South Africa - entry restrictions and rules [merged thread]
Oct 17, 2020, 3:00 pm
#646
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 105
Given that VS have said they are flying to JNB from LHR beginning Sunday i suspect the rules as we know them and going to change. Just we are not aware of the rule changes yet.
Based on that am positive my BA59 flight on the 29th will take place even for us mere foreign tourists.
Based on that am positive my BA59 flight on the 29th will take place even for us mere foreign tourists.
Oct 18, 2020, 12:20 am
#647
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: South Africa
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 37
Rules have been in place for a week now, and generally smooth. No second surges (yet) and Switzerland has lifted quarantine requirements on passengers from RSA. However, they are not yet keen on leisure travellers. Entry has been reported as simple and smooth, with a PCR needed within 72 hours of arrival. (NB this is a struggle to achieve if you have two overnight flights to get here (e.g. from N America). We are in late spring going on summer (unlike N Hemisphere). Life frankly not unpleasant. Masks required and most people wearing them. Your temp will be checked entering most stores and restaurants, and sanitisers are at every entrance. There is a curfew (midnight - 04:00).
Oct 18, 2020, 12:24 am
#648
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: South Africa
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 37
So long as you have a Negative PCR (antibody test not accepted) within 72 hours, there is no quarantine requirement for RSA. Check on the BA website as they are providin full information (currently at the top of the splash page)
Oct 18, 2020, 2:10 am
#649
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
Rules have been in place for a week now, and generally smooth. No second surges (yet) and Switzerland has lifted quarantine requirements on passengers from RSA. However, they are not yet keen on leisure travellers. Entry has been reported as simple and smooth, with a PCR needed within 72 hours of arrival. (NB this is a struggle to achieve if you have two overnight flights to get here (e.g. from N America). We are in late spring going on summer (unlike N Hemisphere). Life frankly not unpleasant. Masks required and most people wearing them. Your temp will be checked entering most stores and restaurants, and sanitisers are at every entrance. There is a curfew (midnight - 04:00).
Oct 18, 2020, 5:28 am
#650
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK oop north
Programs: BMI Diamond Club RIP,BAEC Silver
Posts: 1,692
I don’t understand why you cancelled so early? Avios and 30 day no penalty accommodation cancellation policy what’s the problem? Just wait and see, I’m obviously not optimistic but no need to be quite so dramatic in my view. AXA will cover cancellation penalties as booked pre Covid, they actually suggested leaving it to 7 days before departure. Battleface insurance will cover if travelling against the ludicrous FCO advice.
Oct 18, 2020, 7:50 am
#651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,146
1. I’m risk-averse.
2. I don’t see the FCO changing the travel advisory for RSA
3. I can’t get a guaranteed PCR test in the timescale
4. I have already re-invested the bookings in Dominican Republic for Feb 😎
5. ... and Battleface won’t cover me, as I’m over 75! 😢
2. I don’t see the FCO changing the travel advisory for RSA
3. I can’t get a guaranteed PCR test in the timescale
4. I have already re-invested the bookings in Dominican Republic for Feb 😎
5. ... and Battleface won’t cover me, as I’m over 75! 😢
Oct 18, 2020, 8:29 am
#652
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
I think that PUJ is a real bargain for a beach vacation right now. Several of the better all inclusive resorts are running deep discount specials right now. I don't know if these are available for your travel dates, but there are a couple I would highly recommend. And there are a few restaurants that we've visited that are really special as well.
Oct 18, 2020, 8:38 am
#653
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,146
Some may be discounting, but Zoetry Agua isn’t. However, we go where it suits us, rather than on price. Trip Report is PUJ20 in my signature below.
Oct 19, 2020, 1:25 am
#655
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,422
Oct 19, 2020, 6:05 am
#656
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 105
New country list and rules for extended stay visitors
Department of Home Affairs - Government issues a revised list of high risk countries
In addition, we recognise that there are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries that have been accustomed to long periods of visitation to our country during our summer season when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Most of them own properties in the country. We appreciate the significant economic contribution that they make through their activities in the country. To this end, we will also allow visitors, in whichever category, who are coming to stay for a three months period or more subject to Covid-19 protocols.
Department of Home Affairs - Government issues a revised list of high risk countries
In addition, we recognise that there are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries that have been accustomed to long periods of visitation to our country during our summer season when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Most of them own properties in the country. We appreciate the significant economic contribution that they make through their activities in the country. To this end, we will also allow visitors, in whichever category, who are coming to stay for a three months period or more subject to Covid-19 protocols.
Last edited by acucobol; Oct 19, 2020 at 6:19 am
Oct 19, 2020, 7:00 am
#658
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 74
60 Countries on original HIGHRISK list--now down to 21---if remains unchanged huge affect on SA Summer Tourist Season with time running out for flights hotels etc.
Canada now high risk so another SA visit seems less likely-the prospect of mask wearing on two long flights and then almost everywhere in hot weather was never attractive
Canada now high risk so another SA visit seems less likely-the prospect of mask wearing on two long flights and then almost everywhere in hot weather was never attractive
Oct 19, 2020, 7:14 am
#659
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Berlin
Programs: BAEC; LH M&M; HH Diamond
Posts: 814
I'm going to reschedule all the bookings now for late 2021
Last edited by AlienInTheFatherland; Oct 19, 2020 at 7:27 am
Oct 19, 2020, 7:27 am
#660
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
Our trips to ZA are centered on the Kruger Park area safari industry. Since Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, et al are all open to one extent or another, we will simply get the refunds for our deposits and go elsewhere.
While we feel for the plight of the people living in ZA and attempting to earn a living there, we are not going to wait forever before moving on to other safari destinations.
While we feel for the plight of the people living in ZA and attempting to earn a living there, we are not going to wait forever before moving on to other safari destinations.