Coronavirus travel advice and FAQs – everything you need to know
South Africa to move to alert level one
Wednesday, 16 September, 2020
The latest speech made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 16 September 2020 can be found HERE
The National State of Disaster has been extended to 15 October 2020.
South Africa will enter alert level one as of midnight, Sunday, 20 September 2020. There will be a gradual easing of restrictions placed on international travel for business and leisure purposes as of 1 October 2020. Travel may be restricted to/from countries with high infection rates. A list of these countries will be published in the week to come. Travellers will only be permitted to travel to/from OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka Airport. A limited number of border posts will remain open at South Africa's land borders.
A negative COVID-19 test must be presented on arrival, not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the point of origin. Should a COVID-19 test not be presented, passengers will be required to enter mandatory quarantine at their own cost. All travellers will be screened and should they display symptoms, they will be required to enter and remain in quarantine. All travellers will be required to download the COVID Alert SA App.
South African Missions abroad will now be able to process visas and long stay visas will be reinstated.
Further guidelines related to international travel during alert level one will be communicated in the week ahead.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert or contact us HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk-adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
South Africa to move to alert level two
Saturday, 15 August, 2020
The latest speech made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 August 2020 can be found HERE
The national state of disaster has been extended by a further month, until 15 September 2020. South Africa will enter alert level two as of midnight, 17 August 2020.
All restrictions on inter-provincial travel will be lifted during alert level two. Accomodation, hospitality venues and tours will be permitted according to approved protocols to ensure social distancing. Further guidelines related to inter-provincial travel will be communicated in the week ahead.
South Africa's borders remain closed, with no international travel taking place with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa. CLICK HERE should you require assistance with a repatriation flight.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert or contact us HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk-adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Update to tourism related activities under Risk Adjusted Level Three
The latest update from Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane can be found HERE
Individuals will now be permitted to leave their homes to travel for leisure purposes within the province where they reside. Only intra-provincial travel is permitted. Travel between provinces for leisure purposes remains prohibited until further notice. Accommodation facilities are now permitted to operate for leisure intra-provincial travel subject to; no more than two people per room except for a family (parents and their children). Short-term home rentals/sharing such as Airbnb remain closed. Guided tours in open safari vehicles are now permitted as directed and must include provision for both social distancing and maximum ventilation. These changes will come into effect as soon as the new regulations are gazetted.
Details surrounding permits to support the reason for business and essential travel can be found HERE
South Africa's borders will remain closed to international travel until further notice with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa.
Should you have any questions, please contact your Travel Expert or contact us HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk-adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
Monday, 13 July 2020
South Africa to remain at alert level three with additional measures to be implemented
The latest speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 July 2020 can be found HERE
Leisure domestic travel and international travel in/out of South Africa will not take place until further notice. South Africa's borders will remain closed during level three with the exception of repatriation and essential flights in/out of South Africa. Further information regarding these flights can be found HERE.
We may be able to assist with some repatriation flights. Further information can be found HERE
Domestic travel for business or essential purposes will continue on limited routes and with restricted capacity. More information related to domestic business or essential travel can be found HERE.
Our retail stores and campuses remain closed as we continue to work remotely until further notice. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert via email, mobile (Whatsapp) or on the store landline.
CLICK HERE for all other contact details.
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
29 June 2020
Opening of further civil aviation activities during alert level three
The latest update from Minister Fikile Mbalula can be found HERE
Limited domestic air travel for business and essential purposes is allowed during risk level three, subject to restrictions on the number of flights per day and authorisation based on the reason for travel.
Initially, domestic travel for business and essential purposes resumed from O.R Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport. As of 1 July 2020, the following domestic airports will reopen: Bram Fischer International Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Pietermaritzburg Airport, Port Elizabeth International Airport, Richardsbay Airport, Skukuza Airport and Upington International Airport.
Details surrounding permits to support the reason for business and essential travel can be found HERE
South Africa's borders will remain closed to international travel until further notice with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa.
Should you have any questions, please contact your Travel Expert or contact us HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk-adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
19 June 2020
South Africa to remain at level three with some additional sectors of the economy reopening
The latest speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa on 17 June 2020 can be found HERE.
