Updated level 1 lockdown regulations for air travel
The Government of South Africa has gazetted updated regulations for South Africa’s adjusted level 1 lockdown. This includes the relaxation of restrictions for air travel. According to Government Gazette no. 45379 (22 October 2021), a traveller must provide a valid certificate with a negative Covid-19 test outcome, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or equivalent local accredited authority, obtained no more than 72 hours before the date of travel. South African authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of the presented certificate. An airline operator in South Africa shall not board any passenger without a valid negative Covid-19 certificate.
An airline operator in South Africa is allowed to provide pre-packaged catering onboard the aircraft but must take all risk mitigation, health and safety measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
An airline operator in South Africa may make complimentary magazines available, which passengers must pick up when entering the aircraft. Passengers are not allowed to share these magazines.
A passenger in transit in South Africa must have a valid negative Covid-19 certificate obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel from an accredited laboratory.
International scheduled operations and charter flights carrying passengers are allowed at the following airports in South Africa:
- OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg
- King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town
- Lanseria International Airport (HLA] in Johannesburg
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport MQP) in Nelspruit
Long-haul flight departures and landings at the airports listed above are permitted during the hours of the curfew. However, passengers are required to prevent a valid boarding pass if stopped by law enforcement during curfew hours.
