South Africa is open to international travel, subject to health and safety protocols. South African citizens and permanent residents are allowed entry into South Africa regardless of where you are traveling from, provided you adhere to the entry requirements (see below). Any South Africans wanting to travel overseas must check the destination entry requirements and latest international travel information, as many borders are still closed to South Africans.
South Africa is currently under Level 1 lockdown where a curfew of 00:00 – 04:00 has been instated. This curfew may affect your flight schedule, so please check with the airline you are flying.
Please note that all information on this page is accurate and reliable at the time of publication, however, it may not reflect the very latest updates on travel bans and restrictions. It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to stay updated on the latest travel regulations.
International entry requirements into South Africa
*Valid passport and E-Ticket
*Visa to enter South Africa (if applicable)
*Upon arrival into South Africa, all travelers must present a negative PCR or Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours from departure time from the country of origin. Tests must be conducted and signed by a certified medical practitioner. South African authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of test certificates.
*Passengers and crew entering South Africa via Johannesburg must fill in the digital Travel Health Questionnaire. Once completed, you will be issued a unique number (look-up ID), to present to the Port Health Officers as part of the screening process, along with any other entry requirements.
*Children below the age of 5 years do not need to provide a PCR test. Children over 5 years must produce a negative PCR test to enter South Africa. Should your child display positive symptoms or a parent tests positive while in South Africa, children below 6 years old may self-isolate with the parent without needing a test. Children under 2 years old do not have to wear masks on airplanes.
*Any traveller who exhibits Covid-19 symptoms when screened upon arrival will be required to take a Covid-19 test at their own expense. Should the test display positive results, travellers will be subject to mandatory quarantine for 10 days at their own expense.
*All travelers must complete an Entry Health Screen Form either prior to or on arrival.
*All travelers will be screened by Port Health Officials upon arrival and departure. Those presenting symptoms must remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is carried out.
*All travelers must wear masks at all times within the airport or port of entry. Children below six years old do not need to wear face masks in public spaces.
*Travellers must show proof of accommodation or address in South Africa in the event self-quarantine is required.
*The following airports are open for international travel: OR Tambo in Joburg, Lanseri Airport in Joburg, King Shaka in Durban, Cape Town International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit.
*Long-term visas will be reinstated and South African visa application centers abroad will be opened.
*Travellers are encouraged to install the COVID Alert SA mobile app.
PLEASE PRINT OUT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS to present at check-in before boarding your flight to South Africa.
*Please note that certain visas on arrival have been revoked and must be applied for prior to arrival in South Africa. Please check with your nearest SA Embassy.
