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Renowned for its comfortable climate and diverse national parks teeming with wildlife, South Africa is a must-see for any Aussie looking for their next adventure.
Keep reading to find out more on what the travel restrictions are from Australia to South Africa, which borders are open, permit submissions and quarantine requirements.
Can I travel from Australia to South Africa?
Yes, travellers from Australia are permitted to visit South Africa for tourism purposes. Australians should be aware that many countries have placed travel restrictions on travellers arriving from South Africa – expect delays on flights back to Australia due to service disruptions and cancellations.
Getting to South Africa and travelling around once there
Which entry points in South Africa are open to travellers from Australia?
South Africa has multiple points of entry, and the following are accepting international travellers from Australia:
Open Borders: Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe
Open Airports: Tambo (JNB) , Cape Town (CPT), King Shaka (DUR), Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) and Lanseria International (HLA).
As a traveller from Australia, can I travel anywhere once I'm in South Africa?
Yes, once in South Africa, Australians are free to travel anywhere.
What's open in South Africa?
South Africa has opened the majority of its major sightseeing attractions for locals and Australian tourists alike to enjoy.
Major tourist attractions that are open:
Maclear's Beacon: Open
Cape of Good Hope: Open
Robben Island: Open
Walking trails, parks and beaches: Yes, parks are open to tourists from Australia to visit – the sites that come highly recommended include:
Kruger National Park
Addo Elephant National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park
Yes, beaches in South Africa are open to Australian tourists; some popular coastlines include:
Kraalbaai Beach
Robberg Beach
Thonga Beach
Shopping centres and stores: Yes, all non-essential businesses are once again open for locals and Australian visitors – tourists should keep in mind that masks must be worn in public.
Restaurants, cafes and bars: Yes, restaurants and cafes are back in operation for Australians to visit. As some venues may be working at a smaller capacity, we recommend booking in advance if you have the option to.
Can I cruise to or around South Africa?
No, cruise ships from Australia are not permitted to disembark in South Africa at this point in time.
What are the entry requirements for South Africa coming from Australia?
Do I need a permit to enter South Africa?
Travellers from Australia need to fill out and submit a Health Travel Questionnaire within two days of arriving in South Africa.
Do I need proof I've had a vaccine to travel?
No, Australian travellers don’t need proof of vaccination to enter South Africa.
Do I need proof I've had a negative test before departing South Africa?
Yes, all Australians need to provide a paper copy of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of arriving – this test result will need to be presented to officials at the border.
Do I need to quarantine when I arrive in South Africa?
Aussies who don’t provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result must complete 10 days of quarantine at a government facility at their own cost. Australian travellers who do provide the negative test result do not need to self-isolate.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Australia to South Africa:
If you haven't left yet Australia and the borders to South Africa close, check the cancellation policy for each element of your trip. Hotels, flights, accommodations and activities you've booked in South Africa will all have different policies in terms of whether you qualify for a refund, credit or will lose out on your funds. Most Australian travel companies are being flexible during the coronavirus pandemic if the cancellation was beyond your control.
If you've already departed to South Africa, you will be able to return home if you're a citizen or resident of Australia. Flight cancellations to South Africa are likely, so be prepared to spend extra time in the destination if needed. Having a back-up plan - and back up funds - is a good idea.
Current travel deals to South Africa
Whether or not now is the right time to travel to South Africa, these deals are ready to go as soon as you are. Many companies are offering flexible travel options to South Africa or are discounting future travel, so it's a great time to bag a bargain.
Available on flights until 30 June 2022 when you pay using Mastercard. Destinations include London, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Maldives, Cape Town and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book for 5 people or more. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book for 9 people or more. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates on programs such as sea turtle conservation, wildlife rescues, and rehabilitations. Destinations include Tanzania, Nepal, South Africa, Costa Rica and more. T&Cs apply.
Tamara Medojevic is a travel writer at Finder and works to make sure you’re getting the most for your dollar. She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. Tamara believes that travelling is an experience that can be enjoyed on all budgets. She loves writing and can be found immersed in poetry on her days off.
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