Leisure domestic travel and international travel in and out of South Africa will not take place until further notice. South Africa's borders will remain closed during advanced level 3 with the exception of repatriation and essential flights in/out of South Africa. Further information regarding these flights can be found HERE.
Domestic travel for business or essential purposes will continue on limited routes and with restricted capacity. More information related to domestic business or essential travel can be found HERE.
In line with the South African Government's response to COVID-19, we are adopting a phased approach in returning to the office. We continue to work remotely as we navigate our return to our physical office space during alert level three and remain available to support you 24/7. Our retail stores remain closed until further notice. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert via email or on the store landline.
CLICK HERE for all other contact details.
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
31 May 2020
Limited domestic business travel to be phased in as South Africa enters alert level three on 1 June 2020
The latest speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa can be found HERE
The latest update from Minister Fikile Mbalula can be found HERE
The latest update from ASATA can be found HERE
Limited domestic air travel for business purposes will be allowed during risk level three, subject to restrictions on the number of flights per day and authorisation based on the reason for travel.
Domestic travel for business purposes will be phased in during alert level three in a three part approach with travel set to resume from O.R Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport. Details surrounding permits to support the reason for business travel will also be confirmed.
Leisure domestic travel and international travel in and out of South Africa will not take place until further notice. South Africa's borders will remain closed during alert level three with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa.
Should you have any questions, please contact your Travel Expert or contact us HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
25 May 2020
South Africa to enter alert level three on 1 June 2020
The latest speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa can be found HERE
Leisure domestic travel and international travel in and out of South Africa will not take place until further notice. South Africa's borders will remain closed during alert level 3 with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa. Domestic travel for business purposes will be phased in on dates still to be announced.
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel taking place in June/July 2020.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert via email or on the store landline which will provide alternative contact details.
Should you be unable to return to your country of origin during this time, contact your nearest Mission. A list of South Africa Missions abroad can be found HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
14 May 2020
FCTG retail stores and campuses remain closed until further notice
Flight Centre Travel Group's retail stores and campuses will remain closed until further notice. We are working remotely until further notice and available 24/7 to support you. Contact information can be found HERE
Domestic travel and international travel in and out of South Africa will not take place until further notice. South Africa's borders will remain closed at this time with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa.
The latest speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa can be found HERE
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel taking place in May/June 2020.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert via email or on the store landline which will provide alternative contact details.
Should you be unable to return to your country of origin during this time, contact your nearest Mission. A list of South Africa Missions abroad can be found HERE
Further information related to COVID-19 and risk adjusted strategies for South Africa can be found HERE
Our refund policy can be found HERE
29 April 2020
FCTG retail stores and campuses remain closed during risk level 4
Flight Centre Travel Group's retail stores and campuses will remain closed as South Africa moves from risk level 5 to level 4 on 1 May 2020. We are working remotely until further notice and available 24/7 to support you. Contact information can be found HERE
Domestic travel and international travel in and out of South Africa will not take place until further notice. South Africa's borders will remain closed as we move from risk level five to level four on 1 May 2020, with the exception of repatriation flights in/out of South Africa.
The latest speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa can be found HERE
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel taking place in May 2020.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert via email or on the store landline which will provide alternative contact details.
Should you be unable to return to your country of origin during this time, contact your nearest Mission. A list of South Africa Missions abroad can be found HERE
24 April 2020
South Africa to ease lockdown restrictions
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an easing of some lockdown restrictions.
The country’s borders will however remain closed. All international and domestic flights are prohibited with the exception of repatriation flights. No travel will be allowed between provinces, except for the transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances such as funerals.
President Ramaphosa's speech can be found HERE
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel taking place in May 2020.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
Should you be unable to return to your country of origin during this time, contact your nearest Mission. A list of South Africa Missions abroad can be found HERE
10 April 2020
South Africa's nationwide lockdown extended by 2 weeks.
A nationwide lockdown that came into effect in South Africa on midnight, Thursday 26 March 2020 has been extended by a further 2 weeks.
