travel health questionnaire south africa

South Africa Visa » Traveller Health Questionnaire to Enter South Africa

Traveller Health Questionnaire to Enter South Africa

During the pandemic, South Africa introduced safety measures to protect foreign visitors and its citizens from coronavirus and other infectious diseases. The Traveller Health Questionnaire , THQ, was one of these measures.

As COVID-19 entry restrictions for South Africa have now been lifted, passengers no longer need to fill out the THQ before entering the country.

However, the SA government has now launched an electronic Traveller Declaration that expedites the customs process, and entry and departure from the country.

What is the Health Questionnaire for South Africa (THQ)?

The South African Health Questionnaire for South Africa was an online application that collected a visitor’s travel history. It was previously mandatory for all passengers arriving by air, land, or sea to fill out the THQ.

However, completing a THQ for South Africa is no longer a n entry requirement . The system is being replaced by the online Traveller Declaration system . Unlike the THQ, this form does not ask you to provide health information.

Instead, the Traveller Declaration asks passengers to provide :

Passport data
Travel details
Contact information
Details of any travel companions
Entity details for business travel

The online system allows travellers to submit precise data about themselves and their possessions, to improve border security while streamlining customs and immigration operations .

By completing the electronic declaration, you avoid waiting in long lines at the airport or filling out paperwork while on the plane.

How do I make a South Africa Traveller Declaration?

Making a Traveller Declaration is a straightforward process . The online form is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Visitors or returning South African nationals must provide the personal details and travel information indicated above. You also need to indicate a current email address to receive

Once you’ve sent in the application form, you’ll receive a confirmation email in your inbox within 1-2 days.

When you receive the confirmation declaration, print a copy or download it to your phone. You can then show it to customs officers when you enter or leave South Africa.

What other documents do I need to enter South Africa?

Depending on your nationality you may need a visa to enter South Africa. Over 100 nationalities must apply for a South African visa.

The electronic South African visa is now available to passport holders from several countries.

Nationals from 50 countries can enter South Africa for stays of up to 90 days visa free.

All foreigners must have a valid passport to enter the African nation. Those who need a visa should make an appointment at their nearest embassy or consulate.

Health protocols to enter South Africa

All COVID-related health protocols to enter South Africa have now been removed. However, there are some other measures you should take to safeguard your health while in the country:

Make sure you’re up-to-date with the required vaccines for South Africa
Malaria and other illnesses brought on by insects, such filariasis, are widespread. Ensure that your lodging is bug-free. Apply repellant frequently.
South Africa has a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection. Take action to lower your exposure risk.
Travellers over the age of 1 coming from a nation where yellow fever is common must provide a certificate of yellow fever vaccine.
In general, private hospitals have greater equipment than public ones. In remote places, your only choice is medical evacuation.

Although it is not mandatory to get travel insurance to visit South Africa , we strongly advise doing so. You should make sure the insurance covers medical care, including evacuation.

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Tourists to sa will need to fill out web-based screening form.

The Department of Health is ramping up screening efforts as international arrivals trickle in through various ports of entry into the country.

International arrivals will now be able to complete the required travel health questionnaire on their smartphones, tablets or other devices ahead of landing in South Africa.

The new online form, which will go live on December 15, is part of a pilot project launched by the department for the Covid SA travel system. This will be launched in a phased approach.

The digital travel screening form will be available to travellers two days ahead of their flight. They will be able to fill out the screening questions relating to any symptoms or exposure they may have had in relation to COVID-19.

Travellers will then receive a unique number that will need to be given to port health officials in order to proceed with a physical screening process.

The digital questionnaire will need to be completed for:

International arrivals at OR Tambo International Airport
International departures from Cape Town International Airport
Arrivals through the Beit Bridge land border
Departing through Maseru Bridge land border

Hard copy screening forms will still be in place at the ports of entry not stipulated above.

The digital system will also be able to help in contact tracing if a traveller has been in contact with someone who tests positive.

International travel regulations have been amended to make travelling into and around the country much easier.

The following changes have been made:

Travel for those with medical conditions:

Passengers who are unable to wear face masks on flights as a result of medical conditions are exempt from doing so. However, this must be evidenced by providing a medical certificate issued by a health care professional before the departure of a flight.

Travel for children under the age of five:

Previous regulations stipulated that children under the age of two years old were exempt from wearing masks on flights. They were also not required to provide a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight. Children under the age of five years old will now not be required to wear masks on flights, and they will also not be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test.

Travel for those with disabilities:

A child or adult with disabilities is exempt from COVID-19 testing if the said testing process proves to be too challenging. However, the airline or flight carrier will have to consult with South African authorities for clearance.

General admission to South African airports:

General access to airport terminals is now allowed under revised travel restrictions. Businesses such as restaurants and shops are now also allowed to operate.

Individuals, however, who are not departing are now also allowed to enter airport terminals, and pick-up and drop-off areas are now also open.

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Web-based screening questionnaire for international visitors entering SA

Dec 11, 2020

The Department of Health has increased efforts of active screening and surveillance of international travellers at ports of entry in South Africa.

The department announced the launch of a pilot project for the Covid SA travel system – a digital screening solution that allows travellers to complete the required travel health questionnaire on their personal devices ahead of their arrival in SA.

The pilot project will be implemented in a phased approach and will complement and strengthen the existing method of screening and surveillance.

For more information, click here .

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

What health travel documentation do i need to produce when i enter south africa.

Travellers arriving into the country are required to produce a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result taken not more than 72 hours before the date of travel and a completed Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ).

Is the 72 hours from date of sample analysis or from date when the test result was received?

The 72 hours is counted from the time of sample collection.

Can I use a negative antigen test result to enter South Africa?

No, only a negative PCR test result is accepted on entry.

Can a test taken before leaving South Africa be used on return if the return date is within 72 hours?

If you depart and return to South Africa within 72 hours of the sample collection date then the test result can be used on return. If your return is delayed for longer than the 72 hours then that test result will no longer be valid and you will need to retest before arriving into South Africa.

What screening measures are implemented on arrival into South Africa?

On arrival in the port of entry, port health officials will screen a traveller to determine if they are not experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19. The screening will include having their temperatures taken, analyses of the THQ provided and testing where required.

Are fully vaccinated persons allowed to enter South Africa without a negative PCR test result?

Fully vaccinated individuals are permitted to enter South Africa but they are still required to produce a negative PCR test result on entry.

What if during screening at the port of entry a traveller is found to have been exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19?

If a traveller is found to have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during the screening that is done at the port of entry, further assessments will be conducted which may include testing.

