times. That includes streets, hotels, and public transport.
- Observe a social distance of at least one meter.
- Avoid public gatherings and meetings.
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