Flights in to and out of Botswana from South Africa may be affected by South Africa’s own coronavirus (COVID-19) response. What are the Compliance Requirements Relating to Passengers? Check the latest COVID-19 travel and testing requirements for Dubai, including advice for Dubai residents, tourists and connecting passengers. School learners and educators, who commute daily to South Africa, are exempted from this requirement. Please ensure that you understand how all these travel requirements affect you when planning your trip. Exemptions apply to certain limited categories of traveller. To avoid problems at the airport on arrival, you’re advised to ensure your passport is valid for six months. If you test positive for Covid-19, you will be required to self-isolate in line with Government guidelines at your own cost for 10 days. South African authorities advise that UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, transit and exit from South Africa. They should be in possession of a PCR test certificate, which is not older than three (3) months when they embarked the ship. When you return, follow the rules to enter the UK from abroad (except from Ireland). All arrivals will be asked to download the Covid Alert South Africa app, which will let you know if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. If you wish to transit through South Africa, you must bring a paper copy of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 test result. The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and the certificate must have the name and signature of … If I travel out of the country, do I still do the PCR test and do I have to do the same when I come back? Under South African law, all occupants of motor vehicles equipped with seatbelts are required to wear them while the vehicle is in operation. It is an offence for a South African citizen aged 18 or over to enter or leave the country on a foreign passport. What informed the decision to open the borders to international travel? What about the VISA free status of citizens from certain countries? Gatherings are permitted, subject to limitations on size and social distancing, including religious, social, political and cultural gatherings with a maximum number of people of 100 for indoor and 250 for outdoor gatherings. If you have Permanent Residency in South Africa, you can leave and re-enter South Africa but must carry valid documentation with you proving your permanent residency rights. This may result in some delays at land borders. Some countries have closed borders, and any country may further restrict travel or bring in new social distancing rules with little warning. School learners and educators, who commute daily to South Africa, are exempted from this requirement. Texting or talking on a cell phone without a hands-free unit while driving is illegal. Special COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Turkey Everybody wishing to travel to Turkey from overseas during the pandemic requires 2 health documents in addition to their regular travel documents. 18 land points of entry will be opened. The visa free status does not alter the current Covid-19 Regulations. Quarantine Requirements: There are no compulsory quarantine-on-arrival travel requirements in South Africa. These commuters will be screened for COVI-19 symptoms and where necessary will be subjected to quarantine and isolation. This has brought about further relaxation of the restrictions that have been in place, and a welcomed easing on immigration. You will need to complete and produce an online travel health questionnaire on your personal device before arriving in South Africa. An Operator shall not board any passenger without a valid negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate. Entry Requirements All guests arriving must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate in English, obtained within 72 hours (3 days) from the time of departure to South Africa. How is South Africa doing with regard to COVID-19 response? Extra Documentation and/or Services Required: Travellers will also have to download an app to … This certificate is valid for 14 days. For more information, contact the South African High Commission or the South African Department of Home Affairs. These include South Africa… Crime is the primary security threat to travellers.Violent crimes, including rape and murder, occur frequently and have involved foreigners.Muggings, armed assaults and theft are also frequent, often occurring in areas that are popular among tourists. Check the list of recommended facilities  for COVID‑19 PCR testing in … South African citizens and permanent residents are allowed entry into South Africa regardless of where you are travelling from, provided you adhere to the entry requirements (see below). A passenger who is unable to wear a face mask due to an underlying medical condition must submit a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner to the Operator prior to departure. If a passenger is symptomatic, the necessary protocols of the Department of Health will be followed. When will borders be opened for international travel? Passengers must comply with COVID‑19 requirements of the destination. Visa services, including submission of applications through VFS Global, have resumed in the following categories: Visitor’s visas; study visa; treaty visa; business visa; crew visa; medical treatment visa; relative’s visa; general work visa; critical skills work visa; intra-company transfer work visa; retired person visa; corporate visa; exchange visa;  waiver of prescribed requirement, as contemplated in section 31(2)(c); and appeals or reviews contemplated in section 8 of the Immigration Act. Should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test. Foreign nationals in South Africa with an expired visa that was issued for up to 90 days may legally remain in South Africa until 30 June 2021 without being declared as undesirable when leaving. Entry and exit to South Africa via some land borders is restricted. The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. What about travellers wishing to enter South Africa via sea ports? Passengers are required to wear face masks at all times and may only remove face masks during emergencies or when instructed by cabin crew to take them off, and must observe social distancing, ensure hand washing, and sanitize regularly. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and must have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test. It should be conducted by a certified medical practitioner, and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test. Yes, all travellers from Africa will have to produce a 72-hour old PCR test at all ports of entry. A passenger must provide to the Operator a negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory and in line with the World Health Organization requirements. This can also be completed online at South Africa Department of Health. Which airports will be opened for international air travel? There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under the age of 18. Furthermore, these commuters will be expected to wear face masks, wash hands and sanitise regularly and practise social distancing measures. This certificate is valid for 14 days. ETDs should have a minimum of 6 months validity for entry, transit or exit. If you do not present proof of a test upon arrival, you may be required to quarantine at your own cost. It should be conducted by a certified medical practitioner, and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Travellers from medium and low risk countries will only be allowed into the country subject to the prevailing visa requirements. What are the health protocols when travelling to South Africa? We advise you to review the travel restrictions applied by countries you are planning to travel to. All travellers landing at these airports must present a PCR test which is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa. These crew members will also be medically screened for COVID-19 symptoms. *Testing before arrival: Any person entering Namibia must present proof on arrival in Namibia of a negative COVID-19 test taken in the country of departure. Three airports will be opened and operational for international air travel. When re-entering South Africa you will be asked to produce a paper copy of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test not older than 72 hours from time of departure to port authorities. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. We advise that you carry several paper copies of your test, as you may need to present it more than once on your journey. If you only hold a visit visa for travel to the UK, you will not be able to enter if you have been in South Africa in the past 10 days. The COVID-Alert APP alerts subscribers and provides relevant information if they have been in contact with any person who has tested positive for the virus. Where can I download the COVID-Alert APP? All Rights Reserved, Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) Self Registration Portal, COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions, Isolating at home after testing positive for COVID-19. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such test. Upon arrival in the port of entry, the traveller will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. You may download the APP on Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your arrival in South Africa or on arrival. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Can foreign nationals holding a valid visa still enter Taiwan? You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. There is a ban on flights from South Africa and the countries in Central and South America. Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Travellers from all African countries must produce a 72 hour PCR test at all ports of entry. Will business and leisure travellers from Africa also have to produce a 72-hour old PCR test on arrival at borders? If you do not have a test, or the test was done more than 48 hours before traveling to Panama, you will be required to take a test at the airport at your expense ($50.00). We request all international travellers who intend to visit the country to download the APP so that they are able to monitor and minimise their risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. The APP helps to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. The visa free status of citizens from the following countries and territories has been reinstated: Are business persons providing services across borders be allowed multiple entry? Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. South African citizens who wish to travel to high-risk countries must check with the country if their borders are open and requirements of travel. Self-isolation is not required if you have provided the negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. South Africa. What about daily commuters from neighbouring countries? You should allow additional time for border crossings. The hours of the curfew will now be from 12am to 4am. Check our advice for each country you will visit or transit through. The Government of Panama requires a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen) within 48 hours prior to traveling to Panama. South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. Travel advice for Dubai residents Find out the process for returning to Dubai, whether you’re already overseas or you plan to fly from Dubai and return. What are the requirements for travellers wishing to travel to South Africa from medium and low risk countries? Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South... Travelling with children. It is possible to transit South Africa and travel to a third country via air. Please check the country-specific entry requirements of the country you are planning to travel to and review the passport, visa and health travel document requirements page. If you cannot produce a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test then you may have to quarantine at your own cost. South Korea; - Spain; - Italy; - Germany; - Hong Kong; - Singapore; USA; - UK; - France; - Portugal; and - Iran. The test must have taken place no more than 72 hours before your departure. Traffic Laws: Traffic in South Africa moves on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car. No, PCR tests must be performed by a certified medical practitioner. 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 the 72 hour PCR test for COVID-19? In England, you must have a permitted reason to travel abroad and complete the declaration form. I work on a cargo ship and reside in South Africa, am I allowed to go home after the crew changes? (a) Signing-on crew must produce, at the first South African Port of Entry, a valid negative Polymerase Chain Reaction ( "PCR ") test certificate or a valid certificate of negative COVID-19 test results, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory and in line with World Health Organization requirements. Carjackings, robbery and assault also occur.Armed robberies at shopping malls occur. For any questions regarding the process to enter South Africa, you should speak to your local South African High Commission. You can change your cookie settings at any time. 3. South Africa is open to international travel, subject to health and safety protocols. South Africa has moved to Level 1 lockdown restrictions from 21 September 2020. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, advisory from the South African Department of Home Affairs, ‘Entry Rules In Response to Coronavirus’, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, What to do if you’re affected by a crisis overseas, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases. Q1: Do the new border control measures announced by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which went into effect on March 19, annul visa-free entry, landing visas, and eVisas for foreign nationals? Copyright 2021 Government of South Africa. You should arrange to take a private test. South Africa has a very high level of crime. Furthermore, the international travellers should possess a mandatory travel insurance which is supposed to cover the COVID-19 test and quarantine costs. requirements for entry to south africa Under current immigration regulations, all passengers arriving at South African ports of entry must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival. A passenger in transit must be in possession of a negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory. The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. To facilitate ease of transportation of goods and medicines to and from the country, ships will be allowed to dock, load and off-load cargo. When you return you will be subjected to the protocols from South Africa. You will need to complete and produce an online travel health questionnaire on your personal device before arriving in South Africa. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Travel and entry requirements Many countries around the world have specific regulations in place for arriving and departing passengers in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form; provide evidence that you have a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a COVID-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test carried out no more than 72 hours before you arrive into Ireland, or have evidence that you are exempt from this legal requirement Screening processes have been introduced at all major ports of entry, including airports, for arrivals, departures and transit passengers. Negative COVID-19 Test Required: Any travelers to South Africa will need to present a negative COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours from the time of departure, or will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost if they have not done a COVID-19 test. Government has adopted a gradual reopening of borders and ports of entry for international travel for business, leisure and other travel guided by the communique published by the Word Health Organisation (WHO) on Public Health on considerations for international travel on 30 July 2020 as well as epidemiological and transmission rates both in South Africa and the traveller’s countries of origin. Additional screening may include temperature measurements and check on recent travel to affected areas. What are the requirements for travellers from other African countries? It should be conducted by a certified medical practitioner, and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test. However these daily commuters will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before they enter the country. Screening processes have been introduced at all major ports of entry, including airports, for arrivals, departures and transit passengers. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Crew members are required to wear face masks at all times, except when conducting a safety briefing and during an emergency. Crew members from the cargo ships will be allowed to crew changes. Travellers intending to visit the country will be expected to produce a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa; and be presented before travelling to South Africa.