South Africa - entry restrictions and rules [merged thread]
Dec 4, 20, 10:11 am
#841
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 37
Correct. PCR required inbound <72 hours before departure. Not required outbound from RSA (though you will have to fill out the track and trace Port Health form), and fulfil any destination requirements.
The App is not being checked, but is worthwhile, and seems to be better than the UK one. More useful to travelers, as it will alert you of any locals who have been in close proximity to you have tested positive. About 1 million dowloaded so far (so a little way to go!). Not being checked for that I am aware. In any event, it is anonymous.
The App is not being checked, but is worthwhile, and seems to be better than the UK one. More useful to travelers, as it will alert you of any locals who have been in close proximity to you have tested positive. About 1 million dowloaded so far (so a little way to go!). Not being checked for that I am aware. In any event, it is anonymous.
Dec 4, 20, 10:14 am
#842
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Originally Posted by KenBoffard
Correct. PCR required inbound <72 hours before departure. Not required outbound from RSA (though you will have to fill out the track and trace Port Health form), and fulfil any destination requirements.
The App is not being checked, but is worthwhile, and seems to be better than the UK one. More useful to travelers, as it will alert you of any locals who have been in close proximity to you have tested positive. About 1 million dowloaded so far (so a little way to go!). Not being checked for that I am aware. In any event, it is anonymous.
The App is not being checked, but is worthwhile, and seems to be better than the UK one. More useful to travelers, as it will alert you of any locals who have been in close proximity to you have tested positive. About 1 million dowloaded so far (so a little way to go!). Not being checked for that I am aware. In any event, it is anonymous.
Dec 4, 20, 11:14 am
#843
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,289
[Comment Redacted by mod team]
That's very true, and therefore different airlines end up interpreting it differently.
Yes, but paragraph 3 which you quote have been there since October 1st, however now paragraph 2 have changed.
This has only been changed yesterday, have you flown internationally out of RSA today?
Originally Posted by LufthansaFlyer
The ZA gov't does not do a good job in spelling out the specifics when they update the policies. For example, they would say you needed a PCR test 72 hours prior to the date of your departure to ZA, well I can interpret that as not the departure flight time, but rather 12:01a of the day of departure, which creates a bigger window for the testing. They could clearly define it by saying the time of your departing flight, but they leave things to interpretation.
Originally Posted by LufthansaFlyer
When I read that excerpt about outbound international travel, it states:
With regard to international outbound flights-
(a) subject to the travel requirements of a country of destination, a passenger must provide the Operator with a valid negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID -19 negative test certificate from an accredited laboratory certified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority ( "SAHPRA ") and South African National Accreditation System ( "SANAS "); (b) an Operator is responsible for ensuring that passengers comply with COVID -19 requirements of the country of destination; and (c) Operators must familiarise themselves with the public health measures, including testing requirements, at the destination airport prior to departure.
It would appear I wouldn't need a PCR test on my outbound flight if my destination country doesn't require it since it says "SUBJECT TO THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS OF A COUNTRY OF DESTINATION".....
With regard to international outbound flights-
(a) subject to the travel requirements of a country of destination, a passenger must provide the Operator with a valid negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID -19 negative test certificate from an accredited laboratory certified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority ( "SAHPRA ") and South African National Accreditation System ( "SANAS "); (b) an Operator is responsible for ensuring that passengers comply with COVID -19 requirements of the country of destination; and (c) Operators must familiarise themselves with the public health measures, including testing requirements, at the destination airport prior to departure.
It would appear I wouldn't need a PCR test on my outbound flight if my destination country doesn't require it since it says "SUBJECT TO THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS OF A COUNTRY OF DESTINATION".....
Originally Posted by KenBoffard
Correct. PCR required inbound <72 hours before departure. Not required outbound from RSA (though you will have to fill out the track and trace Port Health form), and fulfil any destination requirements.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Dec 5, 20 at 4:39 am Reason: Rule 12.2 violation
Dec 4, 20, 11:25 am
#844
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 37
BA are showing LHR JNB next year with two flights over UK summer next year. The Earlier flight will be on a four class A380, and the later flight is a three class 788. BA has dropped First For that route’s second flight which was previously the 744
Dec 4, 20, 11:55 am
#845
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Originally Posted by Ditto
That's very true, and therefore different airlines end up interpreting it differently.
Yes, but paragraph 3 which you quote have been there since October 1st, however now paragraph 2 have changed.
