Ideally, when you get the chance to embark on a Southern African safari, you will get the most out of your experience by including as many countries as you can in your trip.
This can get a little confusing when it comes to the travel documentation required. Here’s a breakdown of what you need for travel around South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia.
To travel to any of these countries you need the following:
- A valid passport with enough blank visa pages (South Africa requires 3 consecutive blank visa pages)
- A valid visa, if required
- Sufficient funds for the duration of your visit
- A ticket for onward travel or a return ticket
- A yellow fever certificate if you have recently visited the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America
In addition, there are the following Visa options available when travelling to these Southern African destinations –
South Africa
In recent times, travellers to South Africa have been overwhelmed by the entry requirements for children travelling to this country. Although there are a few extra rules for under 18s travelling to and from South Africa, they are actually quite simple.
For a traveller under the age of 18 to pass through South African borders, the following documentation must be provided:
- An unabridged birth certificate containing the names of both parents (certified within 3 months, or the original document)
- A valid passport and visa (if required)
If only 1 parent is travelling with the child, the following is also needed:
- A letter of consent from the absent parent – no less than 3 months old and signed by a solicitor
- OR a letter of permission from the Director-General of Home Affairs if 1 or more parents is incapacitated or deceased.
These conditions have been put into place to curb child-trafficking and are strictly enforced. Without this paperwork, travellers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to board any airline under any circumstances.
Visa on Arrival
Zambia allows visitors from certain countries to purchase their visa on arrival at land borders or ports of entry. Online Visa are also available for Zambia but payment is made on arrival in USD cash. (MasterCard or Visa is accepted but cash is preferred).
The KAZA UniVisa
The KAZA Univisa allows travellers to commute freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe for a period of 30 days. You may purchase a KAZA Visa at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka; Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport at Livingstone; the Kazungula and Victoria Falls borders.The current cost is USD$50.00 per person.
In Zimbabwe you can get a KAZA Visa at the Victoria Falls Border and the airport. The fee is currently USD$50 per person and is ONLY payable in USD CASH.
Your tour operator is always up to date with all the necessary paperwork and documentation requirements. Ask him or her to advise you on the best course of action for your trip, or plan your Southern African safari with us and we’ll make sure you know exactly what is required.