Can I complete my isolation at home if the test conducted during the assessment at the port of entry comes back as positive?

If the test result comes back as positive and the traveller is symptomatic, a decision will be made on whether the isolation can be completed at a travellers residence, or a health facility.

Are there any categories of travel exempted from producing a negative PCR test result?

Yes, the following categories of persons are exempted from producing a negative PCR test result;

Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend or teach at a school in the Republic;
Children below the age of five years;
Cross border freight operators;
Airline crew on official duty and
Medical evacuation crew conducting medical evacuations

What if I am entering South Africa through a seaport?

If a passenger or crew is arriving in South Africa through a seaport, the negative PCR test result should have been taken not more than 72 hours on embarkation from the country they departed from.

How long before travel can I complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire?

The health questionnaire can be completed up to 48 hours before travel or on arrival into the country. You can download the entry questionnaire here and the exit questionnaire here

I have recently recovered from COVID-19 and my PCR test result has come back as positive, does this mean I can’t travel to South Africa?

Persons who have recently contracted COVID-19 may continue to test positive for weeks on PCR after full recovery. The majority of travellers who have recently recovered will not be able to produce a negative test as required by Regulations. If you are unable to produce a negative PCR test result due to having recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection and wish to travel to South Africa you must send a request to the Department for a letter of exemption. This is only applicable to travellers who have fully recovered and intend to travel within 90 days of the initial PCR test result that confirmed the infection.

The request can be sent to [email protected] and must be accompanied by a copy of your passport, the PCR test result that confirmed your initial infection and a letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you have fully recovered, you are not experiencing any new symptoms and you are fit to travel.

The letter from the medical practitioner must have your name and surname as reflected on your passport and a date, signature, physical address and contact details of the medical practitioner. It is advisable that the request be submitted well in advance of the intended travel to allow for sufficient time for processing.

What is deemed as a fully recovered traveller?

A person who was infected with Covid-19 has completed the required isolation and considered no longer infectious is deemed as having fully recovered.

I travel frequently to and from South Africa, do I need to get a new PCR test result each time I travel?

The test result of people who travel on more than one occasion within 14 days to and from South Africa remains valid for a period of 14 days, but the test result that is presented on the first entry into South Africa must still be within 72 hours of sample collection.

I am experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 after travelling to South Africa, should I get tested for COVID-19?

If you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, after arriving into South Africa you must contact a medical practitioner and inform them of your travel history.

If I travel out of the country, do I still need to undergo testing and do I have to do the same when I come back?

On departure from South Africa, you must check the entry requirements for the country

you are travelling to. The need to do a test prior departure will depend on the protocols for the country you are visiting. When you come back you are expected to comply with South Africa’s entry requirements.

What other health measures do I need to comply with as a traveller?

Travellers must comply with South African Regulations put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. Travellers are required to wear a face mask at all times, observe social distancing and practice good hand hygiene by washing hands or using a hand sanitizer regularly.

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South Africa Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for South Africa.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is widespread in South Africa. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. The following areas do not have active cholera transmission: Cape Town, Durban, Kruger National Park, and Port Elizabeth.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to South Africa.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to South Africa. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to South Africa.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of South Africa take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for South Africa.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in South Africa. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in South Africa, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to South Africa.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Tick bite
Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock
Mosquito bite

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in South Africa, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in South Africa. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in South Africa include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in South Africa. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call South Africa’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of South Africa may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in South Africa, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in South Africa, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for South Africa .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in South Africa.

Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for South Africa for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Health digitises COVID-19 screening at ports

The Health Department will launch the COVID SA travel system, a digital screening platform that allows travellers to complete the required travel health questionnaire (THQ) on their personal devices ahead of their arrival at ports of entry.

The COVID SA travel system will be live from noon on 15 December 2020.

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it intends to make a move from paper-based screening systems to a digitised screening solution in a phased approach.

“The web-based THQ platform will complement and strengthen the existing method of screening and surveillance at ports of entry. [It is] a user-friendly tool allowing travellers to complete the travel health questionnaire on their personal devices prior to their travel,” said the department.

The web-based travel screening solution will allow travellers to complete their travel and symptomatic information at any time from two days ahead of their journey to ensure that the exposure and symptoms information provided is relevant.

Once completed, the traveller will receive a unique number (look-up ID) which they will present to the port health official at the respective port of entry, in order to proceed with the screening process.

Over time, as more travellers use this system, it can save them time and help fast-track screening at ports of entry.

COVID SA travel system can be accessed using this link: https://sa-covid-19-travel.info/ .

Travellers who have already booked their tickets can still access the web-based THQ at any time after the system goes live.

Travellers will still be subjected to the screening protocols at ports of entry, including temperature screening.

They will still be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, obtained not more than 72 hours from the time of departure.

As of 17 December 2020, international travellers arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport, those departing from Cape Town International Airport, those entering the country through the Beit Bridge land border and those exiting through Maseru Bridge land border will be expected to complete the web-based THQ.

The paper-based system for COVID-19 screening will continue to be in operation at all other operational ports of entry. This system is set to play a critical role in assisting port health with managing travellers, identifying potential high-risk travellers and to respond effectively.

“Security of personal information was one of the top priorities throughout the development of this system. Accordingly, best practice guidelines, as per the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] Act, are followed to protect all travellers’ personal information at all times.

“The COVID SA travel system provides us with additional armour to better manage and survey travellers to prevent importation and exporting of the virus,” said the department.

The system will also provide better data collection and storage, which can be helpful with identifying potential high-risk travellers.

An algorithm that helps determine the risk profile of travellers is embedded in the system.

“In the event of a positive case, the system will assist with identifying potentially exposed travellers, who were in proximity to a positive case, further assisting with better contact tracing,” said the department.

Travellers arriving in South Africa are required to download the COVID Alert SA application on their mobile phones. – SAnews.gov.za

ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS- LEVEL 1

*DISCLAIMER Updated as per Gazette 46078 of 22 March 2022 .

The country has been on adjusted alert level 1 from 30 December 2021.

Adjusted regulations include:

50% – maximum capacity of venues for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
72 – maximum hours for the validity of a COVID-19 test as proof of vaccination at indoor and outdoor venues.
1 000 – maximum number of people permitted to gather indoors without proof of vaccination.
2 000 – maximum number of people permitted to gather outdoors without proof of vaccination.
200 – maximum number of people permitted at a funeral.
72 – maximum hours for the validity of a negative PCR test travellers entering South Africa will need to show.
The wearing of masks in indoor public places is still mandatory.

