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Most countries around the world have restricted entry for South Africans mainly due to the rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 variant. According to Skyscanner’s live interactive map, merely 9 destinations, including Cameroon, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Costa Rica, and Pakistan, are enforcing low restrictions which means that South Africans are not likely to be quarantined on arrival.
On the other hand, 121 countries are enforcing major restrictions while 95 countries are enforcing mild regulations. These are countries such as Namibia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mexico, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, South Korea and Ireland.
The following countries are closed to South African travellers:
- Madagascar
- Libya
- Most of Europe
- Asia
- United States
South African Travellers are thus encouraged to monitor regulations as set out by country of destination before finalising travel plans.
ALL TRAVELLERS MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION WHEN TRAVELLING INTO SOUTH AFRICA
FOREIGN TRAVELLERS
- Passport and valid long-term temporary residence visa
- Negative COVID test 72 hours prior to departure to South Africa
SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVELLERS
- All South Africans are now permitted to travel abroad for work, study, residence, business and leisure, subject to the restrictions of their destination country and/or transiting country. It is imperative that all travellers familiarise themselves with that countries entry regulations before proceeding with travel arrangements.
- South African Passport.
- Negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to departure.
TRAVEL PROTOCOLS
As the largest independent immigration provider in South Africa, we liaise with the Department of Home Affairs and foreign missions daily and as such, we are perfectly placed to assist with the necessary approval process to allow you to travel into- and out of South Africa.
INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL IS RESTRICTED TO THE FOLLOWING AIRPORTS:
- OR Tambo International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport
- Cape Town International Airport
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Traveling on an existing Visa is allowed.
- All previously revoked Visas have been reinstated.
COVID-19 TEST REQUIREMENTS
You have to arrive at check-in with a negative test no older than 72 hours from the swab/sample being taken to the departure time of your first international flight.
It has to be a PCR swab test (nasal or throat). The sample must be taken, transported and tested by a reputable laboratory.
COVID-19 PCR TESTS FOR CHILDREN
Department of Health has confirmed however not yet formally published that children 5 years and younger are exempt from COVID-19 testing.
- Children over 5 must have a swab test in order to come into South Africa.
- If a child has symptoms or a parent tests positive in South Africa, the children under 6 don’t need to be tested however will stay in isolation with the parent.
- Children under 2 are exempt from having to wear masks on planes.
QUARANTINE
- If the department find that your test does not fit the requirements or you show symptoms on arrival, you will need to quarantine.
- Quarantine under Level 1 is 10 days unless you are tested negative. You may then be released.
- Please note that you have to use the hotels transport from the airport and no allowed to arrange your own.
- You are responsible entirely for all costs.
- Government do not subsidize in any way for quarantine.
SELF-QUARANTINE
- This is NO LONGER APPLICABLE for those arriving in South Africa from abroad.
- Approvals obtained prior to 1 October are no longer valid.
GOVERNMENT APPROVED QUARANTINE HOTELS
ST GEORGES HOTEL
R150 p.p transport from airport
+ R799 single
R985 double
per night incl. breakfast
+ R80 p.p. per meal
MANNAH GUEST LODGE
R150 p.p transport from airport
+ R 820 single
R1250 double
per night
+ R100 p.p. per meal
BIRCHWOOD HOTEL
R180 p.p transport from airport
+ R900 p.p. per night
+ R100 p.p. per meal
CAPITAL ON BATH HOTEL
R300 p.p transport from airport
+ R850 p.p. per night
+ R100 p.p. per meal
KOPANONG HOTEL
R200 p.p transport from airport
+ R 850 p.p.
+ R150 p.p. per meal
PROTEA BALALAIKA HOTEL
R450 p.p transport from airport
+ R1200 incl. breakfast lunch & dinner
REQUIRE A NEW VISA?
- South African Missions Abroad have resumed consular operations for Visa applications. You can now submit your application.
- Make sure to comply with Embassy specific COVID-19 protocols.
TRAVEL TIPS
Wear a face mask
Wash hands and sanitise regularly
Maintain 1.5 metre distance from others
Comply with your with your chosen airline protocols and measures
FAQ
My visa expired during lockdown. What should I do?
All South African visas that expired during lockdown have been extended until 31 January 2021. However, we encourage renewal processes to start sooner rather than later, to avoid further delays and ensure you are ahead of the queue in since there is a backlog of applications
Will I be able to apply for a passport with the move to Lockdown Level 1?
The Department of Home Affairs has now resumed the issuance of all passport types to those who have applied. This also includes essential civic services offered.
TESTIMONIALS
A big thanks to the team at Work Permit South Africa for the incredible service delivery and prompt response. You are beyond professional, obliging and will recommend your service to all my business partners.
I want to commend Work Permit South Africa for the magnificent service and professionalism.
Thank you to the team at Work Permit South Africa for the assistance and professionalism throughout the continuously process.
IN THE NEWS
NEWS | AIRLINES TO RESUME FLIGHT SCHEDULES
The outbreak of COVID-19 has greatly affected both the international and domestic travel sectors, forcing most travellers to remain in the country they were in before the lockdown measures were enforced.
NEWS | HOME AFFAIRS ALLOWS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPATS TO HELP PARENTS STUCK IN SA
On 23 May 2020, the Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) has confirmed that international travel will be permitted for South Africans to travel out of South Africa.
Find Us
Johannesburg
17 Eaton Avenue,
Bryanston, Johannesburg,
Gauteng, 2191
South Africa
George
55 York Street
Dormehls Drift
George, 6529
South Africa
Contact Us
Telephone:
South Africa: 011 467 0810
Postal:
PO BOX 35046
Northcliff
2115
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