Requirements to enter South Africa
Indice
The dominoes began to fall quickly after South African health authorities informed the world of the discovery of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in late November.
The Biden administration instituted controversial travel bans on arrivals from eight southern African countries. Travelers found themselves unexpectedly stranded. And now U.S. officials announced they will again tighten travel rules.
The travel bans announced on November 26 prohibit non-citizens from eight southern African countries from entering the United States. They are Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Going to southern African nations while worldwide bans are in effect can get you banned from going to other countries. For example, the United Kingdom does not allow entry to anyone who has been to the “red list” countries, which include Angola and Zambia in addition to the eight mentioned above, except its own returning citizens.
Requirements for travel to south africa covid
You must have your passport in force before traveling to South Africa, a document that must meet these two requirements: It must have an expiration date of at least 30 days after the date of departure from the country and have 2 blank pages.
Malaria treatment is advisable if you are going to visit risk areas, located in the northeast of the country, such as the Kruger Park. In the big cities there is no risk of being bitten by the mosquito that transmits the disease.
Being located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in Europe. Winter in South Africa, which runs from June to September, is dry and not too cold. This is the best time to enjoy the wildlife. The vegetation is less lush and the animals concentrate on the rivers to drink. In addition, the southern whale begins to reach the coast. It is also a good season for outdoor activities and sports.
The South African spring is from September to November. Temperatures rise during the day. It is a season that allows us to see beautiful landscapes full of flowers, such as those of the West Coast National Park, about 90 kilometers from Cape Town.
Requirements for travel to Africa
Cape Town, South Africa’s second largest city and the country’s tourist heartland, is counting down to the certain possibility of running out of water supply. If its inhabitants and the thousands of tourists visiting the area during these months do not drastically reduce their consumption, the meter will reach zero on April 12.
That date has been dubbed “Day Zero”, the day on which the level of the dams will, if habits do not change, reach 13.5% and the city would be forced to interrupt normal distribution, becoming the first major developed city to run out of water in modern times.
Harris said that, despite the drought, the tourist season has been “very good” and that, even if Day Zero comes and taps stop running in large residential areas, hotels will be among the core businesses whose operation would be assured by the city.
“And what’s better, we have seen an incredible response from tourists in saving water. They have joined the efforts with enthusiasm, realizing that they can be part of the solution by joining in the spirit of Cape Town,” Harris emphasized.
Requirements to enter Johannesburg
If you are a citizen of another country and want to travel to South Africa, then you need a visa. The “visitor” visa is for international travelers permanently residing outside of South Africa. It is also for those who wish to visit the country on a more temporary basis for tourism or business purposes. But it does not last forever. Once you get it, the visa is valid for no more than 90 days.
So, now you are in the country. While you are here, the visa is considered a visitor’s permit. The period of validity of the permit is counted from the date you arrived and will be stated under the heading “conditions” on the visa label.
It is important to make sure you apply for the correct visa or permit. Otherwise, entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not stated correctly.
Depending on where you are from, visa requirements differ from country to country and are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case, so you should inquire at the nearest South African consulate or mission abroad or any Department of Home Affairs office to see if you are even supposed to apply for a visa.