How is South Africa doing with regard to COVID-19 response? South Africa has conducted over 23.6 million COVID-19 tests in both public and private health care facilities.

What Is COVID-ALERT App? The COVID-Alert APP alerts subscribers and provides relevant information if they have been in contact with any person who has tested positive for the virus. The APP helps to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. We request all international travellers who intend to visit the country to download the APP so that they can monitor and minimise their risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Where can I download the COVID-ALERT app ? You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before you arrive in South Africa or on arrival.

When will borders be opened for international travel? The 20 land borders which are fully operational, will remain as such and the 33 land borders which were closed, will remain closed.

What informed the decision to open the borders to international travel? Government has adopted a gradual reopening of borders and ports of entry for international travel for business, leisure and other travel guided by the communique published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Public Health on considerations for international travel, as well as epidemiological and transmission rates both in South Africa and the traveller’s countries of origin.

What are the health protocols when travelling to South Africa? Travellers intending to visit the country will have to produce a valid certificate of of a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organization, that was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.

In the event of a traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative COVID-19 test, the traveller will be required to do an antigen test on arrival, at their own expense.

Which airports will be opened for international air travel? Three airports will be opened and operational for international air travel. These airports are: O.R. Tambo International (in Johannesburg, Gauteng); Cape Town International (in Cape Town, Western Cape); King Shaka International in (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal); Lanseria International Airport; and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

What about daily commuters from neighbouring countries? Daily commuters from neighbouring countries, who attend or teach at a school in the Republic, and who are allowed entry into and exit from the Republic, are subject to complying with protocols relating to- (a) screening for COVID-19 and quarantine or isolation, where necessary; (b) the wearing of a face mask; (c) transportation; and (d) sanitisation and social distancing measures as per the relevant health protocols on safety and prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Which land ports of entry will be opened for travellers from other African countries? 20 land borders are fully operational and the 33 land borders, which have been closed, will remain closed. Travellers who present themselves at borders that are unable to accommodate them will be directed to the currently operational border posts for processing.

What about transit travellers? Transit travellers through South Africa by air will be allowed to connect to their destinations, subject to them complying with applicable health protocols.

How are countries identified as high risk, medium risk and low risk? South Africa has developed a risk categorisation model for different international travellers. This model classifies international travellers according to a scale of high, medium and low risk. High-risk travellers are those who come from countries with higher numbers of COVID-19 infections and reported deaths compared to South Africa.

Medium risk travellers are from countries with a relatively equal number of infections and death toll to South Africa and low-risk travellers originate from countries with lesser number of infections of COVID-19 and death toll than South Africa.

Will leisure travellers from high-risk countries be permitted to travel to South Africa? The South African Government’s relaxing of level 1 lockdown rules around international travel allows entry for visitors from any country, provided they follow the prescribed health and safety guidelines.

Can I travel to a high-risk country to visit a family member? Yes, you can, however, you will be subject to the travel protocols in that country. Please be mindful though that countries can close their borders to international travellers at any given stage to curb the spread of the virus.

Which are the high-risk countries? The list of high-risk countries are frequently updated and can be accessed on the Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za

What are the compliance requirements for airline operators? A Foreign Operator (meaning an airline) is required to submit procedures that show the level of compliance with South African COVID-19 legislation for approval to the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

What are the compliance requirements relating to passengers? Passengers are required to wear face masks at all times and may only remove face masks during emergencies or when instructed by cabin crew to take them off. In addition and must observe social distancing, ensure handwashing, and sanitise regularly.

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.

A child under the age of two years may be exempted from wearing a face mask. This is because masks can restrict breathing for small children as their airways are smaller than older children and adults.

A passenger must provide to the Operator a certificate of a negative COVID-19 tests, recognised by the World Health Organization, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. If a passenger is symptomatic, the necessary protocols of the National Department of Health will be followed.

What are the compliance requirements relating to crew members of airlines? Crew members are required to wear face masks at all times, except when conducting a safety briefing and during an emergency. Crew members shall upon arrival in South Africa be subjected to health protocols as contemplated for in Health Directions. An Operator must ensure the following risk mitigation measures for crew members:

(a) conduct risk assessments to ensure that crew members are fit and proper before they undertake their travel duties and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 crew infections; and

(b) ensure that crew members are protected whilst on duty.

What about travellers wishing to enter South Africa via seaports? To facilitate ease of transportation of goods and medicines to and from the country, ships will be allowed to dock, load and off-load cargo. Crew members from the cargo ships will be allowed to crew changes. These crew members will also be medically screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

Have visa services resumed? Visa services, including submission of applications through VFS Global, have resumed in the following categories: Visitor’s visas; study visa; treaty visa; business visa; crew visa; medical treatment visa; relative’s visa; general work visa; critical skills work visa; intra-company transfer work visa; retired person visa; corporate visa; exchange visa; waiver of the prescribed requirement, as contemplated in section 31(2) (c) ; and appeals or reviews contemplated in section 8 of the Immigration Act.

What about the visa-free status of citizens from certain countries? The visa-free status does not alter the current Covid-19 Regulations. The visa-free status of citizens from the following countries and territories has been reinstated:

South Korea

There are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries that have been accustomed to long periods of visitation to our country during our summer season when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Most of them own properties in the country. We appreciate the significant economic contribution that they make through their activities in the country. To this end, we will also allow visitors, in whichever category, who are coming to stay for a three months period or more subject to Covid-19 protocols.

People who need to apply must direct email requests to: [email protected], supported by—

(a) a copy of passport and/or temporary residence visa;

(b) proof of business activities to be undertaken in the Republic;

(d) proof of address or accommodation in the Republic.

Public Enquiries: 0800 60 11 90

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South Africa to Make COVID-19 Screening Easier for Travellers

The Department of Health plans to launch a new digital screening pilot project which will allow travellers to complete a required travel health questionnaire (THQ) on their personal devices ahead of their arrival at ports of entry.

The move from paper-based screening systems to a digitized screening solution will take place in a phased approach, the department said.

“The web-based THQ platform will complement and strengthen the existing method of screening and surveillance at ports of entry, as a user-friendly tool allowing travellers to complete the travel health questionnaire on their personal devices prior to their travel,” it said.

How it works

Once completed, the traveller will receive a unique number (look-up ID) which they will present to the Port Health official at the respective port of entry to proceed with the screening process.

Over time, as more travellers use this system it can save them time and help fast-track screening at ports of entry.

The department said it will introduce through a pilot, a digitized screening system for international travellers arriving and departing from South Africa.

As of the 17 December 2020, international travellers arriving at O.R Tambo International Airport, those departing from Cape Town International Airport, those entering the country through Beit Bridge land border and those exiting through Maseru Bridge land border will be expected to complete the web-based THQ.

The paper-based system for Covid-19 screening will continue to be in operation at all other operational ports of entry, the department said.

“This system will play a critical role in assisting Port Health with managing travellers, identifying potential high-risk travellers and to respond effectively.”

Security of personal information was one of the top priorities throughout the development of this system. Accordingly, best practice guidelines as per the POPI Act are followed to protect all traveller’s personal information at all times.

Why it’s being introduced

The department said that the travel system will provide ‘additional armour’ to better manage and survey travellers to prevent importation and exporting of the virus.

The system will also provide better data collection and storage which can be helpful with identifying potential high-risk travellers, it said.

“An algorithm that helps determine the risk profile of travellers is embedded in the system. In the event of a positive case, the system will assist with identifying potentially exposed travellers who were in proximity to the positive case, further assisting with better contact tracing.”

The department said that the new travel system will go live from midday on 15 December to allow travellers to complete the web-based form ahead of their travel, It can be accessed through this link .

Travellers who have already booked their tickets can still access the web-based THQ at any time after the system goes live, the department said.

It added that travellers will still be subjected to the screening protocols in ports of entry, including temperature screening and are still required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result obtained not more than 72 hours from time of departure.

Travellers arriving into South Africa are also required to download the Covid Alert SA application on their mobile phones.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email [email protected], or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [ 1 ], [2]. Image sources: [ 1 ], [2].

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling To And From South Africa

February 9, 2022

Issued by the South African Department of Health – 8th of February 2022.

What health travel documentation do I need to produce when I enter South Africa? Travellers arriving into the country are required to produce a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result taken not more than 72 hours before the date of travel and a completed Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ).

Is the 72 hours from date of sample collection or from date when the test result was received? The 72 hours is counted from the time of sample collection.

Can I use a negative antigen test result to enter South Africa? No, only a negative PCR test result is accepted on entry.

Can a test taken before leaving South Africa be used on return if the return date is within 72 hours?

What screening measures are implemented on arrival into South Africa? On arrival in the port of entry, port health officials will screen a traveller to determine if they are not experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19. The screening will include having their temperatures taken, analyses of the THQ provided and testing where required.

Are fully vaccinated persons allowed to enter South Africa without a negative PCR test result? Fully vaccinated individuals are permitted to enter South Africa but they are still required to produce a negative PCR test result on entry.

What if during screening at the port of entry a traveller is found to have been exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19? If a traveller is found to have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during the screening that is done at the port of entry, further assessments will be conducted which may include testing. Can I complete my isolation at home if the test conducted during the assessment at the port of entry comes back as positive? If the test result comes back as positive and the traveller is symptomatic, a decision will be made on whether the isolation can be completed at a travellers residence, or a health facility. Are there any categories of travel exempted from producing a negative PCR test result? Yes, the following categories of persons are exempted from producing a negative PCR test result; a) Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend or teach at a school in the Republic; b) Children below the age of five years; c) Cross border freight operators; d) Airline crew on official duty and e) Medical evacuation crew conducting medical evacuations

What if I am entering South Africa through a seaport? If a passenger or crew is arriving in South Africa through a seaport, the negative PCR test result should have been taken not more than 72 hours on embarkation from the country they departed from.

How long before travel can I complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire? The health questionnaire can be completed up to 48 hours before travel or on arrival into the country. You can download the entry questionnaire on https://health.gov.za/covid19/assets/downloads/faq/ENTRY SCREENING THQ 2.pdf and the exit questionnaire on https://health.gov.za/covid19/assets/downloads/faq/EXIT%20%20SCREENING%20THQ%201.pdf

I have recently recovered from COVID-19 and my PCR test result has come back as positive, does this mean I can’t travel to South Africa? Persons who have recently contracted COVID-19 may continue to test positive for weeks on PCR after full recovery. The majority of travellers who have recently recovered will not be able to produce a negative test as required by Regulations. If you are unable to produce a negative PCR test result due to having recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection and wish to travel to South Africa you must send a request to the Department for a letter of exemption. This is only applicable to travellers who have fully recovered and intend to travel within 90 days of the initial PCR test result that confirmed the infection. The request can be sent to [email protected] and must be accompanied by a copy of your passport, the PCR test result that confirmed your initial infection and a letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you have fully recovered, you are not experiencing any new symptoms and you are fit to travel. The letter from the medical practitioner must have your name and surname as reflected on your passport and a date, signature, physical address and contact details of the medical practitioner. It is advisable that the request be submitted well in advance of the intended travel to allow for sufficient time for processing. What is deemed as a fully recovered traveller? A person who was infected with Covid-19 has completed the required isolation and considered no longer infectious is deemed as having fully recovered.

I travel frequently to and from South Africa, do I need to get a new PCR test result each time I travel? The test result of people who travel on more than one occasion within 14 days to and from South Africa remains valid for a period of 14 days, but the test result that is presented on the first entry into South Africa must still be within 72 hours of sample collection.

I am experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 after travelling to South Africa, should I get tested for COVID-19? If you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, after arriving into South Africa you must contact a medical practitioner and inform them of your travel history.

If I travel out of the country, do I still need to undergo testing and do I have to do the same when I come back? On departure from South Africa, you must check the entry requirements for the country you are travelling to. The need to do a test prior departure will depend on the protocols for the country you are visiting. When you come back you are expected to comply with South Africa’s entry requirements.

What other health measures do I need to comply with as a traveller? Travellers must comply with South African Regulations put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. Travellers are required to wear a face mask at all times, observe social distancing and practice good hand hygiene by washing hands or using a hand sanitizer regularly.

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

South Africa

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact South Africa’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity requirements

To avoid problems at immigration, your passport should:

be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa
have 2 blank pages

You can read more about South Africa’s Immigration Regulations on the Department of Home Affairs’ website .

Dual nationals

If you hold South African citizenship, you must use your South African passport to enter and exit the country. It is illegal for a South African citizen aged 18 or over to enter or leave the country on a foreign passport. For more information about South African passports, see the South Africa Department of Home Affairs .

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit South Africa for tourism or business for up to 90 days.

Check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure you do not overstay.

For more information on visas, contact the South African High Commission .

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

Check UK customs requirements before buying products to take back to the UK.

Taking money into South Africa

There are limits on how much currency you can bring into South Africa:

cash in South African rand – up to 25,000 rand per person
combinations of cash in other currencies – up to 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent)

If you’re taking more than this, you need to declare it when you enter South Africa.

