COVID-19 Country Travel Requirements

The information found on this page is based on the latest official information provided to fastjet. The information shared remains subject to change without any prior notification. Whilst we endeavour to keep all details updated, it remains your responsibility to ensure you have the required forms and documents to avoid refusal to travel or denied entry to your destination of choice. We advise you to check the relevant Government and Agency websites for further information and official guidance.

 

ZIMBABWE

Entry Requirements for International Travellers

All passengers entering Zimbabwe from an international destination are required to have:

  • A negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test certification obtained not more than 48 hours before the date of arrival in Zimbabwe. This will  be presented for verification at the check-in desk at your airport of departure.
  • A PCR test certificate is required for infants and children of all ages when travelling to Zimbabwe. 
  • On arrival in Zimbabwe every person shall undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test at the approved testing facilities in the Arrivals Hall of the terminal building, for their own cost.
  • Every person arriving in Zimbabwe will be required to proceed to mandatory quarantine in one of the Government approved facilities, for their own cost and for a minimum period of ten (10days) irrespective of having a negative PCR test result. Any person testing positive will be required to isolate in accordance with Government requirements.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

Entry Requirements for International Travellers

All passengers entering South Africa from an international destination are required to have:

  • A valid certificate with a Negative COVID-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test outcome, recognised by the World Health Organisation, or equivalent local accredited authority, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.

Additional Conditions

  • South African Authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of the presented certificate.
  • Travel shall be denied if a passenger does not present a valid negative PCR Test certificate.

Exemptions

The following category of persons are exempted from provisions of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test certification.

  • Children below the age of five (5) years

An exempted person must adhere to COVID -19 health protocols and shall

  • be subjected to screening protocols on arrival at the point of entry,
  • complete the Traveller Health Questionnaire; and
  • be subjected to a medical examination which may include testing, where necessary.

You will need to complete a Health Questionnaire upon arrival, as prescribed by the relevant authorities at the airport. You should expect to undergo COVID-19 symptom screening upon arrival at the airport. If during the symptom screening procedures, you display any symptoms of COVID-19 you will be required to quarantine and adhere to any additional directives from the relevant health authority.

Note:

If you do not have a valid negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate you will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at your own cost.

Returning South African Nationals and Residents who have recovered from a recent infection can travel to South Africa provided that:

  • They have completed the 10-day isolation.
  • They have a letter from a Medical Practitioner indicating they are fit to travel and have completed the 10-day isolation.
  • They have the initial test result that they received prior to isolation.
  • They have the test result taken after completion of the isolation for the purpose of travel (i.e., the test result obtained 72 hours before travel, this would most likely come back as positive due to the recent infection).

All these documents must be handed over to a Port Health Official on entry into the country

 

Departures from OR Tambo International Airport

 

General

  • You are expected to familiarise yourself with all protocols and measures applied by the Airport regulator. These are subject to change without any prior notification.
  • You must allow sufficient time to accommodate the new protocols and measures.
  • Check In for your fastjet flight will open two (2) hours before and close forty 40 minutes before departure.
  • Late arrival for check-in and boarding shall result in you not being accepted for your flight and your booking may be forfeited with no refund due to you. You will be classified by us a No-Show.

 

Terminal Access, Check In and Ticket Sale

  • Fastjet flight check-in and ticket sales desk supported by Menzies Aviation, will operate from Terminal A.
  • Temperature screening will apply for all departing passengers when entering the terminal building.
    • Travellers with a temperature that is 37.5 degrees or higher may be refused entry into the terminal building
    • Upon entering the terminal building, all passengers at the discretion and assessment of a Port Health official may be expected to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test before proceeding to the check-in desk.
    • The required test will be for the passenger’s own cost.

 

Health & Risk Mitigation Measures

  • To enter the Terminal, the use of a mask or suitable face covering is compulsory. Face masks and any other protective face covering that has an opening, valve or vent will not be allowed, this condition will apply to both customers and fastjet employees.
  • Port Health Screening shall apply after you have checked in for your flight just before you enter the security checkpoint area.
  • Before joining the security queue, you will be required to submit a completed Health Questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to collect more detailed COVID-19 health information and passenger contact details which may be used for tracing purposes if required by the regulated authorities. This information may also be collected electronically by the relevant officials asking you questions at the terminal. Click here for an electronic copy of the Health Questionnaire.
  • If you have not filled in the health questionnaire at home, there are hard copies of the questionnaire to one side of the Port Health screening area. There are no pens at this area, we recommend that you keep a pen handy.
  • After Port Health screening, go to the security checkpoint's queuing maze, where you will be required to scan your own boarding pass as part of the health protocols
  • Physical distancing measures shall apply through all areas of the airport. Passenger flows through the terminal from immigration, security, baggage collection & customs & excise will be modified to ensure physical distancing.

 

Arrivals at OR Tambo International Airport

 

General

  • You are expected to familiarise yourself with all protocols and measures in accordance with the lockdown regulations, which remains subject to change without any prior notification.
  • Ensure that you allow sufficient time to accommodate these new formalities if you have an onward flight connection.

