South Africa No Longer Requires Prearrival Testing for Vaccinated Travelers

In the wake of the World Health Organization's pandemic declaration two years ago, South Africa has joined many nations in easing its travel restrictions.

In a recent announcement, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the outdoor mask mandate will be lifted and vaccinated travelers can now enter the country without a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers can still enter if they present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

“In the last two years, we have implemented extraordinary measures to bolster our healthcare system,” said Ramaphosa. “We are now at a pivotal moment and ready to transition to a new phase in our pandemic management.”

South Africa has faced significant challenges during the pandemic, being one of the hardest-hit countries in Africa. In his statement on March 22, President Ramaphosa highlighted that over 3.7 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 100,000 deaths have been reported. However, since the discovery of the Omicron variant in November, daily case numbers have dropped significantly. Ramaphosa mentioned that currently, between 60 and 80 percent of the population has immunity from past infections or vaccinations, indicating that South Africa is ready to adapt to living with the virus.

Additional eased restrictions will permit stadiums and music venues to operate at 50 percent capacity, although all attendees must either be vaccinated or present a valid negative PCR test. Masks will still be mandatory indoors and on public transportation.

South Africa reopened its borders to tourists last fall but previously required pre-testing for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Ramaphosa indicated that for the remaining restrictions to be lifted, a higher number of South Africans need to get vaccinated, although he did not specify the exact number.

“Although the pandemic is not yet behind us, and we must remain vigilant, we are witnessing many aspects of our daily lives returning to a sense of normalcy,” stated Ramaphosa.

For those traveling back to the United States from South Africa, as of December 6, all international travelers, vaccinated or not, must undergo a COVID test within one calendar day prior to their flight to the U.S. Additionally, all foreign arrivals into the U.S. must be vaccinated. According to the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, PCR testing is readily accessible throughout the country.