South Africa has partially re-opened its borders, as it moves to the lowest alert level of the national lockdown. But although international flights are back on the table, it’s not business as usual. Here’s what you need to know before going to the airport.
Resource details:
Publication title: Travel – Coronavirus COVID-19: Alert level 1
Author(s): South African government
Publication date: 1 October 2020
What the guidelines are about:
As part of South Africa’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, a risk system was created based on the country’s COVID-19 cases and health system capacity. Under level 1, the lowest of the alert levels, South Africa reopened its borders on 1 October. The guidelines provide an overview of what new travel restrictions and regulations entail.
Key take-aways from the guidelines:
- All travellers must produce a PCR test not older than 72 hours from their departure time. The test result document should include the name and signature of the medical practitioner who did the test.
- Travellers need proof of their accommodation address, should they need to self-quarantine upon arrival.
- All travellers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms or contact with someone who has tested positive upon arrival.
- Anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms or who has been in contact with someone who has been infected with the coronavirus will have to take a mandatory COVID-19 test at their own cost. If they test positive for the virus, they will be required to quarantine for 10 days at a designated site at their own cost.
- A list of high-risk countries is available on the South African coronavirus website. As of 5 October, there were 60 countries on the list — including the United States, India, Brazil, Russia and the United Kingdom. No leisure travel from these countries is permitted.
- People from these high-risk countries are allowed to undertake business travel to South Africa, provided they submit an application to the Minister of Home Affairs showing their reasons for the trip.
- These applications should be sent to [email protected] and has to include: a copy of the person’s passport or temporary residence visa, proof of business activities in the country, proof of travel itinerary and proof of address or accommodation in South Africa.
Air travel
Resource details:
Publication title: Disaster Management Act: Directions: Measures to address, prevent and combat spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 for Alert Level 1: Air services
Author(s): The department of transport
Publication date: 1 October 2020
Key take-aways from the guidelines:
- International flights are allowed to resume starting 1 October.
- All foreign operators are required to submit their COVID-19 compliance procedures to the South African Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
- Foreign air ambulance services may transport COVID-19 positive patients with approval from the health department and a permit from the transport department; they need to comply with health department guidelines.
- Airlines should conduct risk assessments to ensure the health and protection of all crew members while on duty.
- Airlines may provide catering during flights, provided that risk mitigation, health and safety measures are put in place.
- International outbound flights are subject to the requirements of the destination country.
[Update 16 November 2020: in a speech presented on 11 November President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that international travel would be opened to all countries. “We are also opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 certificate.” Read the amended regulations here.]
What passengers should know:
- All passengers must wear face masks, except children under two years old. Passengers who are unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition must submit a medical certificate from their medical practitioner prior to departure. Masks are only to be removed during an emergency or as instructed by the cabin crew. Passengers should also sanitise or wash hands regularly and observe social distancing.
- Passengers must provide a negative PCR test, not older than 72 hours prior to the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory.
- Passengers without a negative COVID-19 test will be required to quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own cost.
- “Immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” for COVID-19 will not be accepted.
What airports are open:
- International passenger flights are allowed at the following airports:
- OR Tambo International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport
- Cape Town International Airport
- International cargo flights are permitted to operate at the following airports:
- Bram Fischer International Airport
- Cape Town International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
- OR Tambo International Airport
- Polokwane Airport
- Port Elizabeth International Airport
- Upington International Airport
- Domestic flights are allowed at the following airports:
- Bram Fischer International Airport
- Cape Town International Airport
- East London Airport
- George Airport
- Hoedspruit Airport
- Kimberly Airport
- King Shaka International Airport
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
- Margate Airport
- Mthatha Airport
- OR Tambo International Airport
- Phalaborwa Airport
- Pietermaritzburg Airport
- Plettenberg Bay Airport
- Polokwane Airport
- Port Elizabeth International Airport
- Richards Bay Airport
- Sishen Airport
- Skukuza Airport
- Upington International Airport
Sea Ports
Resource details:
Publication title: Disaster Management Act: Directions: Measures to address, prevent and combat spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 for Alert Level 1: Sea ports
Author(s): The department of transport
Publication date: 1 October 2020
Key take-aways from the guidelines:
- Foreign crew changes are permitted at all commercial ports.
- All crew members are required to produce a negative PCR test, not older than 72 hours before the date of travel. Failing this, crew members will be required to quarantine at their own cost.
- If the ship has not visited a foreign port in 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa or has not had any crew changes, then no PCR tests are required.
- Foreign crew members may layover at a designated quarantine facility for a maximum of seven days. After this, they must proceed to Ports of Entry and must also comply with immigration requirements and health protocols.
- Cruise ships are not allowed at any South African ports, except for the disembarkation of South African crew, citizens or permanent residents.
- Passenger ships for leisure purposes are prohibited from disembarking any international passengers at South African sea ports.
- Passenger ships are allowed at ports for the following: disembarking South African citizens or permanent residents; replenishing fuel and provisions; medical evacuation; and search and rescue.
- Registered research foreign ships and marine safety tugs can dock at the ports, subject to mandatory quarantine laws.
- Cargo ships are allowed to dock for work, repairs, replenishing fuel and provisions.
Cross-border road transport
Resource details:
Publication title: Disaster Management Act: Directions: Measures to address, prevent and combat spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 for Alert Level 1: Cross border road transport services
Author(s): The department of transport
Publication date: 1 October 2020
Key take-aways from the guidelines:
- Cross-border road transport passenger services are permitted from 1 October 2020.
- Freight transport and permitted retail goods to neighbouring countries, including items for re-export, is permitted.
- Public transport facilities should provide improved access to hygiene and disinfection control. This includes regular sanitation of facilities, provision of adequate hand sanitisers and disinfection equipment. Social distancing should also be observed in these facilities.
- All passenger vehicles should be sanitised before and after use, be kept clean and tidy, put measures in place to allow social distancing and provide disinfection information.
- All drivers and passengers of cross-border transport vehicles must wear a face mask.
