Last update: 09/16/2023
South Africa has been open to international travel since October 1, 2020. Tourists from any country can visit as long as they enter by air, which makes South Africa one of the best countries that are open for international tourism.
Entry requirements for South Africa are as follows: all travelers must present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure. As long as they present this medical certificate, they will not need to quarantine upon arrival in South Africa.
Travelers also need to download the COVID Alert SA app, and undergo a health screening on arrival.
Can I travel to South Africa right now?
South Africa is allowing travelers from all countries to visit as long as they arrive by air. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit South Africa right now.
South Africa
- South Africa
- Countries allowed to travel to South Africa
South Africa has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
Travelers from any country can currently visit South Africa.
South Africa travel ban is in place for these countries
South Africa has not banned travelers from any country.
South Africa COVID-19 travel restrictions
South Africa has implemented several entry requirements for visitors in order to keep both tourists and residents safe.
South Africa COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
All travelers are required to present a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure. If you do not present this certificate upon arrival, you will have to get tested on arrival. If that test is positive, you will have to self-isolate for 10 days at your own expense.
You will also need to download the COVID Alert SA app. When you arrive in South Africa, you will undergo a health screening.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to South Africa?
To visit South Africa, you must present a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was taken within 72 hours of your departure.
If you do not have a certificate for a negative PCR test, you will be subject to an antigen test on arrival. If that test is positive, you will have to self-isolate for 10 days at your own expense.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in South Africa?
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in South Africa as long as you have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was taken within 72 hours of your departure.
Without this certificate, you will have to undergo testing on arrival. If your test result is positive, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days at your own expense.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in South Africa?
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit South Africa
It is not mandatory to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit South Africa, but you should always travel with some kind of travel health insurance. That way, you’ll be covered no matter what happens, whether it’s illness, theft, or a missed flight.
If you’re looking for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, I highly recommend Heymondo. We always use their policies when we travel because they offer extensive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad at a great price. You can even save 5% on their policies just for being our reader!
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to South Africa
Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, South Africa’s government has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter South Africa.
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to South Africa, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case South Africa changes its entry requirements.
Other travel restrictions for South Africa during COVID-19
There are a few other travel restrictions for visitors to South Africa:
- All travelers must download the COVID Alert SA app.
- All travelers will undergo a health screening on arrival.
- Face masks are required in all public areas. Failure to wear a mask is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by law.
- Social distancing guidelines of 2 meters must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit South Africa. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in South Africa
South Africa’s restrictions have recently tightened now that the country has gone into COVID Alert Level 3. However, hotels are still open at full capacity and beaches, restaurants, and attractions are all open.
Hotels that are open in South Africa
There are plenty of options for places to stay in South Africa, since hotels and accommodations are open and are allowed to operate at full capacity.
The best options available right now are:
- The Table Bay Hotel (Cape Town)
- Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa (Cape Town)
- The Oyster Box (Durban)
- The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City Resort
- Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg
Guests must wear masks at all times in public areas and keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters away from others in common areas.
More information on hotel and accommodation regulations is available here.
Beaches that are open in South Africa
Beaches in South Africa are currently open, so you’re free to soak up some sun and go for a dip in the sea.
Beaches must close by 9 PM. Beachgoers should keep 2 meters away from others and wear masks when they are entering and exiting the beach.
You can find more information on these regulations here.
Attractions that are open in South Africa
Many attractions in South Africa are open right now, including museums and game parks.
Attractions that are open in South Africa
Museums, movie theaters, casinos, theaters, botanical gardens, aquariums, zoos, and game parks are all open until 9 PM.
These are our favorite attractions/tours that are operating right now:
- Kruger National Park: Full-Day Private Safari
- Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise (Cape Town)
- Table Mountain Cable Car Ticket & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combo (Cape Town)
- Seal Snorkeling Experience (Cape Town)
- Shark Cage Dive and Viewing
- Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
- Cape Point & Boulders Beach
- Robben Island Ferry Ticket
- Full-day safari in Pilanesberg National Park
- From Cape Town: Inverdoorn Game Reserve Full-Day Safari
- Addo Elephant National Park Full-Day Safari
Visitors to all these attractions must wear masks at all times and keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters away from others who are not in their family group.
More information on regulations for attractions can be found here.
Restaurants and bars that are open in South Africa
Restaurants in South Africa are currently open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, but, in accordance with lockdown rules, they close at 9 PM. Bars are also open.
Restaurants will be laid out so that there is a minimum of 1.5 meters between different groups. Restaurant capacity is restricted to either 50% or 50 people indoors/100 people outdoors. Customers should wear masks when they are not eating or drinking.
More information on restaurant regulations is available here and here.
Airports that are open in South Africa
International travel has been restricted to five international airports, OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport, all of which are currently open.
Airports that are open in South Africa
All travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines. They will also be subject to health screenings on arrival.
Curfew in South Africa
South Africa has a daily curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM until further notice.
COVID-19 testing in South Africa
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in South Africa, you can find information on testing here.
South Africa reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to South Africa reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to South Africa right now?
Yes, you can travel to South Africa from any country right now.
Is it safe to travel to South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 145,000+ active cases and 82,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in South Africa as of today. The CDC classifies travel to South Africa as “Level 4- Very High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to South Africa. Additionally, even if you are not high-risk, you might want to reconsider travel to South Africa.
Is there a travel ban in South Africa?
No, travelers from all countries can visit South Africa.
Is quarantine required to visit South Africa?
No, there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in South Africa as long as you have a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID-19 test result that was obtained within 72 hours of your departure. If you don’t, you will have to get tested on arrival and will have to self-isolate if you test positive.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to South Africa?
Yes, you must present a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID-19 test result that was obtained within 72 hours of your departure.
Is a curfew in place in South Africa?
Yes, there is a daily curfew in South Africa from 10 PM to 4 AM.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are no restrictions on intercity and interregional travel.
Are hotels open in South Africa?
Yes, hotels in South Africa are open and operating at full capacity.
Are airports open in South Africa?
Yes, South Africa’s airports are open, although international travel has been restricted to five airports: OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Are restaurants and bars open in South Africa?
Yes, restaurants and bars in South Africa are open until 9 PM daily.
Are beaches open in South Africa?
Yes, beaches are open until 9 PM.
Are attractions open in South Africa?
Yes, many attractions are open, including game parks, zoos, and museums.
Is South Africa open to American tourists?
Yes, South Africa is open to American tourists. However, the US State Department has issued a Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory for South Africa, so we do not recommend traveling there at the moment.
Is South Africa open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadians can visit South Africa right now.
Sources
We will update this guide on South Africa reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to South Africa, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in South Africa
- CDC Travel Recommendations for South Africa
- General South Africa Travel Advisory
- Online Travel Health Questionnaire
- South African Government’s Entry Requirements and Current Restrictions
- South African Government’s Quarantine and Entry Requirements
- South African Government’s Level 3 Lockdown Restrictions and Regulations
- South African Tourism Update- Level 3 Lockdown Regulations
- COVID Alert SA App Information