A full overview of President Ramaphosa's speech from 9 April 2020 can be found HERE
All international and domestic flights are prohibited, irrespective of the risk category of the country of origin. Suppliers inclusive of airlines will adjust their schedules and capacity in light of the lockdown extension in South Africa.
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel taking place up until the end of April 2020.
Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
Should you be unable to return to your country of origin during this time, contact your nearest Mission. A list of South Africa Missions abroad can be found HERE
26 March 2020
South Africa to enter Nationwide lockdown
A nationwide lockdown in South Africa will come into effect as of midnight, Thursday 26 March 2020. All international and domestic flights are prohibited, irrespective of the risk category of the country of origin. Airlines have adjusted their schedules and capacity to ensure that flights arrive and depart prior to the lockdown coming into effect.
A full overview of President Ramaphosa's speech from 23 March 2020 can be found CLICK HERE
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert. Call volumes may be higher than normal and our Travel Experts are assisting customers with (immediate departures). You can locate their details on your travel documentation or CLICK HERE
Should you be unable to return to your country of origin during this time, contact your nearest Mission. A list of South Africa Missions abroad can be found HERE
23 March 2020
SAA suspends regional and international flights until 31 May 2020
South African Airways "SAA" has announced that it will immediately suspend all regional flights until 31 May 2020, in addition to all international flights suspended last week. The decision to suspend all regional and international flights is in response to a government travel ban aimed at stopping the transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
For more information related to travel bans and restrictions, please CLICK HERE
For more information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we recommend the following websites;
The World Health Organisation "WHO" - CLICK HERE
National Institute for Communicable Diseases "NICD" - CLICK HERE
Association of South African Travel Agents "ASATA" - CLICK HERE
We understand that these are challenging times, and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
Call volumes may be higher than usual, and our Travel Experts are assisting customers with bookings in order of date of departure (immediate departures over the next 14 days).
You can locate their details on your travel documentation or HERE
20 MARCH 2020
South Africa – COVID-19 update
France and Switzerland have been added to South Africa’s travel ban list.
In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, South Africa has added France and Switzerland to the list of high-risk countries for which travel bans have been issued.
The countries were added to a list in a travel advisory issued by the Department of International Relations & Co-operation on Tuesday (March 18). Currently, destinations identified as being high-risk in terms of COVID-19 are Iran, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Germany, US, UK, France and Switzerland. Medium-risk destinations highlighted are Singapore, Hong Kong and Portugal. Returning South Africans from all these countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and only get tested should they show any symptoms of COVID-19.
South Africans are advised to postpone all non-essential foreign travel. All non-essential domestic travel is discouraged.
UPDATE: Mauritius closes its borders to all foreign nationals effective 19 March 2020.
Mauritius will be closing its borders to all foreign nationals, including South Africans, effective 19 March 2020. The airport was closed to incoming flights as of 10:00 am on 19 March 2020. It was previously communicated that all passengers, including transits, would no longer be permitted to enter the country for a period of 14 days. The travel ban for foreign nationals has now been extended to 30 April 2020.
We understand that these are challenging times, and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
Call volumes may be higher than usual, and our Travel Experts are assisting customers with bookings in order of date of departure (immediate departures over the next 14 days).
You can locate their details on your travel documentation or HERE
19 MARCH 2020
FLIGHT CENTRE UPDATE: MAURITIUS, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND CLOSE THEIR BORDERS
JOHANNESBURG, 19 MARCH 2020 – Flight Centre would like to advise their customers that Mauritius, Australia and New Zealand have become the latest countries to close their borders to foreign visitors.
Effective 19 March 2020, Mauritius will close its borders to all foreign nationals. Three people in the country have tested positive for COVID-19. All passengers, including transits, will not be permitted to enter the country for a period of 14 days.
Effective 19 March 2020, Australia will close its borders to all foreign nationals.
Effective midnight 19 March 2020, New Zealand will close its borders to foreign nationals.
Kenya, Canada and a host of other countries have also closed their borders to foreign visitors.
The South African Government has extended its Travel Ban for high-risk countries to include Switzerland and France. Currently, destinations identified as being high-risk in terms of COVID-19 are Iran, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Germany, US and the UK. Medium-risk destinations highlighted are Singapore, Hong Kong and Portugal. Returning South Africans from all these countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and only get tested should they show any symptoms of COVID-19.
South Africans are advised to postpone all non-essential foreign travel. All non-essential domestic travel is discouraged.
The situation is evolving so rapidly that Flight Centre urges all customers to contact their travel expert with up to date information regarding any confirmed travel bookings.
Flight Centre reiterates its commitment to assisting and re-accommodating affected travellers. Travel experts are contacting all customers with bookings to affected regions to assist with rebooking and rescheduling their travel.
19 March 2020
Australia closes borders to foreign nationals - effective 20 March 2020
Australia has taken the decision to close their borders to all foreign travellers as of 21:00pm AEDT on
20 March 2020 (13:00pm RSA time). The travel ban comes into effect for non-citizens and non-residents.
Australians will still be able to return from overseas but they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia.
New Zealand closes borders to foreign nationals – effective midnight 19 March 2020
New Zealand had already announced plans to close its borders to foreign nationals from midnight tonight.
Mauritius closes its borders to all foreign nationals effective 19 March 2020
Mauritius will be closing its borders to all foreign nationals, including South Africans, effective 19 March 2020. The airport will be closed to incoming flights as of 10:00am on 19 March 2020. The Prime Minister of Mauritius confirmed on Wednesday 18 March 2020 that three people have tested positive for COVID-19. All passengers, including transits, will not be permitted to enter the country for a period of 14 days.
18 March 2020
New visa requirements for high-risk countries
Six high-risk countries – which, to date have enjoyed visa-free entry into South Africa – will now be required to apply for visas.
They are Italy, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom. The decision has been made to control movement in and out of South Africa as an active measure to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday 15 March 2020 that a travel ban would be imposed on a total of eight high-risk countries. Chinese and Iranian nationals would have their existing visas revoked, with no further applications processed.
South African travel bans and restrictions from 18 March 2020
The latest travel bans and restrictions instituted include:
-Travel bans effective 18 March 2020 from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, United States, UK and China. Travellers from high-risk countries will not be permitted entry into South Africa.
-South Africans are to refrain from travel to/through high-risk countries effective immediately such as the European Union, China, Iran, South Korea, UK and USA.
-Travellers from medium-risk countries such as Portugal, Singapore and Hong Kong, need to present themselves for testing. Travellers from medium-risk countries would also need to provide a medical certificate to show that they have tested negatively for COVID-19.
-Anyone who has travelled to these countries from mid-February, need to present themselves for testing.
-Self-isolation for South Africans who have come from high-risk destinations.
-Intensified screening at all ports of entry.
-All non-essential domestic travel is discouraged.
-Gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited.
Indonesia
Indonesia has confirmed more COVID-19 cases. The risk of transmission is increasing across the Indonesian archipelago, including in Bali. From 20 March 2020, Indonesia will suspend visas on arrival for all visitors.
17 March 2020
Kenya implements travel ban.
The Kenyan government announced the travel ban following confirmation of three cases of COVID-19 in the country. Entry for people coming from any country with reported COVID-19 cases, including South Africa, is not permitted.
Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed to enter, provided they proceed to self-quarantine or go to a government-designated quarantine facility. All people who have entered the country in the last 14 days have also been ordered to self-quarantine.
The ban may be in effect for at least 2 weeks from 17 March 2020.
Arrivals in Hong Kong to be subject to 14-day quarantine period.
Hong Kong will quarantine arrivals in the city for 14 days from midnight on 19 March 2020 to manage and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The new restrictions will not apply to arrivals from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan.
Canada implements travel ban.
Canada announced yesterday that the country would bar entry to foreign travellers from 18 March 2020. Exceptions include citizens, aircrew, diplomats, immediate family members of citizens and US citizens.
17 March 2020
The Government of Botswana implements new measures in relation to travel and the COVID-19 outbreak
All individuals coming to Botswana from the following high-risk countries will not be allowed entry: China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, USA, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India.
