What You Need to Travel to South Africa
12 November 2020
We are pleased to announce that as of 11 November 2020, international travel to South Africa will resume subject to a few common-sense precautions.
The precautions are as follows:
- 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. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such test. In the event of the traveler’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveler will be required to quarantine him or herself at his or her own costs.
- Upon arrival at 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.
- Travellers will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.
- 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. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID- 19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site. The accommodation at a quarantine site will be at the traveller’s cost.
International air travel is restricted to the following airports:
(a) Cape Town International Airport;
(b) OR Tambo International Airport; and
(c) King Shaka International Airport.
The City and our official destination marketing organisation Cape Town Tourism have welcomed the announcement to reopen South Africa’s national borders.
“This announcement comes as a huge relief to those who work in the tourism industry and the businesses who greatly rely on tourism as an economic lifeline, especially ahead of our traditional high season,” said Cape Town Tourism on its website.
Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities, said Cape Town was ready to safely welcome back visitors.
“Our City is tourism ready, and we must do everything to encourage residents and visitors, including businesses, to adhere to health protocols to keep our city safe and open as a preferred destination.”
Visit Cape Town Tourism for itineraries.
Related article
Welcoming Visitors Back Safely
