Let’s travel to South Africa. What do you need to know?

The past two years felt very long for those who got homesick. There are people you cannot wait to see again. You also miss the smell of a chop on the braai or a potjie simmering over the fire. You miss South Africans’ sense of humour and the special feeling when you hear your own language.

The fact that travelling regulations were eased, means that you can start looking forward to your South African holiday. Here are a few pointers to help you with your travel plans.

Be aware of the Covid regulations

South Africa is currently on lockdown Level 1, where people enjoy the most freedom.

The largest South African airports, such as OR Tambo and Lanseria in Gauteng, King Shaka in Durban, and Cape Town International, are all open for international tourists. The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is also open for those who would like to have a safari experience.

Remember to do your Covid test beforehand and to carry proof that you tested negative with you. You will be asked to show it at the airport. Also be aware that your test needs to be acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and has to be done within 72 hours before your departure. Older tests will not be accepted.

If you do not have a certificate, you will be asked to do an antigen test at the airport. Should your test show that you are positive, you will have to isolate for ten days. You will have to pay for all of this yourself.  

What about domestic travel?

Most South African airports are open for domestic flights, so you can plan a tour within the country’s borders. Just make sure that your respective destinations comply with the latest lockdown rules.

Public transport such as trains, buses, private taxis, and services like Über of Bolt are all open to the public. For longer distances, buses and taxis are allowed to operate on 70% capacity, but for shorter distances they can transport 100% of their passenger capacity.

Do you want to travel to South Africa’s neighbouring countries? Not all borders are open, so do your research beforehand to ensure that you do not find yourself standing in front of a closed border post. 

What is the general Covid regulations?

Remember that you are still legally obliged to wear a mask, and entrance into buildings or the use of public transport is prohibited without wearing a mask. It is therefore a good idea to have a mask in your suitcase, hand luggage and your pants pocket – you will forever be looking for one.  

Be aware that children under the age of six do not need to wear masks.

What should you know about passports?

Check twice whether your passport is still valid before buying your plane tickets. Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days before your travel date, and you need to have at least two empty pages in your passports for stamps. 

Another requirement is that a South African citizen with dual citizenship always need to ensure their passport does not expire. When travelling to South Africa, you should always use your South African passport to enter and exit South Africa.

Has your passport expired? You will have to apply for your passport in person, whether you are here in South Africa or overseas.

If your children are younger than 15 and South African citizens, they can get tourist passports that are valid for five years. South African citizens who are older than 16 years can also apply for tourist passports. These passports are valid for ten years.

There are strict regulations regarding travelling documents for children, therefore you need to do thorough research before your application. Both parents as well as the children needs to go to Home Affairs or the consulate in person, and both parents must sign the application forms.

There are loads of paperwork to be completed when travelling overseas, but just push through. It will all be worth it in the end when you can kick off your shoes on Hermanus’ beach; enjoy a Klippies and Cola while looking out over the Bushveld; or breathe the fresh air of the Knysna forests. These are the things that refresh your soul.   

Keep the following in mind when packing your bags for a trip to South Africa:

• Keep your vaccination certificate handy for when you want to attend sports, festivals, or gatherings, to prove that you are vaccinated. It will make it easier to attend several activities during your visit to South Africa.
• It is important to keep some cash in hand for tourist attractions and businesses that accept cash. Some retailers and even some tourist attractions no longer accept cash as payment method and make use of systems such as Yoco en Snapscan, ensuring fast, safe transactions.  

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