This has only been changed yesterday, have you flown internationally out of RSA today?
Yes, but paragraph 3 which you quote have been there since October 1st, however now paragraph 2 have changed.
This has only been changed yesterday, have you flown internationally out of RSA today?
When I read paragraph 2, I don't see much difference from the previous gazette. Did I miss something obvious? Seems like they clarified a few things, but created nothing new.
I suspect the technicality is the statement that starts 3(a): 'subject to the travel requirements of a country of destination' which 'should' require testing only if traveling to places that require it. I don't get the impression that it is a blanket statement for every single departing int'l pax. Could ZA even execute testing for that many people in such a short window? Doubtful. How many people would miss flights, etc.
The difference I see between paragraph 2 and 3 is paragraph 2's section (K) for in bound travelers:
an Operator shall not board any passenger without a valid negative PCR or a valid COVID -19 negative test certificate;
Paragraph 3 does not have language as harsh as what (K) states in 2. I see it as you better have a test if the place you're going to needs one. Or did they forget the sentence saying it applies to ZA residents flying out of the country!
. Seems like any of their commentary is only 80% complete.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Dec 5, 20 at 4:43 am Reason: Merge consecutive posts by same member
Dec 4, 20, 12:36 pm
#846
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,289
Originally Posted by LufthansaFlyer
When I read paragraph 2, I don't see much difference from the previous gazette. Did I miss something obvious? Seems like they clarified a few things, but created nothing new.
I suspect the technicality is the statement that starts 3(a): 'subject to the travel requirements of a country of destination' which 'should' require testing only if traveling to places that require it. I don't get the impression that it is a blanket statement for every single departing int'l pax. Could ZA even execute testing for that many people in such a short window? Doubtful. How many people would miss flights, etc.
The difference I see between paragraph 2 and 3 is paragraph 2's section (K) for in bound travelers:
an Operator shall not board any passenger without a valid negative PCR or a valid COVID -19 negative test certificate;
Paragraph 3 does not have language as harsh as what (K) states in 2. I see it as you better have a test if the place you're going to needs one. Or did they forget the sentence saying it applies to ZA residents flying out of the country!. Seems like any of their commentary is only 80% complete.
I suspect the technicality is the statement that starts 3(a): 'subject to the travel requirements of a country of destination' which 'should' require testing only if traveling to places that require it. I don't get the impression that it is a blanket statement for every single departing int'l pax. Could ZA even execute testing for that many people in such a short window? Doubtful. How many people would miss flights, etc.
The difference I see between paragraph 2 and 3 is paragraph 2's section (K) for in bound travelers:
an Operator shall not board any passenger without a valid negative PCR or a valid COVID -19 negative test certificate;
Paragraph 3 does not have language as harsh as what (K) states in 2. I see it as you better have a test if the place you're going to needs one. Or did they forget the sentence saying it applies to ZA residents flying out of the country!
. Seems like any of their commentary is only 80% complete.
"international passenger flights, inbound to the Republic from the African Continent and from other countries outside the African Continent, as determined in accordance with the list contemplated in regulation 75(4)(b) of the Regulations, are permitted, subject to the following conditions:"
"With effect from the date of publication of these Directions, international passenger flights to and from the Republic shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions:"
On the other hand, would airlines even notice they changed paragraph 2 unless they announce it? I suppose it remains to be seen, so far these gazettes have not even been put on the Government's COVID-19 website (https://www.gov.za/covid-19/resource...virus-covid-19) and no NOTAMs have been sent when I checked a few hours ago.
Dec 4, 20, 12:39 pm
#847
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Originally Posted by Ditto
They have mostly changed the order of all the subsections in paragraph 2 to confuse everybody, however the important part is in the top section where it used to say:
And it now says:
So paragraph 2 section (K) now also applies to flights from the Republic, at the same time paragraph 3 is still there, one could read it as "an addition" to paragraph 2 whereby the government explains which labs/tests PAX should use within ZA.
On the other hand, would airlines even notice they changed paragraph 2 unless they announce it? I suppose it remains to be seen, so far these gazettes have not even been put on the Government's COVID-19 website (https://www.gov.za/covid-19/resource...virus-covid-19) and no NOTAMs have been sent when I checked a few hours ago.
And it now says:
So paragraph 2 section (K) now also applies to flights from the Republic, at the same time paragraph 3 is still there, one could read it as "an addition" to paragraph 2 whereby the government explains which labs/tests PAX should use within ZA.
On the other hand, would airlines even notice they changed paragraph 2 unless they announce it? I suppose it remains to be seen, so far these gazettes have not even been put on the Government's COVID-19 website (https://www.gov.za/covid-19/resource...virus-covid-19) and no NOTAMs have been sent when I checked a few hours ago.
Where do you check for NOTAMs? I didn't realize they would include COVID restrictions. I've been grounded since February and have fallen out of practice when it comes to travelling. Last year 120k flown. This year? I drove by my local airport twice (GRR) on the way to Costco.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Dec 5, 20 at 4:48 am Reason: Merge consecutive posts by same member.
Dec 4, 20, 1:07 pm
#848
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,289
Originally Posted by LufthansaFlyer
ok, thanks for distinguishing that. I missed it. I suspect you're right. I don't think the airlines are going to split hairs into atomic particles every time ZA publishes an update. It's usually the case that the travellers are correcting the airline employees!
So today maybe one airline notice and change their policy, next week another might notice there's a change but miss the details etc. etc., to make thing even worse one needs to read through the entire list of gazettes to have the full picture.
Originally Posted by LufthansaFlyer
Where do you check for NOTAMs? I didn't realize they would include COVID restrictions. I've been grounded since February and have fallen out of practice when it comes to travelling. Last year 120k flown. This year? I drove by my local airport twice (GRR) on the way to Costco.
Dec 4, 20, 2:41 pm
#849
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Originally Posted by Ditto
QR seems to do, as you posted above, the bigger problem here is that every airline reacts differently, and at different times too given on how things are communicated, it's hardly unique to ZA.
So today maybe one airline notice and change their policy, next week another might notice there's a change but miss the details etc. etc., to make thing even worse one needs to read through the entire list of gazettes to have the full picture.
https://www.icao.int/safety/istars/pages/notams.aspx
So today maybe one airline notice and change their policy, next week another might notice there's a change but miss the details etc. etc., to make thing even worse one needs to read through the entire list of gazettes to have the full picture.
https://www.icao.int/safety/istars/pages/notams.aspx
thanks for this!
After reading further into paragraph 3, I felt a bit more confident about the outbound flights from ZA. It appears they put the onus on the airline to know the requirements of the destination for each passenger:
(b) an Operator is responsible for ensuring that passengers comply with COVID -19 requirements of the country of destination; and
(c) Operators must familiarise themselves with the public health measures, including testing requirements, at the destination airport prior to departure.
Last edited by LufthansaFlyer; Dec 4, 20 at 6:28 pm
Dec 4, 20, 4:00 pm
#850
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 22,734
Originally Posted by KenBoffard
BA are showing LHR JNB next year with two flights over UK summer next year. The Earlier flight will be on a four class A380, and the later flight is a three class 788. BA has dropped First For that route’s second flight which was previously the 744
Dec 5, 20, 3:53 pm
#851
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 4,855
Originally Posted by KenBoffard
BA are showing LHR JNB next year with two flights over UK summer next year. The Earlier flight will be on a four class A380, and the later flight is a three class 788. BA has dropped First For that route’s second flight which was previously the 744
Dec 8, 20, 11:42 am
#852
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,006
Delta Now Delays Return
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...ights-sa-again
Delta delays flights to SA again
Today 08:00 - by Sarah Robertson
Delta Air Lines has again delayed its return to South Africa. According to the airline’s new schedule, flights to Atlanta will now commence on March 28, 2021.
When South Africa’s borders reopened on October 1, Delta initially announced that it would restart its Johannesburg Atlanta route in December. These plans were then postponed and a new relaunch date of January 9, 2021 was announced.
“We continue to adjust our flight schedules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and customer demand. As a result of this, we have adjusted the planned restart of operations between South Africa and Atlanta. The first flights are now due to depart Johannesburg and Cape Town on March 28, 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers,” said Delta’s Director of Sales for Africa, Middle East and India, Jimmy Eichelgruen.
United Airlines has dropped its Cape Town to New York (flying into Newark International Airport) flights from its 2020 winter schedule and plans to only relaunch this seasonal service in October next year, but the airline said it would still relaunch its Johannesburg route during the first quarter of 2021.
As LATAM has also postponed its return to South Africa until July 2021, South Africa currently has no direct transatlantic flights to either North or South America
I believe the technical phrase is "Dang It!"
Delta delays flights to SA again
Today 08:00 - by Sarah Robertson
Delta Air Lines has again delayed its return to South Africa. According to the airline’s new schedule, flights to Atlanta will now commence on March 28, 2021.
