South Africa - entry restrictions and rules [merged thread]
#1006
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: South Africa
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 37
Borders and PCR
Fischz is correct. RSA is within 72 hours of departure. My son has just transited Frankfurt and was specifically asked there for his PCR which was checked for being within 48 hr validity.
RSA has closed 20 Land borders. This was mainly for control of Migrant workers from neighbouring states, all of whom also have to produce PCR’s. All other International borders (especially airport) remain fully open. Although there is a curfew (21:00-05:00) this has not affected passengers on flights e.g. KL and QR.
RSA has closed 20 Land borders. This was mainly for control of Migrant workers from neighbouring states, all of whom also have to produce PCR’s. All other International borders (especially airport) remain fully open. Although there is a curfew (21:00-05:00) this has not affected passengers on flights e.g. KL and QR.
#1007
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Travel into and out of the country will be permitted for:
- The transportation of fuel, cargo and goods
- Emergency medical attention for life-threatening conditions – with proof of such a condition
- The return of South African nationals, permanent residents, or persons with valid visas
- Diplomats
- Departure of foreign nationals
- Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa. A person may apply for emergency travel at the Department of Home Affairs
#1008
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
This excerpt from the article makes me think airports are impacted the same way. ZA has a way of explaining regulations in a half-a$$ way usually.
Travel into and out of the country will be permitted for:
Travel into and out of the country will be permitted for:
- The transportation of fuel, cargo and goods
- Emergency medical attention for life-threatening conditions – with proof of such a condition
- The return of South African nationals, permanent residents, or persons with valid visas
- Diplomats
- Departure of foreign nationals
- Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa. A person may apply for emergency travel at the Department of Home Affairs
#1009
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
#1010
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
The reason behind it is that this creates large gatherings at border posts, arguably everyone should have a recent negative PCR but that's often not the case, and I think it's fair to assume there is very little, if at all, social distancing and people properly wearing masks at those 'gatherings'.
#1011
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Suffolk
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 120
The reason behind it is that this creates large gatherings at border posts, arguably everyone should have a recent negative PCR but that's often not the case, and I think it's fair to assume there is very little, if at all, social distancing and people properly wearing masks at those 'gatherings'.
Last edited by Postdoc; Jan 12, 2021 at 7:05 am Reason: edit
#1013
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
Unfortunately funerals are a big thing in some of the local culture, much like they are in some other religions I suppose.
Casinos are still open, so are restaurants, shops and other "economic activities", I'm not sure allowing "tourists" to cross land borders have a lot of economic advantage (crossing with a business and other long-term visas is still allowed)
#1015
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: LON
Programs: BA Gold, LH SEN , A3*G & others less exciting that don't fit in my wallet
Posts: 1,657
I get the sense that the recent 'excitement' over the South African variant is subsiding a bit as people seem more confident that it's not going to compromise vaccine efficacy .. The next focus for a travel restriction pile on now seems to be Brazil .. UK restrictions on Brazil and neighbouring countries apparently expected imminently ... So probably restrictions on SA will not last that much longer than currently planned would be my guess ( and as amply noted above the restrictions aren't that strict anyway )
#1016
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
I get the sense that the recent 'excitement' over the South African variant is subsiding a bit as people seem more confident that it's not going to compromise vaccine efficacy .. The next focus for a travel restriction pile on now seems to be Brazil .. UK restrictions on Brazil and neighbouring countries apparently expected imminently ... So probably restrictions on SA will not last that much longer than currently planned would be my guess ( and as amply noted above the restrictions aren't that strict anyway )
Let's hope other countries don't follow...
#1017
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: LON
Programs: BA Gold, LH SEN , A3*G & others less exciting that don't fit in my wallet
Posts: 1,657
Well the Dutch government seems to think otherwise, they announced this morning or last night that they now require a rapid test for those coming from ZA (and the UK) in addition to the PCR test already required, and this extends to transit PAX as well.
Let's hope other countries don't follow...
Let's hope other countries don't follow...
#1018
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,077
Well, options to travel to/from SA just got a little more limited.
Emirates Temporary Suspension
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...nds-sa-flights
KLM suspends weekend flights and requires more testing.
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...eekend-flights
"passengers from South Africa [and IRL and UK] need to have the following to travel to or via The Netherlands:
A negative rapid test (antigen test);
A negative PCR test that has been taken within 72 hours before arrival in The Netherlands. (NHS tests from the UK are not permitted);
A signed and printed test declaration;
Passengers are also strongly advised to go into quarantine for 10 days after arrival in The Netherlands and to only travel when it is essential."
Emirates Temporary Suspension
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...nds-sa-flights
KLM suspends weekend flights and requires more testing.
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...eekend-flights
"passengers from South Africa [and IRL and UK] need to have the following to travel to or via The Netherlands:
A negative rapid test (antigen test);
A negative PCR test that has been taken within 72 hours before arrival in The Netherlands. (NHS tests from the UK are not permitted);
A signed and printed test declaration;
Passengers are also strongly advised to go into quarantine for 10 days after arrival in The Netherlands and to only travel when it is essential."
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Jan 16, 2021 at 8:12 am Reason: Font size
#1019
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: SE U.K.
Posts: 123
Anyone heard when the alcohol ban in South Africa will be lifted or reviewed?
We are trying to get out to SA to assess and attend to my aged mother's care needs and have postponed our trip twice now due to high infection levels here and in SA. Where my mother lives (Knysna) the number of infections have been dropping significantly in the last week or so which is hopeful and we currently have our departure date set at 17th March. We have all the ducks in a row (Battleface Insurance, booked pre departure PCR tests, located PCR testing in SA, staying in private rented accommodation, masks, gloves, etc.). It just won't be much fun being in SA without a Klippies & Coke! Already planning to take a "medicinal" bottle of gin in the suitcase.
We are trying to get out to SA to assess and attend to my aged mother's care needs and have postponed our trip twice now due to high infection levels here and in SA. Where my mother lives (Knysna) the number of infections have been dropping significantly in the last week or so which is hopeful and we currently have our departure date set at 17th March. We have all the ducks in a row (Battleface Insurance, booked pre departure PCR tests, located PCR testing in SA, staying in private rented accommodation, masks, gloves, etc.). It just won't be much fun being in SA without a Klippies & Coke! Already planning to take a "medicinal" bottle of gin in the suitcase.