You are ultimately responsible to research and double check with your government to make sure that you are following proper protocol and regulations wherever you are coming from or going to, we just wanted to send what we are aware that if you are traveling back to South Africa during COVID that these are the regulations in place:
Check out this government site which will be updated every two weeks with the latest high risk countries not allowed to enter our borders
Check this government site for the latest regulations - read this to be updated as our restrictions may be different than the nation you currently reside in
For all staff, a great place to find or ask about the latest information is to follow the South African Visa Forum Facebook group
If you are South African, it is also helpful to follow this Facebook group if you have questions about traveling as a South African during COVID
Regulations Around Travel Into South Africa (as of August 2021):
PCR Test — all international travel is permitted subject to the traveler providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel and needs to be valid until you land. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such a test. This should be from an accredited laboratory and, in line with World Health Organization requirements or equivalent local accreditation authority. South African Authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of the presented PCR negative test certificates. You will need a printed copy- to be safe, have two printed.
An "immunity passport", "risk-free certificate" or "passport immunity" in respect of COVID -19 is not an acceptable substitute for these test results
In the event of the traveller's failure, for whatever reason, to submit a valid negative test certificate, upon arrival in South Africa, the traveller shall be required to do an antigen test at his or her own costs.
In the event of the traveller testing positive for COVID-19, he or she shall be required to isolate him or herself, at his or her own cost, for 10 days
Health Questionnaire — as you enter the country they will ask you to fill out this health screening form - you can do it up to 48 hours before your flight as well - we would advise that you print a copy as well, as sometimes the website doesn’t work for the electronic version
Accommodation — Travelers will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country - we can write a letter for Proof of Accommodation, you just need to email a request at least 24 hours before and we will respond during working hours. If you need a place to stay, this is what Circles are for - ask around - let your community know what help you may need in transitioning back here. Staying at Kosies Place is another great option.
Curfew — the nationwide curfew is extended from 10pm to 4am - so if your flight lands during these hours you are permitted to travel directly to your accommodation - but will need to have your boarding pass on hand incase you are pulled over - info on that here
If You Test Positive When Your Land — should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. In the event of the traveller testing positive for COVID-19, he or she shall be required to isolate him or herself, at his or her own cost, for 10 days, along with any family members if you were traveling together.
Quarantining — the government isn't requiring a quarantine if you've produced a negative PCR test to get on the plane BUT we would still suggest self isolating for at least ten days based on the CDC recommendations. Make sure that your accommodation is comfortable with you quarantining there and that you have food deliveries set up - for example, you can set up deliveries from Checkers in Muiz or coordinate with your Circle
South Africa’s government has set a few exceptions to the mask wearing rule within air travel:
A child under the age of six years may be exempted from wearing a face mask
A passenger who is unable to wear a face mask due to an underlying medical condition, must submit a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner to the Operator prior to departure
Feel free to check in with our Visa Team to see if there are any other updates we know, but please first do your own research: