As the world moves beyond the Omicron variant and starts living with COVID, more and more countries are not only allowing South African travellers but also dropping stringent COVID testing requirements.
Vaccinated travellers do still have the upper hand in most countries, although some are no longer distinguishing between those who are are and are not vaccinated.
If your clients have been Phizered, or received the Johnson & Johnson or Astra Zeneca vaccine for that matter, you can likely book them a holiday to any of the below destinations. Just be sure to check out the pre-flight requirements like pesky COVID tests and locator forms. And don’t forget to double check that the country accepts not only the vaccine your client received, but also the proof he is able to provide. Also check on the need for a third booster shot as many still require this.
Passengers have to have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to departure if they received an approved two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or 28 days prior to departure if they received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, in order to be considered fully vaccinated. Some countries are also limiting the validity of the vaccines to 270 days or six months. Clients that have been vaccinated more than six months ago should go for their booster shot.
Be sure to double check the below information is still correct and relevant before booking by consulting the relevant government source. It remains your responsibility to ensure the information you pass on to your client is correct. The below information can change at any time, so always double check it.
United Kingdom
Entry Requirements: The UK has done away with all Covid-19 restrictions and travellers no longer need to test or provide a passenger locator form. They do not distinguish between vaccinated and un-vaccinated passengers. This became effective on 18 March 2022. More details here.
Visa: Visitors require a valid UK visa to enter.
Flights to LON: Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France & direct services by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
More info here.
France
Entry Requirements: Fully vaccinated South Africans can enter France without a test as long as they can provide proof of vaccination. Un-vaccinated South Africans can still enter without the need to quarantine, but they need to present a negative test result. More info here.
Visa: Schengen Visa – Capago is currently issuing French Schengen Visas, but expect delays.
Flights to PAR: Qatar Airways, KLM & Air France
The Pass Sanitaire is no longer required, although a travel certificate is still required. Full vaccination and recent recovery both qualify you for this certificate.
More info here.
United States of America
Entry Requirements: Fully vaccinated South Africans will again be allowed to enter the US from 31 December 2021 without the need to quarantine. In addition to needing to prove their vaccination status, passengers will also require a negative PCR test no older than 2 days before departure. More details here.
Visa: South Africans require a US visa in order to enter. There has been no update on the issuing of B1 B2 visas, although some report massive delays in appointments at the consulate. Luckily US tourism visas are usually valid for ten years.
Flights to NYC: Both United Airlines and Delta Airlines will resume direct flights to New York. Qatar and British Airways also offer more affordable options.
More info here.
Germany
Entry Requirements: All fully vaccinated South Africans can enter Germany without a negative test result. Travellers need to complete this form and submit vaccination data. More info here.
Visa: Germany is issuing their own Schengen visas through TLS in South Africa.
Flights to FRA: Qatar Airways, Emirates & Lufthansa
More info here.
Mauritius
Entry Requirements: Fully vaccinated South Africans can again enter Mauritius from 6 January 2022. They simply need to present evidence of being fully vaccinated, have a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and travel insurance that would cover quarantine and treatment for COVID if necessary. More information here.
Visa: South African passport holders do not need a visa for short stays.
Flights to MRU: Air Mauritius has resumed operations. From 1 October 2021, fully vaccinated South Africans can visit Mauritius and move around the island freely.
More info here.
Thailand
Entry Requirements: From 1 May 2022, fully vaccinated South Africans can enter Thailand without the need for a pre-departure test. Vaccinated arrivals are still required to register for a Thailand Pass with proof of vaccination and an insurance policy with cover of at least US$10 000 (R157 250).
Visa: South Africans don’t require a visa to enter Thailand.
Flights to HKT: Qatar, Emirates & Singapore Airlines.
More info here.
Portugal
Entry Requirements: South African travellers can finally enter Portugal for tourism. Travellers must have a valid vaccination or recovery EU Digital COVID Certificate, a valid vaccination or recovery certificate issued by a third country, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before boarding, or a negative Rapid Antigen test taken within 24 hours before boarding.
Visa: Portugal is issuing their own Schengen visas through VFS.
Flights to LIS: BA, Qatar, Emirates & Lufthansa.
More info here.
Additional Countries for Vaccinated Passengers
There are new countries opening up to vaccinated South Africans daily.
Pax Not Vaxxed?
Send them to the Maldives or Zanzibar where they will only require a negative PCR test.