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Travel to Cape Town: What You Need to Know
1 June 2021
We know that travelling during this time can be stressful. That’s why we’ve put together everything you need to know about the precautions we’re taking to make sure your trip to our city is both fun and safe.
Important Information
Visit the sacoronavirus.co.za portal for the official statistics, toolkits and designated hospitals relating to the virus in South Africa.
Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999
WhatsApp Support: 0600 123 456
Is it possible to travel to Cape Town now?
Yes! Cape Town is open for travellers. The City has established a set of safety protocols for ensuring people adhere to health and safety guidelines. All international travellers arriving must provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.
Cape Town is blessed with mild weather and plenty of open space, so there are many opportunities for outdoor dining, nature adventures & experiences away from crowds.
What are the rules?
Wearing a mask in public is mandatory. People are also requested to sanitise their hands before entering any public space and maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres.
What do I need to know about lockdowns?
South Africa has locked down in various levels of restrictions over the past year in order to contain the spread of the virus.
We are currently at Alert Level 3. Visit the SA Coronavirus Portal for the latest information on lockdowns.
Where can I get tested?
Cape Town has world-class medical testing laboratories that can process your test in 48 hours.
If you think you might have contracted the virus, you can call the NICD helpline (0800 029 999) and you will be advised on possible testing facilities.
There are different tests available: PCR testing, rapid antigen testing, and antibody testing.
What about the new variant?
It is incorrect to call the 501Y.V2 variant “South African”. Although the variant was first identified in South Africa through the excellent work of our researchers, there is to date no evidence that it originated in the country, nor is it exclusive to South Africa.
Current evidence shows that certain vaccines are not as effective against this variant, but that others remain very effective against all known variants of the virus. Please visit sacoronavirus.co.za for the latest information about South Africa’s vaccination programme.
Source: Cape Town Tourism
