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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