FAQ | south africa government (2023)

When will the borders open for international travel?

Borders will reopen for international travel from October 1, 2020.

What are the health protocols when traveling to South Africa?

Travelers visiting the country are expected to comply with regulations requiring the use of masks at all times, practicing social distancing in public spaces, washing or sanitizing hands regularly and presenting a negative COVID-19 -Include test results no more than 72 hours after the time of departure.

What influenced the decision to open borders to international travel?

The government has decided on a gradual reopening of borders and ports of entry for international business, leisure and other travel, aligning with the World Health Organization (WHO) public health statement on considerations for international travel of July 30, 2020 epidemiological and transmission rates both in South Africa as well as in the countries of origin of the travellers.

How is South Africa doing in terms of response to COVID-19?

South Africa has conducted more than 4 million tests for COVID-19 at public and private health centers. The recycling rate is currently 90 percent. The country now has adequate hospital capacity, including beds, intensive care units and ventilators.

What is the COVID Alert application?

The COVID-Alert APP alerts subscribers and provides relevant information if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. The app helps minimize the risk of spreading the virus. We are asking all international travelers intending to visit the country to download the app so they can monitor and minimize their risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Where can I download the COVID Alert application?

You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store prior to your arrival in South Africa or upon arrival.

What are the requirements for the 72-hour PCR test for COVID-19?

Travelers wishing to visit the country are expected to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test no later than 72 hours after departure from their country of origin for South Africa; and introduce yourself before you travel to South Africa. This test must be performed by a certified physician and must include the name and signature of the physician who performed the test.

How does the health screening on arrival in South Africa work?

Upon arrival at the port of entry, the traveler will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with anyone infected with the COVID-19 virus. Travelers must also provide proof of accommodation address in case they need to self-quarantine upon arrival in the country. If the traveler shows symptoms related to COVID-19 or has been in contact with one or more infected persons, a mandatory COVID-19 test is expected. The traveler bears this check. If the COVID-19 test is positive, the traveler will be quarantined for 10 days at a designated location. Accommodation in a quarantine location is at the expense of the traveller.

What are the requirements for travelers wishing to travel to South Africa from low and medium risk countries?

Travelers from low- and medium-risk countries are only allowed to enter the country subject to the applicable visa requirements.

Which airports will be open for international air travel?

Three airports for international air traffic are opened and operated. These airports are OR Tambo International (in Johannesburg, Gauteng), Cape Town International (in Cape Town, Western Cape) and King Shaka International in (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal).

What are the requirements for travelers traveling to South Africa by plane?

All travelers landing at these airports must present a PCR test no older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa. In addition, international travelers must have mandatory travel insurance designed to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and quarantine. All such travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, including elevated body temperature and flu-like symptoms, must take a COVID-19 test, which must be covered by travel insurance. In the event of a positive test result, the traveler will be subject to mandatory quarantine, which will also be paid for by the traveler or travel insurance.

What are the requirements for travelers from other African countries?

Travelers from all African countries must present a 72-hour PCR test at all ports of entry. Students and educators who commute to South Africa daily are exempt from this obligation. However, these commuters will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering the country.

Which land ports of entry will be opened for travelers from other African countries?

18 land entry points will be opened. Travelers who show up at the borders and are unable to accommodate them will be directed to the border posts currently in operation for processing.

What about commuters from neighboring countries?

Commuters residing in cross-border areas/cities and those from neighboring countries, including those with appropriate work permits and school-age children and teachers, may enter and exit borders for work purposes. These travelers will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and will be quarantined and isolated as appropriate. In addition, these travelers are expected to wear face masks, wash and sanitize their hands regularly, and practice social distancing measures.

What about travelers wishing to enter South Africa via seaports?

To facilitate the movement of goods and medicines in and out of the country, ships can dock, load and unload. Cargo ship crew members can make crew changes. These crew members will also be medically screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Luxury cruise passenger ships are not yet able to dock and offload passengers.

Do business and leisure travelers from Africa also have to present a 72 hour old PCR test upon arrival at the borders?

Yes, all travelers from Africa must present a 72 hour old PCR test at all ports of entry.

If I travel out of the country, do I still take the PCR test and do I have to do the same when I return?

This depends on the protocols of the country you are visiting. Upon your return, you will be subject to South African protocols.

I work on a cargo ship and live in South Africa, can I come home after a crew change?

South African crew disembarking in South African ports from a ship that has not undergone a crew change or has not visited a foreign port 10 days prior to arrival will be subject to an examination and will return home to rest when symptoms are clear. You must be in possession of a PCR test certificate no older than three (3) months upon boarding the ship.

Are home PCR tests sent to a testing lab allowed?

No, PCR testing must be performed by a certified physician.

What about the VISA-free status of citizens of certain countries?

The visa-free status does not change the current Covid-19 regulations. Visa-free status has been restored for citizens of the following countries and territories:

• South Korea; - Spain; - Italy; - Germany; -Hong Kong; - Singapore;
• UNITED STATES; - GREAT BRITAIN; - France; -Portugal; and - Iran.

Is multiple entry allowed for cross-border business people?

Businessmen providing services across SADC borders are allowed multiple entries under the following conditions: Presentation of a certificate of a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure. This certificate is valid for 14 days.

What about travelers in transit?

Travelers transiting South Africa by air can find connecting flights to their destinations provided they comply with applicable health protocols.

Have VISA services resumed?

Visa services, including submitting applications through VFS Global, have resumed in the following categories: visitor visas; study visa; contract visa; business visa; crew visa; medical treatment visa; family visa; general work visa; Critical Skills Work Visa; Work visa for intra-company transfer; pensioner visa; company visa; visa change; Waiving the mandatory requirement as provided in Section 31(2)(c); and the appeals or reviews provided for in Article 8 of the Immigration Act.

What compliance requirements apply to airlines?

A foreign operator (i.e. an airline) must submit procedures for approval by the South African Civil Aviation Authority demonstrating the level of compliance with South Africa's COVID-19 legislation.

An operator will not board a passenger without a valid negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) certificate or a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate.

What are the compliance requirements for passengers?

Passengers must wear face masks at all times and may only remove them in emergencies or when instructed by cabin crew, and must practice social distancing and ensure regular hand washing and sanitizing.

A passenger who is unable to wear a face mask due to an underlying medical condition must provide the operator with a medical certificate from a licensed physician prior to departure.

A child under the age of two may be exempted from wearing a face mask. This is because masks can restrict the breathing of young children because their airways are smaller than those of older children and adults.

A passenger must provide the operator with a negative PCR test certificate or a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate obtained no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel from an accredited laboratory and in accordance with the organization's requirements.

If a passenger is symptomatic, required Health Department protocols will be followed.

If for any reason the passenger fails to present a certificate proving a negative PCR test certificate or a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival in South Africa, the passenger will be subject to mandatory quarantine at a government-designated facility as provided for in the Health Instructions. at your own expense.

A transit passenger must be in possession of a negative PCR test certificate or a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate issued by an accredited laboratory no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel.

What are the compliance requirements for airline crew members?

Crew members must wear face masks at all times except during a safety briefing and in an emergency. Crew members are subject to the health protocols set out in the Health Instructions upon arrival in South Africa. An operator shall ensure the following risk mitigation measures for crew members:

(a) conduct risk assessments to ensure crew members are fit before undertaking their voyage duties and mitigate the risk of crew infection from COVID-19; Y

(b) ensure that crew members are protected on duty.