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COUNTRY INFORMATION
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South Africa

Capital City: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative)

Official Languages: Republiek van Suid-Afrika (Afrikaans)

Monetary Unit: rand (R)

General Information
Vaccine Recommendations
Other Risks

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THIS COUNTRY

There are entry requirements for anyone who plans to travel to England from this country. Please check here for further information. Advice may vary in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The information on these pages should be used to research health risks and to inform the pre-travel consultation.

Due to COVID-19, travel advice is subject to rapid change. Countries may change entry requirements and close their borders at very short notice. Travellers must ensure they check current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice in addition to the FCDO specific country page (where available) which provides additional information on travel restrictions and entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice.

Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their health professional at least four to six weeks before travel. However, even if time is short, an appointment is still worthwhile. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities. For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended.

All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance .

A list of useful resources including advice on how to reduce the risk of certain health problems is available below.

Food and water hygiene
Insect and tick bite avoidance
Personal safety
Sexually transmitted infections
Sun protection

Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.

All travellers

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK . These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

Country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.

Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See the individual chapters of the 'Green Book' Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.

Certificate requirements

Please read the information below carefully, as certificate requirements may be relevant to certain travellers only. For travellers further details, if required, should be sought from their healthcare professional.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, there is a certificate requirement.
Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required.
View the WHO list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Most travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person. Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease can be more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A infection immunity is lifelong.

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis A vaccination

As hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated and affords long-lasting protection, it is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.

Hepatitis A in brief

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released from Clostridium tetani bacteria and occurs worldwide. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch.

Travellers should thoroughly clean all wounds and seek medical attention for injuries such as animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil.

Tetanus vaccination

Travellers should have completed a tetanus vaccination course according to the UK schedule.
If travelling to a country or area where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously.

Country-specific information on medical facilities may be found in the 'health' section of the FCDO foreign travel advice pages.

Tetanus in brief

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Previous typhoid illness may only partially protect against re-infection.

Vaccination is recommended for most travellers, particularly travellers visiting friends and relatives, those in contact with an infected person, young children, frequent or long-stay travellers visiting areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor, and laboratory personnel who may handle the bacteria for their work.

Typhoid vaccination

Oral and injectable typhoid vaccinations are available.

Typhoid in brief

Some travellers.

The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food and water. Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea although mild infections are common. Most travellers are at low risk.

Cholera vaccination

This oral vaccine is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk. This includes:

aid workers.
those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care.
those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial.

Cholera in brief

Hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection; it is transmitted by exposure to infected blood or body fluids. This mostly occurs during sexual contact or as a result of blood-to-blood contact (for example from contaminated equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing or body piercing procedures, and sharing of intravenous needles). Mothers with the virus can also transmit the infection to their baby during childbirth.

Hepatitis B in South Africa

2% or more of the population are known or thought to be persistently infected with the hepatitis B virus (intermediate/high prevalence).

Travellers should avoid contact with blood or body fluids. This includes:

avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.
avoiding tattooing, piercing, public shaving, and acupuncture (unless sterile equipment is used).
not sharing needles or other injection equipment.
following universal precautions if working in a medical/dental/high risk setting.

A sterile medical equipment kit may be helpful when travelling to resource poor areas.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination could be considered for all travellers, and is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk including:

those who may have unprotected sex.
those who may be exposed to contaminated needles through injecting drug use.
those who may be exposed to blood or body fluids through their work (e.g. health workers).
those who may be exposed to contaminated needles as a result of having medical or dental care e.g. those with pre-existing medical conditions and those travelling for medical care abroad including those intending to receive renal dialysis overseas.
long-stay travellers.
those who are participating in contact sports.
families adopting children from this country.

Hepatitis B in brief

Rabies is a viral infection which is usually transmitted following contact with the saliva of an infected animal most often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane (such as on the eye, nose or mouth). Although many different animals can transmit the virus, most cases follow a bite or scratch from an infected dog. In some parts of the world, bats are an important source of infection.

Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal.

The risk of exposure is increased by certain activities and length of stay (see below). Children are at increased risk as they are less likely to avoid contact with animals and to report a bite, scratch or lick.

Rabies in South Africa

Rabies is considered a risk and has been reported in domestic animals in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.

Travellers should avoid contact with all animals. Rabies is preventable with prompt post-exposure treatment.
Following a possible exposure, wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and an urgent local medical assessment sought, even if the wound appears trivial.
Post-exposure treatment and advice should be in accordance with national guidelines.

Rabies vaccination

A full course of pre-exposure vaccines simplifies and shortens the course of post-exposure treatment and removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin which is in short supply world-wide.

Pre-exposure vaccinations are recommended for travellers whose activities put them at increased risk including:

those at risk due to their work (e.g. laboratory staff working with the virus, those working with animals or health workers who may be caring for infected patients).
those travelling to areas where access to post-exposure treatment and medical care is limited.
those planning higher risk activities such as running or cycling.
long-stay travellers (more than one month).

Rabies in brief

Tuberculosis.

TB is a bacterial infection most commonly affecting the lungs but can affect any part of the body. When a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes they could pass TB on to other people. TB is curable but can be serious if not treated.

The BCG vaccination helps to protect some people, particularly babies and young children who are at increased risk from TB.

Tuberculosis in South Africa

This country has reported an annual TB incidence of greater than or equal to 40 cases per 100,000 population at least once in the last five years ( further details ).

Travellers should avoid close contact with individuals known to have infectious pulmonary (lung) or laryngeal (throat) TB.

Those at risk during their work (such as healthcare workers) should take appropriate infection control and prevention precautions.

Tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk of developing severe disease and/or of exposure to TB infection. See UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease, the 'Green Book '.

For travellers, BCG vaccine is recommended for:

unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live for more than 3 months in this country. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to vaccination for all children from 6 years of age and may be recommended for some younger children.
unvaccinated, tuberculin skin test-negative individuals at risk due to their work such as healthcare or laboratory workers who have direct contact with TB patients or potentially infectious clinical material and vets and abattoir workers who handle animal material, which could be infected with TB.

There are specific contraindications to BCG vaccine. Health professionals must be trained and assessed as competent to administer this vaccine intradermally.

Following administration, no further vaccines should be administered in the same limb for 3 months.

The BCG vaccine is given once only, booster doses are not recommended.

Tuberculosis in brief

Malaria is a serious illness caused by infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dusk and dawn.