Batswana and residents returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine as per protocol. Issuance of Visa at Ports of entry and at all Embassies for any person from high-risk areas is suspended with immediate effect. Current visas are cancelled with immediate effect until further notice.
Mauritian authorities have extended travel restrictions to Mauritius
With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic to an increasing number of countries, the Mauritian government has extended travel restrictions to Mauritius.
- Effective as of Monday 16 March 2020 and up until 30 March 2020, foreign nationals having resided or with a history of travel from Reunion Island in the last 14 days will not be allowed entry or transit in the Republic of Mauritius (including Rodrigues Island).
- Effective as of Wednesday 18 March 2020 and until 1 April 2020, any foreign national having resided in or who has travelled to and from any member state of the European Union, United Kingdom. Ireland and Switzerland within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry or be permitted to transit in the Republic of Mauritius.
Mauritian nationals, residents, their spouse and children falling under the categories in paragraph 1 and 2 will be allowed entry in the Republic of Mauritius and will be placed in quarantine.
UAE and Qatar suspend the issuance of visas from 17 March 2020.
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have announced restrictions on visas, as part of measures to contain the new coronavirus outbreak. The UAE will suspend visa issuance starting March 17; foreign diplomats would be exempted. Qatar has stopped the issuance of visas on arrival to several European nationalities as of 15 March 2020. The decision does not apply to persons who have already been issued visas before the effective date.
We understand that these are challenging times, and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
Call volumes may be higher than usual, and our Travel Experts are assisting customers with bookings in order of date of departure (immediate departures over the next 14 days).
You can locate their details on your travel documentation or HERE
16 March 2020
South African Government has instituted a travel ban in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The South African Government has instituted a travel ban in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The latest travel bans and restrictions instituted include:
*Travel bans effective 18 March 2020 to and from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, United States, UK and China.
*Travellers from medium-risk source markets such as Portugal, Singapore and Hong Kong, need to present themselves for testing.
*Anyone who has travelled to these countries from mid-February, need to present themselves for testing.
*Self-isolation for South Africans who have come from high-risk destinations.
*Intensified screening at all ports of entry.
*All non-essential domestic travel is discouraged.
*Gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited.
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert. Call volumes may be higher than normal and our Travel Experts are assisting customers with bookings in order of date of departure (immediate departures).
You can locate their details on your travel documentation or HERE
15 March 2020
UAE and Qatar suspends the issuance of visas from 17 March 2020.
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have announced restrictions on visas, as part of measures to contain the new coronavirus outbreak. The UAE will suspend visa issuance starting March 17, foreign diplomats would be exempted. Qatar will on Sunday stop issuing visas on arrival to several European nationalities. The decision does not apply to persons who have already been issued visas before the effective date.
The USA adds the United Kingdom and Ireland to the European travel ban.
The USA made the decision to ban travel from the European Schengen States from midnight on 13 March, for a period of 30 days. Initially, restrictions applied only to the 26 countries within the bloc’s Schengen free-travel zone and did not appear tied to the severity of outbreaks in individual countries. On Saturday, the USA made the decision to include the United Kingdom and Ireland as part of the European travel ban.
The 26 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. In addition, the United Kingdom and Ireland have been included as part of the European travel ban. This ban has been implemented with the aim of containing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID19).
Australia requires all travellers to self-isolate on arrival
From 12:00 am on 16 March, Australia requires that all travellers arriving self-isolate for a period of 14 days. This will also include Australian citizens. Any cruise ships that have sailed from a foreign port have been banned from entering Australia for a period of 30 days.
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
14 March 2020
Cruises and Tours suspended for a minimum of 30 days
We are aware of sudden changes that have been made to touring and cruising itineraries during the past 24 hours. These changes mean that most suppliers have suspended tours and cruises for the next 30 days at least. Customers who have confirmed a tour or a cruise due to depart during this time will be assisted as per the re-accommodation policy in place for the specific supplier. We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible.
We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
You can locate their details on your travel documentation or HERE
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