COVID-19 Travel Update

At Thompsons Travel, the health and wellbeing of our employees, travellers & clients is our main concern. In light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we understand the uncertainty you may be facing about your existing or future travel plans and would like to reassure you that we are committed to assisting all travellers and monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Frequently asked questions:

Your peace of mind is our priority, which is why your dedicated consultants, Account Manager and hands-on Management team is available to assist you with any queries you may have during this uncertain time.   

  • Johannesburg: 011 770-7500
  • Cape Town Emergency: 021 408-9555
  • Durban: 031 275-3733

Alternatively, should you have any after-hours emergencies you can call us on the following numbers, or email us: 

  • Johannesburg: 082 809-1733 / emergency@thompsons.co.za
  • Cape Town: 078 800-8152 / CPTemergency@thompsons.co.za
  • Durban: 083 633-6989 / ahdur@thompsons.co.za

Thompsons for Travel Emergency: 083 633-6989 / travel@thompsons.co.za

What reasons am I permitted to travel domestically and what forms / documents are required?

Please ensure that you have the relevant and valid ID documents (currently the health declaration document is not needed for domestic travel) and that you have done your online check-in prior to departure and have a digital boarding pass to scan.

Other than carrying the correct documentation, you will have to pass a temperature screening (passengers who have a 37.2 degree temperature or higher will not be permitted entrance) to enter the airport. New rules apply to checked luggage, physical distancing of 1,5m; allow time for security checks and safety measures onboard your flight. We've listed everything you need to know, here. Please do not travel if you suspect you are ill or have flu-like symptoms.

Use our Travel Restrictions and Visa Requirements Online Tool to search for the latest travel and health restrictions by destination, plus stay up-to-date with quarantine announcements.

If you’re fully vaccinated

South Africa has lifted its coronavirus travel restrictions. You no longer need to present proof of vaccination status, or a PCR test.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

South Africa has lifted its coronavirus travel rules. You no longer need to present proof of vaccination status or a PCR test.

If you’re transiting through South Africa

The rules set out above also apply to travellers wishing to transit South Africa.

Exemptions

There are no exemptions to South Africa’s entry requirements.

All travellers

You can travel to South Africa for any purpose for up to 90 days without a visa. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay.
You may need to complete a health form to enter South Africa, see below information on visa’s & passports:

Visas

If you’re visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you don’t need a visa. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay.

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

Dual citizenship

If you hold South African citizenship, you must enter and exit South Africa on your South African passport. It is an offence for a South African citizen aged 18 or over to enter or leave the country on a foreign passport.

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under the age of 18. There are different requirements for unaccompanied children entering South Africa.

Check the advisory from the South African Department of Home Affairs for more details, and consult your nearest South African high commission or embassy if you have any questions about these requirements.

Biometric capturing

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders. You should allow additional time for border crossings.

Passport validity

If you are visiting South Africa, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa, in line with South African immigration regulations. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity on the date of entry to South Africa. To avoid problems at the airport on arrival, you’re advised to ensure your passport is valid for six months.

Your passport should have at least two blank pages when you arrive in South Africa.

General

For up-to-date travel regulations around the world, please consult the IATA Timatic Covid-19 Travel Regulations Map as well as Flatten the Curve.

Will travel insurance cover any cancellation costs related to the coronavirus?  

Please refer to the following updates from these travel insurance providers: 

Should you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

For the most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 virus, go to:  

For the latest information about travel restrictions for South Africans, please visit:  

For the South African COVID-19 Resource Portal, please visit: