Passports & Visas

A valid passport is required for all AmaWaterways related travel, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after your return. All guests are required to have at least six to ten empty visa labeled pages (depending on itinerary) in their passport for travel to Africa, enough to accommodate several stamps and any required visas. It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid and contains any necessary visas and empty pages.

In the event you lose your documents while traveling, we recommend that you photocopy the first pages of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and/or birth certificate to expedite the replacement process. Keep the originals separate from the photocopies. Another option is to scan or take a photo of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers and email them to yourself as attachments.

Please remember to fill out the “Emergency Next of Kin” section in your passport (in pencil).

Note: For guests purchasing visas upon entry, please make sure to bring adequate cash (US dollars). Prices listed below are in US dollars, were correct at the time of printing and are subject to change. Passport holders other than the countries below should contact their nearest embassies and consulates for entry and passport requirements.

Stars of South Africa/ Rivers & Rails/ Discover Africa / Wildlife & the Falls

South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. Passport requires two empty Visa labeled pages.

Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Multiple-entry visa required for US/Canadian/UK /EU citizens. Visas are obtained upon entry. Below rates apply to visas purchased at entry. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.

Double Entry (KAZA) (US/AU/NZ/EU): $45

Single Entry (KAZA) (Canada): $75 (will enter Zimbabwe twice – double entry Visa not available) Double Entry (KAZA) (UK): $70

Botswana: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. (Passport will be stamped upon entry/exit between Botswana and Namibia)

Namibia*: A visa is required to enter Namibia for US/CA/AU/NZ/UK and most EU countries at a cost of N$1600 (approximately US$98). An e-visa (preferred method) may be obtained online. Visit E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal to learn more. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. Please wait to apply for your Visa approx. 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Namibia. Visas are valid for 30 days from day of application. 

*When applying for Namibia e-visa you will need the following information:

• Address (of your stay in Namibia)
• Zambezi Queen
• Kasika Conservancy
• Namibia
• Telephone: +264 811 412 743
• Border Crossing you will be arriving at: Impalila Immigration and Border office
• How will you arrive at the border? By road
• Dates of your arrival and departure from Namibia: You will arrive in Namibia on the first Monday of your trip and depart Namibia the following Friday. Please refer to a calendar and your documents to enter your dates.*
• Type of Visa Applying for: Visa on Arrival

*If traveling on our Discover Africa, Stars of South Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa and Golden Trails of Africa (Cape Town) itineraries, you arrive in Namibia on Day 4 and depart Namibia on Day 8. If on either our Golden Trails of Africa and Wildlife and the Falls itineraries, you arrive in Namibia on Day 2 and depart on Day 6.

Note: Be sure to print and bring a copy of your e-visa with you on your trip

Note: Guests starting in Johannesburg will fly into Kasane, Botswana on Embarkation Day, transfer to Namibia Immigration and board the Zambezi Queen moored in Namibia. On Disembarkation Day (5 days later), guests will be transferred to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for a two-night stay.

Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change.

Golden Trails of East Africa (with or without Cape Town)

South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.

Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Multiple-entry visa required for US/Canadian/UK citizens. Visas are obtained upon entry. Below rates apply to visas purchased at entry. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.

Double Entry (KAZA) (US/AU/NZ/EU): $45

Single Entry (KAZA) (Canada): $75 (will enter Zimbabwe twice – double entry Visa not available) Double Entry (KAZA) (UK): $70

Botswana: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. (Passport will be stamped upon entry/exit between Botswana and Namibia)

Namibia: A visa is required to enter Namibia for US/CA/AU/NZ/UK and most EU countries at a cost of N$1600 (approximately US$98). An e-visa (preferred method) may be obtained online. Visit E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal to learn more. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. Please wait to apply for your Visa approx. 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Namibia. Visas are valid for 30 days from day of application. 

*When applying for Namibia e-visa you will need the following information:

• Address (of your stay in Namibia)
• Zambezi Queen
• Kasika Conservancy
• Namibia
• Telephone: +264 811 412 743
• Border Crossing you will be arriving at: Impalila Immigration and Border office
• How will you arrive at the border? By land
• Dates of your arrival and departure from Namibia: You will arrive in Namibia on the first Monday of your trip and depart Namibia the following Friday. Please refer to a calendar and your documents to enter your dates.*
• Type of Visa Applying for: Visa on Arrival

*If traveling on our Discover Africa, Stars of South Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa and Golden Trails of Africa (Cape Town) itineraries, you arrive in Namibia on Day 4 and depart Namibia on Day 8. If on either our Golden Trails of Africa and Wildlife and the Falls itineraries, you arrive in Namibia on Day 2 and depart on Day 6.

Note: Be sure to print and bring a copy of your e-visa with you on your trip

Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change.

Note: Guests starting in Johannesburg will fly into Kasane, Botswana on Embarkation Day, transfer to Namibia Immigration and board the Zambezi Queen moored in Namibia. On Disembarkation Day (5 days later), guests will be transferred to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for a two-night stay.

Tanzania*: Visa is required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. You can obtain a visa on arrival or by completing an online application. You will be required to make payment during the online application process. Go to https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ to apply and learn more. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.

Multiple Entry (US): $100 (single entry not available) Single Entry (Canada/UK/EU/AU/NZ): $50

*When applying for a Tanzania e-visa you will need the following information.

• When you are asked for the contact details of your “host” or who is arranging your safari, you may enter the following details:
• Ranger Safaris Limited
• PO Box 9, Plot No 556, Block X, Area F, Wachagga Street
• Arusha, Tanzania
• Telephone: +255 27 250 3788
• Your first hotel is:
• Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Old Dodoma Road, Burka Coffee Estate
• Arusha Tanzania
• Telephone: +255 754 250 630

Note: When asked what airport you are arriving at, please refer to your airline ticket receipt in your electronic travel documents for arrival airport. Your arrival airport may be ZNZ (Zanzibar), DAR (Dar es Salaam) or JRO (Kilimanjaro).

Note: All prices are subject to change.

From the Cape to the Falls/ Iconic Africa 

South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. Passport requires two empty Visa labeled pages. 

Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Single entry visa required for US/CA/UK /EU/AU/NZ citizens. As of Feb 1, 2026, visas are obtained upon entry. Below rates apply to visas purchased at entry. Passport requires one empty visa labeled pages. 

Single Entry (Day 4) (US/AU/NZ/EU): $35; UK: $55; Canada $75 

Botswana: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page (Passport will be stamped upon entry/exit between Botswana and Namibia). 

Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change. 

Zimbabwe and Zambia (Days 7-10) 

Multiple Entry (KAZA) US/CA/UK/EU/AU/NZ:$50  

Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages, Visa obtained at border crossing.  

Namibia*: A visa is required to enter Namibia for US/CA/AU/NZ/UK and most EU countries at a cost of N$1600 (approximately US$98). An e-visa should be obtained online. Visit E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal to learn more. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. Please wait to apply for your Visa approx. 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Namibia. Visas are valid for 30 days from day of application. 

*When applying for Namibia e-visa you will need the following information: 

• Address (of your stay in Namibia) 

Zambezi Queen 

Kasika Conservancy 

Namibia 

Telephone: +264 811 412 743 

• Border Crossing you will be arriving at: Impalila Immigration and Border office 
• How will you arrive at the border? By land 
• Dates of your arrival and departure from Namibia: You will arrive in Namibia on the first Friday of your trip and depart Namibia the following Monday. Please refer to a calendar and your documents to enter your dates.* 
• Type of Visa Applying for: Visa on Arrival 

*You will arrive in Namibia on Day 4 and depart Namibia on Day 7.  

Note: Be sure to print and bring a copy of your e-visa with you on your trip 

African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast with Cape Town 

South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. Passport requires two empty Visa labeled pages. 

Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Single entry visa required for US/CA/UK /EU/AU/NZ citizens. As of Feb 1, 2026, visas are obtained upon entry. Below rates apply to visas purchased at entry. Passport requires one empty visa labeled pages. 

Single Entry (Day 4) (US/AU/NZ/EU): $35; UK: $55; Canada $75 

Botswana: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page (Passport will be stamped upon entry/exit between Botswana and Namibia). 

Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change. 

Namibia*: A visa is required to enter Namibia for US/CA/AU/NZ/UK and most EU countries at a cost of N$1600 (approximately US$98). An e-visa should be obtained online. Visit E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal to learn more. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. Please wait to apply for your Visa approx. 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Namibia. Visas are valid for 30 days from day of application. 

