What you need to know when travelling to South Africa during Covid
International travel to and from South Africa is allowed, subject to health and safety protocols. We’ve put together some must-know information to help prepare you for your trip.
South Africa is currently under adjusted Level 1 lockdown.
Traveling during these uncertain times can be nerve wrecking. We’ve put together some need-to-know information for your trip to South Africa.
Before you book your flight
– Be sure to read the terms & conditions of your flight booking. Ensure that you can reschedule your flight at no additional cost in the event of borders closing.
– Travel insurance, to cover Covid-19 related risks, is highly recommended.
– We suggest self quarantine for at least 10 days prior to getting your PCR/Covid test and remaining in quarantine until your flight.
– Be sure to plan when and where to get your PCR/Covid test, keeping in mind the turn around time required to receive your results.
Airport arrival and check-in
– We suggest arriving at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3-4 hours early for international flights.
– We recommend that you check-in online, prior to departure (to minimize contact, queues and waiting time).
– Only passengers are allowed to enter the airport, no visitors will be allowed entry.
– Expect maximum safety protocols to be applied throughout your journey.
– Wearing a face mask is mandatory, failing to do so is considered a criminal offence.
International entry requirements into South Africa
- Valid passport and E-Ticket
- Visa to enter South Africa (if applicable)
- Upon arrival into South Africa, all travellers must present a negative PCR or Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours from departure time from the country of origin. Tests must be conducted and signed by a certified medical practitioner. South African authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of test certificates.
- Any traveller who exhibits Covid-19 symptoms when screened upon arrival, will be required to take a Covid-19 test at their own expense. Should the test display positive results, travellers will be subject to mandatory quarantine for 10 days at their own expense.
- All travellers must complete an Entry Health Screen Form either prior to or on arrival.
- All travellers will be screened by Port Health Officials upon arrival and departure. Those presenting symptoms must remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is carried out.
- Travellers must show proof of accommodation or address in South Africa in the event self-quarantine is required.
- The following airports are open for international travel: OR Tambo in Johannesburg, King Shaka in Durban and Cape Town International Airport.
- Travellers are encouraged to install the COVID Alert SA mobile app.
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Exit requirements from South Africa
- Valid passport and E-Ticket
- Valid visa for arrival destination (if applicable)
- Quarantine arrangements upon arrival (if applicable)
- Any additional documents required for entry into your destination or transit country
- Completed Exit Health Form
- Travel insurance to cover Covid-19 related risks (highly recommended)
- Always check entry requirements at your arrival destination (visas, PCR tests, any additional requirements).
- All minor children (under the age of 18 years old), travelling through any South African port of entry, must have an unabridged birth certificate or an equivalent document. If a child is accompanied by only one parent, then a parental consent letter is needed, including a copy of the passport and contact details of the absent parent.
- South Africa does not require a negative PCR test for departure, unless it is required by the country you’re travelling to. Certain countries require negative PCR when transiting through them.
- Participants can phone and book an appointment for a PCR test with Ampath +27 39 976 0817 in Scottburgh.
– The Traveller Exit Health Form must be completed for all international travel from South Africa before your arrival at the airport. Failure to produce this form may result in denied boarding, resulting in your ticket being non-refundable.
**Please note that all information on this page is accurate and reliable at the time of publication, however, it may not reflect the very latest updates on travel bans and restrictions. It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to stay updated on the latest travel regulations.
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