Symptoms usually begin with a fever (high temperature) of 38°C (100°F) or more. Other symptoms may include feeling cold and shivery, headache, nausea, vomiting and aching muscles. Symptoms may appear between eight days and one year after the infected mosquito bite.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required as people with malaria can deteriorate quickly. Those at higher risk of malaria, or of severe complications from malaria, include pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, travellers who do not have a functioning spleen and those visiting friends and relatives.

Travellers should follow an ABCD guide to preventing malaria:

A wareness of the risk – Risk depends on the specific location, season of travel, length of stay, activities and type of accommodation.

B ite prevention – Travellers should take mosquito bite avoidance measures.

C hemoprophylaxis – Travellers should take antimalarials (malaria prevention tablets) if appropriate for the area (see below). No antimalarials are 100% effective but taking them in combination with mosquito bite avoidance measures will give substantial protection against malaria.

D iagnosis – Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C [100°F] or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care. Emergency standby treatment may be considered for those going to remote areas with limited access to medical attention.

All travellers should take bite avoidance measures throughout the year in all risk areas. Transmission of malaria occurs typically between the months of September and May only.
There is a risk of malaria in the low altitude areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo particularly those bordering Mozambique, Swaziland (Estwatini) and Zimbabwe; this includes the Kruger National Park: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine recommended during the transmission season, September to May only (see map provided by Department of Health, Republic of South Africa – marked as ‘moderate risk’). In June, July and August, the risk in this area is considered to be very low: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
There is a low risk of malaria in northeast KwaZulu-Natal and in designated areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo (see map – marked as ‘low risk’) during the transmission season, September to May: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
There is a very low risk of malaria in North West Province (adjacent to Molopo River) and Northern Cape Province (adjacent to Orange River): awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.

Special risk groups

In low risk areas, antimalarials may be considered in exceptional circumstances for travellers who are at higher risk of malaria (such as long term travellers visiting friends and relatives), or of severe complications from malaria (such as the elderly [over 70 years], the immunosuppressed, those with complex co-morbidities, pregnant women, infants and young children). The final decision whether or not to advise antimalarials rests with the travel health advisor and the traveller after individual risk assessment.

Travellers with an absent or poorly functioning spleen should be dissuaded from travel to any area with risk of malaria. Where travel is essential, awareness, rigorous bite avoidance and antimalarials should be advised even for the low risk areas. For the areas regarded as ‘very low’ malaria risk, antimalarials would not be advised, but bite avoidance and awareness of risk would still apply.

For special risk groups, you may wish to seek specialist advice.

Antimalarial recommendations map

Current as of december 2018. reproduced with permission: the national department of health, republic of south africa and the south african malaria elimination committee..

This map and key should be used with the description of malaria risk areas and recommendations as provided on TravelHealthPro malaria page as above.

Click on map to open in a new window

Recommended antimalarials

The recommended antimalarials are listed below. If these are not suitable please seek further specialist advice.

Please note, the advice for children is different, the dose is based on body weight and some antimalarials are not suitable.

Atovaquone/Proguanil

Atovaquone 250mg/Proguanil 100mg combination preparation :

start one to two days before arrival in the malaria risk area
for adults, one tablet is taken every day, ideally at the same time of day for the duration of the time in a malaria risk area and daily for seven days after leaving the malaria risk area
take with a fatty meal if possible
for children paediatric tablets are available and the dose is based on body weight (see table below)

Doxycycline

Doxycycline 100mg :

adults and children over 12 years of age take 100mg daily, ideally at the same time of day for the duration of the time in a malaria risk area and daily for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area
take with food if possible; avoid taking this drug just before lying down
not suitable for children under 12 years of age

Mefloquine 250mg :

this drug is taken weekly, adults take one 250mg tablet each week
start two to three weeks before arrival in the malaria risk area and continue weekly until four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area
for children the dose is based on the body weight (see table below)
Malaria in brief
Malaria factsheet
Children's antimalarial dose table
Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK

There are some risks that are relevant to all travellers regardless of destination. These may for example include road traffic and other accidents, diseases transmitted by contaminated food and water, sexually transmitted infections, or health issues related to the heat or cold.

Some additional risks (which may be present in all or part of this country) are mentioned below and are presented alphabetically. Select risk to expand information.

There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) or higher. Important risk factors are the altitude gained, rate of ascent and sleeping altitude. Rapid ascent without a period of acclimatisation puts a traveller at higher risk.

There are three syndromes; acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). HACE and HAPE require immediate descent and medical treatment.

Altitude illness in South Africa

There is a point of elevation in this country higher than 2,500 metres. Example places of interest: Johannesburgh 1,750m and Mafadi Peak 3,450m.

Travellers should spend a few days at an altitude below 3,000m.
Where possible travellers should avoid travel from altitudes less than 1,200m to altitudes greater than 3,500m in a single day.
Ascent above 3,000m should be gradual. Travellers should avoid increasing sleeping elevation by more than 500m per day and ensure a rest day (at the same altitude) every three or four days.
Acetazolamide can be used to assist with acclimatisation, but should not replace gradual ascent.
Travellers who develop symptoms of AMS (headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and sleep disturbance) should avoid further ascent. In the absence of improvement or with progression of symptoms the first response should be to descend.
Development of HACE or HAPE symptoms requires immediate descent and emergency medical treatment.

Altitude illness in brief

Biting insects or ticks.

Insect or tick bites can cause irritation and infections of the skin at the site of a bite. They can also spread certain diseases.

Diseases in Southern Africa

There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in some areas of southern Africa. This includes diseases such as African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) , African tick bite fever , chikungunya , Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever , Rift Valley fever and West Nile virus .

All travellers should avoid insect and tick bites day and night.
There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent these diseases.

Further information about specific insect or tick-borne diseases for this country can be found, if appropriate on this page, in other sections of the country information pages and the insect and tick bite avoidance factsheet .

Seasonal influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and spreads easily from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Symptoms appear rapidly and include fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise (feeling unwell), cough, sore throat and a runny nose. In healthy individuals, symptoms improve without treatment within two to seven days. Severe illness is more common in those aged 65 years or over, those under 2 years of age, or those who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications of influenza.

Seasonal influenza in South Africa

Seasonal influenza occurs throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere (including the UK), most influenza occurs from as early as October through to March. In the southern hemisphere, influenza mostly occurs between April and September. In the tropics, influenza can occur throughout the year.

All travellers should:

Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals
Avoid crowded conditions where possible
Wash their hands frequently
Practise ‘cough hygiene’: sneezing or coughing into a tissue and promptly discarding it safely, and washing their hands
Avoid travel if unwell with influenza-like symptoms
A vaccine is available in certain circumstances (see below)*

*In the UK, seasonal influenza vaccine is offered routinely each year to those at higher risk of developing of severe disease following influenza infection, and certain additional groups such as healthcare workers and children as part of the UK national schedule (see information on vaccination ). For those who do not fall into these groups, vaccination may be available privately.

If individuals at higher risk of severe disease following influenza infection are travelling to a country when influenza is likely to be circulating they should ensure they received a flu vaccination in the previous 12 months.

The vaccine used in the UK protects against the strains predicted to occur during the winter months of the northern hemisphere. It is not possible to obtain vaccine for the southern hemisphere in the UK, but the vaccine used during the UK influenza season should still provide important protection against strains likely to occur during the southern hemisphere influenza season, and in the tropics.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses can rarely infect and cause disease in humans. Such cases are usually associated with close exposure to infected bird or animal populations. Where appropriate, information on these will be available in the outbreaks and news sections of the relevant country pages. Seasonal influenza vaccines will not provide protection against avian influenza.

Avian influenza in brief

Outdoor air quality.

Poor air quality is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods (e.g. minutes/hours/days) and longer time periods (e.g. years) is linked to many different acute and chronic health problems. These effects are mainly on the respiratory (lungs and airways) and cardiovascular (heart function and blood circulation) systems.

Current information on world air quality is available from the world air quality index project .

Travellers with health problems that might make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution who are travelling to areas of high pollution should:

discuss their travel plans with their doctor, and carry adequate supplies of their regular medication.
take sensible precautions to minimise their exposure to high levels of air pollution.
check local air quality data and amend their activities accordingly.
take notice of any health advisories published by the local Ministry of Health and Department for Environment, and follow the guidance provided.

It is unclear if face masks are beneficial at reducing exposure and may make breathing more difficult for those with pre-existing lung conditions. Those who choose to use one should make sure that the mask fits well and know how to wear it properly.

Outdoor air quality in brief

Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection. Schistosoma larvae are released from infected freshwater snails and can penetrate intact human skin following contact with contaminated freshwater. Travellers may be exposed during activities such as wading, swimming, bathing or washing clothes in freshwater streams, rivers or lakes.

Schistosomiasis infection may cause no symptoms, but early symptoms can include a rash and itchy skin ('swimmer's itch'), fever, chills, cough, or muscle aches. If not treated, it can cause serious long term health problems such as intestinal or bladder disease.

Schistosomiasis in South Africa

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this country.

There is no vaccine or tablets to prevent schistosomiasis.
All travellers should avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in fresh water. Swimming in adequately chlorinated water or sea water is not a risk for schistosomiasis.
Drink water that is boiled, filtered or bottled.
Application of insect repellent before exposure to fresh water, or towel drying after possible exposure to schistosomiasis are not reliable in preventing infection.
All travellers who may have been exposed to schistosomiasis should have a health check to test for schistosomiasis infection.

Schistosomiasis in brief

COVID-19 disease is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV2. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a new continuous cough, a high temperature, and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Older people and those with underlying health problems are more likely to develop severe disease.

COVID-19 is spread through close contact with people who have the virus. It is mainly transmitted from person to person by breathing in droplets produced when someone infected with the virus breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. It is also spread by touching the infected droplets on surfaces, then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

COVID-19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, or dying from the virus. Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces, but does not eliminate the risk of infection, so social distancing and personal and respiratory hygiene remain important interventions, particularly during overseas travel.

Travellers should always check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and their country-specific pages for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories which may include information on travel restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. This includes considering the recommendations and requirements for any transit countries.

Travellers should be aware that COVID-19 case numbers in individual countries/areas can increase rapidly, and healthcare capacity and country requirements can change at short notice.

COVID-19 in South Africa

Most countries worldwide present a risk of exposure to COVID-19. The risk of COVID-19, public health policy, and travel advice or restrictions may change quickly, therefore travellers should ensure they have access to up to date information on COVID-19 and be prepared for rapid changes in guidance both before and during travel.

All travellers should check the FCDO travel advice and carefully consider their personal situation and risks of COVID-19 before travel to this country. This is particularly important in those at higher risk from COVID-19 who may wish to seek medical advice before travel.

Individuals entering or returning to the UK may be required to follow additional UK border measures .

If travelling to this country, travellers should:

Consider the risk at all destinations including any transit countries, and the risk during travel itself.
Check with the airline/tour operator about preventive measures in place to reduce risk during travel.
Follow the latest guidance on social distancing and face coverings, including any local requirements and maintain good hand, respiratory, and personal hygiene at all times. This may be particularly important if staying with friends and family.
Ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK vaccination programme.

See guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of COVID-19 for travellers .

If travellers develop COVID-19 symptoms while abroad, they should:

Follow local guidelines on self-isolation, testing and avoiding travel.
Contact their travel insurance provider.
Seek medical advice if needed.

COVID-19 in brief

Malaria: a reminder for travellers over the winter holiday season

Advice for travellers and health professionals about malaria

Using information collated from a variety of sources, we regularly review and update information on overseas disease outbreaks and other health issues that may affect the UK traveller.

Please note that not all cases of disease or outbreaks are reported ; some diseases may only be reported if they occur outside of the usual recognised risk area or season, or they have been reported in greater than usual numbers.

Further information on the Outbreak Surveillance section.

Foreign travel advice

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The Traveller Health Questionnaire to enter South Africa
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travel health questionnaire

