What is the current situation in South Africa?

South Africa is welcoming travellers with open arms.

There are travel restrictions from some countries for travellers returning from South Africa.

South Africa is on the "green list" of:

• Austria
• France
• Germany
• Switzerland
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

Only France has few entry restrictions for travellers coming from South Africa.

Note: Some of these countries (e.g. Austria) do not have defined Green and Red lists. However, according to the extent of their regulations, we classify them into either.

What documentation do I need to enter South Africa?

You do not need any documentation to enter South Africa.

Do I need to quarantine when I get to South Africa?

No

[Source: South African Government Gazette]

[Source: South African Government]

[Source: South African Government - FAQ]

Can I return to Germany from South Africa?

YES, you are allowed to re-enter Germany from South Africa.

What documentation do I need to re-enter Germany from South Africa?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter Germany.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter Germany from South Africa ?

You do not need to quarantine.

[Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community ; Federal Republic of Germany ]

[Source: Federal Ministry of Health ; Federal Republic of Germany ]

Can I return to Switzerland from South Africa?

You are allowed to reenter Switzerland from South Africa if you are a:

• Swiss citizen or resident permit holder.
• EU/EFTA citizen (and some of your family members).

What documentation do I need to re-enter Switzerland from South Africa?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter Switzerland.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter Switzerland from South Africa?

You do not need to quarantine.

[Source: Federal Office of Public Health, Swiss Confederation ]

Can I return to Austria from South Africa?

YES, you are allowed to re-enter Austria from South Africa.

What documentation do I need to re-enter Austria from South Africa?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter Austria.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter Austria from South Africa ?

You do not need to quarantine.

Can I return to the United Kingdom from South Africa?

Yes, you are allowed to travel to the UK from South Africa.

What documentation do I need to re-enter the United Kingdom from South Africa?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter the United Kingdom.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter the United Kingdom from South Africa?

You do not need to quarantine.

[Source: The United Kingdom Government]

Can I leave France to go to South Africa?

• You are allowed to leave France without needing a compelling reason.

What documentation do I need to re-enter France from South Africa?

• Evidence of your vaccination status

OR

• A negative PCR taken less than 72 hours or an antigen test taken less than 48 hours prior to departure (departure of first flight in case of connecting flights)

OR

• A certificate of recovery (positive result of a PCR or antigen test carried out more than eleven days and less than six months previously

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter France from South Africa?

No, you do not need to quarantine

[Source: French Minister of Interior]

Can I return to the United States from South Africa?

Yes, you are allowed to travel to the United States from South Africa.

What documentation do I need to re-enter the United States from South Africa?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter the United Kingdom.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter the United States from South Africa?

You do not need to quarantine.

[Source: The United States Government]

Can I have a Covid-19 test done in South Africa?

Yes

In South Africa, you can book to have your PCR/rapid antigen with:

• Callouts to get tested at home.
• PathCare to get tested in a medical laboratory.
• Navomix to get tested at the airport directly.

How do I book a Covid-19 test with Callouts?

You will need to do an online booking on the Callouts booking website in advance. This booking platform allows you to select your desired test, date, time and location. Payments will need to be made upfront. The result is watermarked, stamped, and sent to you via email.

Type of tests

• PCR test
  • Cost: R1150
  • Results available in 12 - 24 hours
• Antigen test
  • Cost: R1000
  • Results available in 12 - 24 hours

Express/expedited results available in as little as 3 - 4 hours (additional charges might be applied).

How do I book a Covid-19 test with PathCare?

You will need to do an online booking on the PathCare booking website in advance. This booking platform allows you to select your desired test, date, time and location. Payments will need to be made upfront. The result is watermarked and stamped and sent to you via email.

Type of tests

• PCR test
  • Cost: R500
  • Results available in 24 - 48 hours
• Antigen test
  • Cost: R150
  • Results available in 2 hours

Travellers are required to present their passports at the Covid-19 testing facility with their printed and completed Travel COVID-19 form .

How do I book a Covid-19 test with Navomix?

You will need to do an online booking on the Navomix booking website in advance. This booking platform allows you to select your desired test, date, time and location. Payments will need to be made upfront. The result is watermarked and stamped and sent to you via email.

Type of tests

• Standard PCR test
  • Cost: R500
  • Results available in 24 hours
• Rapid PCR test
  • Cost: R1100
  • Results available in 2 - 4 hours
• Antigen test
  • Cost: R400
  • Results available in 15 to 30 minutes

Price may vary over time.

How likely is it that I will get Covid-19 on my trip to South Africa?

Not very likely

Follow these precautions set out by the South Africa government:

• Wear a face mask at all times in public places and on public transport.

• Maintain social distancing of at least 2 m.

• Avoid crowded places.

• You will have to sanitise, sign in and have your temperature taken at various establishments.

What happens if I get Covid-19 whilst on my trip?

If you suspect that you might have Covid, don’t panic. Isolate yourself and seek medical attention if you are unwell. Check what the Covid-19 procedure is at your hotel/lodge and follow their guidelines.

Will I be able to find a doctor and hospital?

Definitely! Each major city in South Africa will have top-class health care available. Smaller towns will also have clinics nearby. In drastic cases, make sure to rather get to a larger town when needed. Have a look at the emergency numbers we’ve included above that you can call.

Is healthcare in South Africa good?

Great quality private hospitals are found in all South African cities and all are on par with international standards. You will have access to great support and levels of care at these facilities.

Who covers the cost of a medical emergency?

If you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance, your insurer will cover the costs for usual medical treatment. Check the details of your insurance before you leave and if faced with an emergency situation while travelling.