*When applying for Namibia e-visa you will need the following information: 

• Address (of your stay in Namibia) 

Zambezi Queen 

Kasika Conservancy 

Namibia 

Telephone: +264 811 412 743 

• Border Crossing you will be arriving at: Impalila Immigration and Border office 
• How will you arrive at the border? By land 
• Important: Dates of your arrival and departure from Namibia: You will arrive in Namibia on the first Friday of your trip and depart Namibia on your last day in Windhoek which is also a Friday (two weeks later) Please refer to a calendar and your documents to enter your dates.* 
• Type of Visa Applying for: Visa on Arrival 

Zimbabwe and Zambia (Days 7-10) 

Multiple Entry (KAZA) US/CA/UK/EU/AU/NZ:$50  

Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages, Visa obtained at border crossing.  

Africa Wonders & the Skeleton Coast 

South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Botswana: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page (Passport will be stamped upon entry/exit between Botswana and Namibia). 

Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change. 

Namibia*: A visa is required to enter Namibia for US/CA/AU/NZ/UK and most EU countries at a cost of N$1600 (approximately US$98). An e-visa (preferred method) may be obtained online. Visit E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal to learn more. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. Please wait to apply for your Visa approx. 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Namibia. Visas are valid for 30 days from day of application. 

*When applying for Namibia e-visa you will need the following information: 

• Address (of your stay in Namibia) 

Zambezi Queen 

Kasika Conservancy 

Namibia 

Telephone: +264 811 412 743 

• Border Crossing you will be arriving at: Impalila Immigration and Border office 
• How will you arrive at the border? By land 
• Important: Dates of your arrival and departure from Namibia: You will arrive in Namibia on the first Friday of your trip and depart Namibia on your last day in Windhoek which is also a Friday (two weeks later) Please refer to a calendar and your documents to enter your dates.* 
• Type of Visa Applying for: Visa on Arrival 

Days 5-8 Zimbabwe and Zambia 

Multiple Entry (KAZA) US/CA/NZ/EU/UK: $50  

Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Classic Kenya | with or without Cape Town

South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Botswana: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page (passport will be stamped upon entry/exit between Botswana and Namibia). 

Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change. 

Namibia*: A visa is required to enter Namibia for US/CA/AU/NZ/UK and most EU countries at a cost of N$1600 (approximately US$98). An e-visa (preferred method) may be obtained online. Visit E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal to learn more. Passport requires one empty visa labeled page. Please wait to apply for your Visa approx. 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Namibia. Visas are valid for 30 days from day of application. 

*When applying for Namibia e-visa you will need the following information: 

• Address (of your stay in Namibia) 

Zambezi Queen 

Kasika Conservancy 

Namibia 

Telephone: +264 811 412 743 

• Border Crossing you will be arriving at: Impalila Immigration and Border office 
• How will you arrive at the border? By land 
• Important: Dates of your arrival and departure from Namibia: You in will arrive in Namibia on the first Friday of your trip and depart Namibia on your last day Windhoek which is also a Friday (two weeks later) Please refer to a calendar and your documents to enter your dates.* 
• Type of Visa Applying for: Visa on Arrival 

Days 5-8 Zimbabwe and Zambia 

Multiple Entry (KAZA) US/CA/NZ/EU/UK: $50  

Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Kenya 

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) required.  

eTA applications must be made in advance online using the approved website. To to: 

https://etakenya.go.ke/ 

eTA fee is US$32.25 

Most applications are approved in three days. You may not apply for the eTA more than three months before arrival. It is recommended that you apply two weeks before travel. The eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance. 

During the application process, you will be asked for the following: 

-Travel itinerary 

-List of hotels you are booked to stay at. For confirmation numbers, you  can use the AmaWaterways booking number found on your invoice. 

- Details of your flight arrival and departure information (flight information is found in your documents) 

-Photo of your passport’s main data page and cover 

-Clear passport style photograph or selfie taken during the application 

-Credit or debit card to pay for the application 

Zanzibar extension 

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania*: Tanzania visa is required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. You can obtain a visa on arrival or by completing an online application (strongly recommended). You will be required to make payment during the online application process. Go to https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ to apply and learn more. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Multiple Entry (US): $100 (single entry not available) Single Entry (Canada/UK/EU/AU/NZ): $50 

*When applying for a Tanzania e-visa you will need the following information. 

• When you are asked for the contact details of your “host” or who is arranging your safari, you may enter the following details: 

Ranger Safaris Limited 

PO Box 9, Plot No 556, Block X, Area F, Wachagga Street 

Arusha, Tanzania 

Telephone: +255 27 250 3788 

• Your first hotel is: 

Park Hyatt Zanzibar 

Shangani Street 

• Stone Town, Tanzania 
• Telephone: +255 24 550 1234 

Note: When asked what airport you are arriving at, please refer to your airline ticket receipt in your electronic travel documents for arrival airport. Your arrival airport will be Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Airport code: ZNZ) 

Note: All prices are subject to change. 

Mandatory Travel Insurance 

Travelers visiting Zanzibar (both Unguja and Pemba Islands) are required to purchase travel insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival. This cannot be included in our costs and is separate from the emergency evacuation cover that may be included in the safari cost.  Application for this insurance can be made by visiting  

https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/ 

This only applies to travelers visiting Zanzibar during their travel. 

Rwanda Extension 

Visa is required and can be obtained on arrival. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. 

Single Entry (US): $50 

Single Entry (Canada/AU/NZ): No charge Single Entry (EU): $50 

Note: All prices are subject to change. 

Online Check-In

AmaWaterways’ online Cruise Check-In process is intended for the convenience of our valued guests. We require that each step of your Cruise Check-In is completed to board our ships. To complete, visit our website at Cruise Check-in. In addition to providing the information required for embarkation, the Cruise Check-In process:

• Ensures your personal information, as it appears on your passport, is correct
• Provides us with an emergency contact in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Excursions on our Egypt and Africa itineraries are expertly curated to provide a seamless, immersive journey. No selections are required during online check-in.

Your Essential Africa River Cruise Packing Guide

When traveling through Africa, it is always advised to travel light. On some itineraries, baggage size and weight are strictly limited. The best advice is “if in doubt, leave it out.”

A safari calls for casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary. For those traveling to South Africa during the winter months (April - September), it is recommended to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late-night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day. Please note plastic bags are discouraged in Botswana and banned in Tanzania and may not be brought into the country. However, Ziploc plastic bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries and medication.

Some recommended items to pack:

• Shorts, jeans and/or long cotton pants (preferably beige or other light color)
• T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Sweater, sweatshirt or warm wrap
• Cotton/wool socks
• Sturdy tennis shoes/walking shoes
• Bathing suit, cover-up and flip flops (for use at lodge/hotel)
• Small flashlight, binoculars, camera equipment and extra batteries/accessories
• Converter and electrical adapter (220v) with a 3-prong plug, although hotels and the Zambezi Queen have adapters readily available.
• Travel-sized deodorant, toothpaste, face masks and razors
• Prescription medications in their original containers
• Non-prescription products: aspirin, eye drops, antibacterial cream, etc.
• Feminine products and cosmetics
• Sun protection: hat with brim and neck strap, lip balm, sunscreen (SPF 40+)
• Insect repellent, especially for mosquitoes, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
• Money belt or other secure place to keep passport and cash
• Backpack or ‘fanny pack’ large enough to hold camera, binoculars, etc.
• Photocopies of your passport, credit cards and important documents
• If traveling on Rovos Rail, men must wear a jacket and tie, and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit at dinner each night on the train

Tips for Long Flights

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Based on current airline regulations in place, you may be required to wear a medical grade mask (or N95/KN95) so you may want to have several with you in order to change during the flight.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Alleviate ear pressure by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
• Periodically walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs and get blood circulating. You can also do a few isometric exercises while seated.
• Try to sleep during your overnight flight – an eye mask, noise cancelling headphones and a light sweater or scarf may help you to be more comfortable and sleep so you can acclimate to the local time more quickly.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight, as recirculated cabin air tends to dry them out.

Travel Protection

If you have not yet taken out travel protection/insurance, please contact your travel agent, independent Insurance broker or AmaWaterways in advance of your trip. Foreign medical care is often paid for in cash prior to treatment and medical evacuation can be very expensive. Travel protection/insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all trips to Africa.

Airport Security and Check-in

It is important to arrive at least three hours before international flights, and no later than two hours before domestic flights. This will allow ample time to check-in and get through Customs.

Current security regulations require that all liquid items in your carry-on luggage must be no larger than 3 oz. and contained in a clear quart-sized plastic bag. Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you may need and copies of your prescriptions, along with the telephone number of your physician. Some countries require that prescription drugs be kept in their original containers with the prescription label intact

Luggage Restrictions

For the most part, standard airline luggage restrictions apply: 17 kg/44 lbs. for checked luggage on most flights and 8 kg/17 lbs. for carry-on bags. Exceptions are flight sectors Johannesburg/Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and Victoria Falls/Nairobi where maximum luggage restrictions are 23kg/50lbs for checked luggage and 8kg/17 lbs. for carry-on. For ease of travel at airports, we strongly recommend checked luggage remain under 44 lbs. for your whole journey.