 

Health & Risk Mitigation Measures

  • To enter South Africa, you are required to present a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test certification, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory. This certificate will be verified at check-in before departure by a fastjet official and on arrival by a designated airport or health official. Failure to comply with the regulated requirements may result in denied entry. Please visit the official Government Agency Website for the latest updates. https://www.gov.za/
  • To enter the airport terminal, the use of a mask or suitable face covering is compulsory. Face masks and any other protective face covering that has an opening or vent will not be allowed, this condition will apply to both customers and fastjet employees.
  • Upon entering the airport terminal, you will join the screening queue where you will be engaged by an official on your travel history.
  • Once this activity is completed you will be directed to the temperature screening queue.
  • Your temperature will be recorded on your completed Health Questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to collect more detailed COVID-19 health information and passenger contact details which may be used for tracing purposes if required by the regulated authorities. This information may also be collected electronically by the relevant officials asking you questions at the terminal. Click here for an electronic copy of the Health Questionnaire.
  • Upon completion of the temperature screening process and verification of your completed questionnaire, you will be guided to the Immigration desks by a Port Health Official.
  • Those passengers who present high temperatures may be required to undergo secondary COVID-19 testing and will be placed in isolation until the secondary test results are received and approval is granted by a Port Health Official for the passenger to proceed to immigration.
  • Physical distancing measures shall apply through all areas of the airport. Passenger flows through the airport terminal from immigration, security, baggage collection & customs & excise will be modified to ensure physical distancing.

 

PCR COVID-19 Test Facilities at OR Tambo International Airport

NextBio Pathology

  • Next laboratory is situated at the Intercontinental Hotel, Kafue Room OR Tambo International Airport.
  • The turnaround time for departure testing is two (2) hours from the time of the test to receiving the test results and certificate.
  • Daily Hours of operation: 06h00 to 22h00.
  • Reservations: This facility is based on pre-bookings.
  • For more info: contact the Call Centre +27 (0) 11 697 2931 or email [email protected].
  • Call Centre Hours: 08h00 until 20h00.
  • For the latest information kindly visit the official website www.nextbio.co.za

National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS)

  • The NHLS mobile laboratory is situated opposite the SA Police Services office on the lower roadway at OR Tambo International Airport.
  • The turnaround time for departure testing is 48 hours from the time of the test to receiving the test results and certificate.
  • Daily Hours of operation: 07h00 until 19h00

For the latest information kindly visit the official NHLS website for more details and contact information. www.nhls.ac.za.

 

Transit Facilities

  • Check-in desk and services in the Transit area will open two (2) hours before and will close 40 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight
  • The transit facilities are available to all passengers, provided their bags are checked through to their final destination. If the passenger holds two separate bookings/tickets the passenger must collect his/her baggage on arrival in Johannesburg before proceeding for check-in on their connecting fastjet or other airline flight.
  • If you in transit  you  must be in possession of a valid negative COVID-19 certificate, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory.
  • Check-in via the transit service desk will be supported by our Ground Handling Agent, Menzies.
  • If you are travelling via Johannesburg to Dubai or transiting via Dubai MUST have a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within 72 hours before departure. This certificate must have been issued by a laboratory that uses a QR code system, and no others will be accepted. The airline lists the following laboratories in Zimbabwe as approved, the list of authorised and certified labs is available on below websites:

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

  • All passengers including infants are required to hold a valid passport when travelling internationally. Infants born in South Africa, returning to Zimbabwe will be accepted for travel with a temporary travel document and a valid birth certificate.
  • On International flights you are required to present a valid passport, which does not expire in six (6) months or less from the date of departure and has two (2) blank pages.
  • An Expired Travel Document (ETD) presented together with a Temporary Travel Document (TTD) can only be used to travel back to Zimbabwe. You are not permitted to enter South Africa on an expired travel document or temporary travel document. Only valid passports are required for entry into South Africa.
  • If required, please ensure you carry any relevant visa on your person. If you are unable to provide the required documentation, you will not be allowed to board.
  • Foreign Nationals in South Africa holding lawfully issued tourist visas that have expired during the period of the national lockdown and were automatically extended to 31 December 2021, due to their inability to travel during the lockdown due to COVID -19. Holders of such visas are permitted to remain in the country under the conditions of their visas until the expiry of their applicable extension. Those wishing to be repatriated to their countries within this period can depart without being declared undesirable persons.

Note: The extension does not apply to people who entered the country from 15 March 2021. The normal validity period of visas of people admitted into the country from 15 March 2021 applies.

 

TRAVEL DELAYS PAST COUNTRY CURFEW

  • Passengers travelling by air who arrive in South Africa are permitted to travel on the roads past the curfew deadline if a flight is delayed or if a flight arrives just before or after the regulated curfew.
  • The passenger will be expected to produce a valid boarding pass or booking confirmation receipt to the law enforcement official, before continuing their journey.
  • The same will apply to private vehicles, e-hailing services and shuttle services collecting passengers from the airport.
  • Passengers are encouraged to have on hand their printed booking confirmation receipt  to present to the law enforcement official if required.
  • The same must be applied by persons dropping off or collecting passengers from the airport, to ease their interaction with law enforcement officials it is recommended that a printed booking confirmation receipt  for the passenger being transported is on hand.