COMMENTS

Traveller Health Questionnaire to Enter South Africa
The South African Health Questionnaire for South Africa was an online application that collected a visitor's travel history. It was previously mandatory for all passengers arriving by air, land, or sea to fill out the THQ. However, completing a THQ for South Africa is no longer a n entry requirement. The system is being replaced by the online ...
PDF If the traveller answers yes to any of the following questions please
TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE- ENTRY SCREENING Traveller details Name and Surname Date of Birth Nationality City and Country travelling from Passport No. for non-RSA Citizens / ID No. Date of Arrival in South Africa Flight/Vessel/Bus/ Vehicle Number Seat Number Did you change seat during the trip? ...
PDF *To be completed by all travellers travelling within South Africa
TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE - SCREENING WITHIN SOUTH AFRICA Traveller details Name and Surname Date of Birth ... Date of Arrival in South Africa (for non-RSA Citizens) Date of Travel within South Africa City and Country travelling to Flight/Vessel/Bus/ Vehicle Number Seat Number ... www.health.gov.za NICD website: www.nicd.ac.za ...
PDF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
travel and a completed Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ). Is the 72 hours from date of sample collection or from date when the test result ... from a COVID-19 infection and wish to travel to South Africa you must send a request to the Department for a letter of exemption. This is only applicable to travellers who
PDF TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE EXIT SCREENING Traveller details
TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE ... City and/or Country of Origin Date of Arrival in South Africa (International Travellers) Date of Departure from South Africa (International Travellers) City and/or Country travelling to ... Port Health Official: (Name and Signature) _____ Author: ThokaT Created Date: 7/13/2020 2:23:41 PM ...
PDF Airports Company South Africa
Airports Company South Africa
Dept of Health launches web-based screening questionnaire for
The department announced the launch of a pilot project for the Covid SA travel system - a digital screening solution that allows travellers to complete the required travel health questionnaire on ...
Department of Health to launch pilot programme for a new web-based
Department of Health to launch pilot programme for a new web-based Travel Health Questionnaire COVID-19 screening platform. With the full resumption of international travel, the national Department of Health has increased efforts to strengthen active screening and surveillance at ports of entry in South Africa.
PDF Traveller Health Questionnaire
TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE Traveller details Name and Surname Date of Birth Nationality City and Country travelling from Passport No. for non-RSA Citizens / ID No. Date of Arrival in South Africa Airline and Flight Number Seat Number Telephone Number while in South Africa Other Contact Number /WhatsApp Number Email Address ...
Tourists to SA will need to fill out web-based screening form
International arrivals will now be able to complete the required travel health questionnaire on their smartphones, tablets or other devices ahead of landing in South Africa.. The new online form, which will go live on December 15, is part of a pilot project launched by the department for the Covid SA travel system. This will be launched in a phased approach.
PDF *To be completed by all travellers travelling within South Africa
TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE - SCREENING WITHIN SOUTH AFRICA Traveller details Name and Surname Date of Birth Nationality Passport No. for non-RSA Citizens / ID No. for RSA Citizens City and Country of Origin (for non-RSA Citizens) Date of Arrival in South Africa (for non-RSA Citizens) Date of Travel within South Africa
Web-based screening questionnaire for international visitors entering
The Department of Health has increased efforts of active screening and surveillance of international travellers at ports of entry in South Africa. The department announced the launch of a pilot project for the Covid SA travel system - a digital screening solution that allows travellers to complete the required travel health questionnaire on ...
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
The health questionnaire can be completed up to 48 hours before travel or on arrival into the country. ... are unable to produce a negative PCR test result due to having recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection and wish to travel to South Africa you must send a request to the Department for a letter of exemption. This is only applicable to ...
PDF Pilot Programme for a New Web-Based Travel Health Questionnaire COVID
Department of Health to launch pilot programme for a new web-based Travel Health Questionnaire COVID-19 screening platform With the full resumption of international travel, the national Department of Health has increased efforts to strengthen active screening and surveillance at ports of entry in South Africa.
South Africa
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of South Africa may be poor. Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries). Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas. If you choose to drive a vehicle in South Africa, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Health digitises COVID-19 screening at ports
Thursday, December 10, 2020. The Health Department will launch the COVID SA travel system, a digital screening platform that allows travellers to complete the required travel health questionnaire (THQ) on their personal devices ahead of their arrival at ports of entry. The COVID SA travel system will be live from noon on 15 December 2020.
Covid-19 Advice Travellers
What are the health protocols when travelling to South Africa? Travellers intending to visit the country will have to produce a valid certificate of of a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organization, that was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.
South Africa to Make COVID-19 Screening Easier for Travellers
The Department of Health plans to launch a new digital screening pilot project which will allow travellers to complete a required travel health questionnaire (THQ) on their personal devices ahead of their arrival at ports of entry. The move from paper-based screening systems to a digitized screening solution will take place in a phased approach, […]
Health
Health. There is no healthcare agreement between the United Kingdom and South Africa. Before you travel check that: you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical ...
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling To And From South Africa
The test result of people who travel on more than one occasion within 14 days to and from South Africa remains valid for a period of 14 days, but the test result that is presented on the first entry into South Africa must still be within 72 hours of sample collection. I am experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 after travelling to South ...
Entry requirements
Taking money into South Africa. There are limits on how much currency you can bring into South Africa: cash in South African rand - up to 25,000 rand per person. combinations of cash in other ...
PDF Traveller Health Questionnaire
*To be completed by all travellers leaving from South Africa* TRAVELLER HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE - EXIT SCREENING FROM SOUTH AFRICA Traveller details Name and Surname Date of Birth Nationality Passport No. for non-RSA Citizens / ID No. for RSA Citizens City and Country of Origin (for non-RSA Citizens) ...
NaTHNaC
Current as of December 2018. Reproduced with permission: The National Department of Health, Republic of South Africa and the South African Malaria Elimination Committee. This map and key should be used with the description of malaria risk areas and recommendations as provided on TravelHealthPro malaria page as above.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Is the 72 hours from date of sample analysis or from date when the test result was received?

Can I use a negative antigen test result to enter South Africa?

Can a test taken before leaving South Africa be used on return if the return date is within 72 hours?

What screening measures are implemented on arrival into South Africa?

Are fully vaccinated persons allowed to enter South Africa without a negative PCR test result?

What if during screening at the port of entry a traveller is found to have been exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19?

Can I complete my isolation at home if the test conducted during the assessment at the port of entry comes back as positive?

Are there any categories of travel exempted from producing a negative PCR test result?

What if I am entering South Africa through a seaport?

How long before travel can I complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire?

I have recently recovered from COVID-19 and my PCR test result has come back as positive, does this mean I can’t travel to South Africa?

What is deemed as a fully recovered traveller?

I travel frequently to and from South Africa, do I need to get a new PCR test result each time I travel?

I am experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 after travelling to South Africa, should I get tested for COVID-19?

If I travel out of the country, do I still need to undergo testing and do I have to do the same when I come back?

What other health measures do I need to comply with as a traveller?

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South Africa Traveler View

After Your Trip

Routine vaccines

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Yellow Fever

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites

Rift Valley Fever

Airborne & droplet

Eat and drink safely

Prevent bug bites

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

What type of insect repellent should I use?

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Stay safe outdoors

Stay safe around water

Keep away from animals

Reduce your exposure to germs

Avoid sharing body fluids

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Select safe transportation

Riding/Driving

Medical Evacuation Insurance

Helpful Resources

Maintain personal security

Before you leave

While at your destination(s)

Healthy Travel Packing List

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

Other Destinations