All guests will connect at Johannesburg Airport during one point on their journey. In order to increase operational efficiency and on-time performance, the airport has introduced new baggage restrictions. The acceptable baggage rules are as follows:

1. Only regular-shaped luggage (bags) will be allowed at check-in counters.
2. Bags must have at least one flat surface.
3. Bags with long hanging straps will not be accepted for check-in. Guests will be requested to secure or remove straps before checking in.
4. Round-shaped bags will not be allowed at check-in counters.

Should your baggage not comply with the rules above, guests can visit a baggage-wrapping station to wrap their bags. A fee of R100 will be charged (subject to change). Furthermore, should a guest’s suitcase require the insertion of a flat surface base, there will be no additional charge other than the R100 wrapping fee.

Golden Trails of East Africa/ Wildlife & the Falls/ Stars of South Africa

Standard airline luggage restrictions of 17 kg/44 lbs. for checked luggage and 8 kg/17 lbs. for carry-on bags.

Exception: If traveling on the Golden Trails of East Africa, small bush planes are used to travel to certain remote safari lodge locations in Tanzania. As a result, there is a very strict luggage restriction on all bush plane air transfers in Tanzania. Maximum 33 lbs. (15 kg) of luggage per person is allowed (soft-sided luggage only). Any excess luggage can be securely stored at the Arusha Coffee Lodge at no additional charge. Guests flying into Rwanda from the Serengeti may bring all their luggage (no more than 44 lbs) as you will not be returning to the Arusha Coffee Lodge. 

Rivers & Rails / Discover Africa / Golden Trails of South Africa with Cape Town

Standard airline luggage restrictions of 17 kg/44 lbs. for checked luggage and 8 kg/17 lbs. for carry-on bags.

Exception: If traveling on the Golden Trails of East Africa with Cape Town, small bush planes are used to travel to certain remote safari locations in Tanzania. Guests must travel with soft-sided luggage for these Intra-Tanzania flights, as there are strict size and weight limitations on luggage (17 kg/44 lbs.). Any excess luggage can be stored at the Arusha Coffee Lodge at no charge.

Vaccinations & Medications

IMPORTANT: Please check with your doctor and local consulates for any applicable vaccination requirements or recommendations based upon your itinerary destinations and past medical and travel history.

All Africa Itineraries: Passengers going on safari are STRONGLY urged to get a prescription for malaria pills. Depending on your health history, your physician may also recommend certain booster shots such as tetanus and/or Hepatitis A and B. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of any medications you may require during your trip, as you will have limited access to pharmacies. Please note that in some locations local doctors often expect payment in cash at the time of service.

For guests traveling to Rwanda, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. If your doctor has recommended against a yellow fever vaccination, a letter from the doctor must be provided to immigration officials on arrival.

Physical Requirements

AmaWaterways' itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.

Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.

Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.

Accessible Facilities

Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.

Mobility Devices

Guests may bring personal mobility devices (wheelchairs, electric scooters and walking frames) onboard our ships. However, devices must be stored in the guest’s stateroom and cannot be used in the dining room or lounge and must adhere to local standards and limitations. AmaWaterways Cruise Directors, crew and guides are unable to push wheelchairs on board or on shore.

Transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be adjusted for unexpected delays due to physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, motorcoaches, local guides/operators or other independent suppliers.

Medical Conditions

There is no doctor or nurse aboard your cruise. Please consult your physician prior to traveling if you have a medical condition that might pose limitations during your trip. Please advise us at time of the booking if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip.

Special Diets

Please let us know prior to your departure if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your requests, with the resources available to us.

Drinking Water

We advise using bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth when traveling through this part of the world. A supply will be readily available on board during your cruise. If you visit a restaurant on your own during your journey, always request bottled drinks opened at the table (to ensure purity) and refuse ice cubes. Drink often to avoid dehydration, too.

Street Food

Please be cautious when sampling any food purchased from street vendors, as hygiene standards may not be up to Western standards. It is best to avoid dairy products, salads, and any food that is uncooked or fruit that you have not peeled yourself. In general, it is advisable to avoid street food throughout your experience.