Destinations in Africa: what you need to know before traveling
Africa brings together 54 countries with very different entry systems: from electronic visas approved within a day to longer consular procedures, along with visa-on-arrival agreements in several tourist destinations. There's no single rule for the whole continent, so the requirement should always be confirmed based on the specific passport and exact destination country.
A health topic especially relevant across much of the continent is yellow fever: several countries require or strongly recommend the International Certificate of Vaccination for those arriving from, or having transited through, risk areas. It's worth checking this requirement with a travel health center before any African itinerary.
This guide currently covers Morocco and South Africa, two of the continent's most visited destinations, with more countries on the way. In both cases, travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance and an evacuation option, like Assist-365's plans, is highly recommended given the distances and variety of terrain typically covered on a typical trip through Africa.
Visas: a variety of systems depending on the country and passport
Some African countries offer an electronic visa (e-visa) processed online before traveling, others allow visa on arrival at the airport, and others require a full consular process in advance. The same traveler may need three different processes for three neighboring countries.
Yellow fever and other recommended vaccines
Numerous sub-Saharan countries require the International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever for those arriving from risk areas; malaria prophylaxis is also often recommended in specific rural and tropical areas. This should always be evaluated with a doctor or travel health center, not generically.
Distances, safaris and evacuation insurance
Many of the most sought-after itineraries combine cities with nature parks and safari reserves far from major medical centers. Confirming that your travel insurance includes medical evacuation is just as important as confirming your visa.
Countries covered in this guide
For now, Viaje365 has detailed guides for Morocco and South Africa; we'll keep expanding coverage to more countries on the continent.
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Quick facts for the countries covered in this guide
| Country | Capital | Currency | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Rabat | Moroccan dirham (MAD) | 19 (police) / 15 (ambulance) |
| South Africa | Pretoria (administrative) | South African rand (ZAR) | 10111 (police) / 10177 (ambulance) / 112 (mobile) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all African countries require a yellow fever certificate?
No, it depends on the destination country and each person's recent travel history; it's worth confirming with a travel health center before departure.
Is it easy to get a visa to travel through Africa?
It varies a lot between countries: some offer fast e-visas or visa on arrival, others require a consular process with more lead time.
Is travel insurance necessary for safaris in Africa?
It's highly recommended, especially one that includes medical evacuation, since nature reserves are often far from specialized medical centers.
Which African countries does this guide cover so far?
Currently Morocco and South Africa, with plans to add more destinations from the continent.