When South Africa’s borders reopened on October 1, Delta initially announced that it would restart its Johannesburg Atlanta route in December. These plans were then postponed and a new relaunch date of January 9, 2021 was announced.
“We continue to adjust our flight schedules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and customer demand. As a result of this, we have adjusted the planned restart of operations between South Africa and Atlanta. The first flights are now due to depart Johannesburg and Cape Town on March 28, 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers,” said Delta’s Director of Sales for Africa, Middle East and India, Jimmy Eichelgruen.
United Airlines has dropped its Cape Town to New York (flying into Newark International Airport) flights from its 2020 winter schedule and plans to only relaunch this seasonal service in October next year, but the airline said it would still relaunch its Johannesburg route during the first quarter of 2021.
As LATAM has also postponed its return to South Africa until July 2021, South Africa currently has no direct transatlantic flights to either North or South America
I believe the technical phrase is "Dang It!"
Dec 8, 20, 12:39 pm
#853
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Originally Posted by jsnydcsa
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...ights-sa-again
Delta delays flights to SA again
Today 08:00 - by Sarah Robertson
Delta Air Lines has again delayed its return to South Africa. According to the airline’s new schedule, flights to Atlanta will now commence on March 28, 2021.
When South Africa’s borders reopened on October 1, Delta initially announced that it would restart its Johannesburg Atlanta route in December. These plans were then postponed and a new relaunch date of January 9, 2021 was announced.
“We continue to adjust our flight schedules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and customer demand. As a result of this, we have adjusted the planned restart of operations between South Africa and Atlanta. The first flights are now due to depart Johannesburg and Cape Town on March 28, 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers,” said Delta’s Director of Sales for Africa, Middle East and India, Jimmy Eichelgruen.
United Airlines has dropped its Cape Town to New York (flying into Newark International Airport) flights from its 2020 winter schedule and plans to only relaunch this seasonal service in October next year, but the airline said it would still relaunch its Johannesburg route during the first quarter of 2021.
As LATAM has also postponed its return to South Africa until July 2021, South Africa currently has no direct transatlantic flights to either North or South America
I believe the technical phrase is "Dang It!"
Delta delays flights to SA again
Today 08:00 - by Sarah Robertson
Delta Air Lines has again delayed its return to South Africa. According to the airline’s new schedule, flights to Atlanta will now commence on March 28, 2021.
When South Africa’s borders reopened on October 1, Delta initially announced that it would restart its Johannesburg Atlanta route in December. These plans were then postponed and a new relaunch date of January 9, 2021 was announced.
“We continue to adjust our flight schedules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and customer demand. As a result of this, we have adjusted the planned restart of operations between South Africa and Atlanta. The first flights are now due to depart Johannesburg and Cape Town on March 28, 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers,” said Delta’s Director of Sales for Africa, Middle East and India, Jimmy Eichelgruen.
United Airlines has dropped its Cape Town to New York (flying into Newark International Airport) flights from its 2020 winter schedule and plans to only relaunch this seasonal service in October next year, but the airline said it would still relaunch its Johannesburg route during the first quarter of 2021.
As LATAM has also postponed its return to South Africa until July 2021, South Africa currently has no direct transatlantic flights to either North or South America
I believe the technical phrase is "Dang It!"
Dec 8, 20, 12:58 pm
#854
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,207
Originally Posted by jsnydcsa
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...ights-sa-again
Delta delays flights to SA again
/SNIP for space/
I believe the technical phrase is "Dang It!"
Delta delays flights to SA again
/SNIP for space/
I believe the technical phrase is "Dang It!"
Dec 8, 20, 3:33 pm
#855
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 4,855
The 789's being delivered to UA have a special engine performance package on them that gives them the legs to handle both passengers and freight on the EWR-JNB route. Ref this post in the Polaris Seat refit thread on the UA forum. It means you will get UA's best business class seat (if you book business class).
I am seeing economy fares around $950 and business class fares around $3100 for ORD-EWR-JNB round trip from the time UA starts flying to JNB through the end of August. I was seeing total flight times of around 21 hours in all, including longer (3+ hours) connection times.
I am seeing economy fares around $950 and business class fares around $3100 for ORD-EWR-JNB round trip from the time UA starts flying to JNB through the end of August. I was seeing total flight times of around 21 hours in all, including longer (3+ hours) connection times.
