Constantly changing COVID-19 regulations world-wide are causing disruptions, often with no warning. Requirements for boarding need to be checked regularly with the airline, as well as the specific country entry requirements. Flights into and out of South Africa are still not normalised, and extra care is need when booking.
Lufthansa currently operates flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg and CapeTown. Take note that there are specific entry conditions in Germany for passengers arriving from South Africa e.g. a negative COVID-19 PCR test result not older than 48 hours.
Edelweiss and Swiss International Air Lines to and from South Africa were suspended since 22 December 2020. Swiss is now operating to Johannesburg, and Austrian Airlines is scheduled to resume flights to Cape Town in mid-January.
VirginAtlantic and BritishAirways stopped their Johannesburg flights on 23 December 2020 and are still suspended.
Turkish Airlines is operating flights between Istanbul and Johannesburg and Cape Town, but currently only Turkish citizens or travellers with Turkish residence permits are allowed on these flights to Istanbul.
AirFrance is operating and passengers require a negative 72-hour COVID-19 PCR, Antigen or LAMP test before boarding.
KLM flights are operating as from 23 December 2020, after a brief suspension. Passengers require a negative 72-hour COVID-19 PCR test result.
Emirates flights are operating and passengers from South Africa may be required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test before departure.
Qatar Airlines is operating and while the airline has no negative COVID-19 PCR test requirement, the test results are required for onward destinations.
Zimbabwe’s government placed the country in lockdown on 02 January 2021.
Cross-border traders are not allowed, except for commercial and transit cargo related to essential and critical services.
Only Work / Business / Residence / Study permit holders and foreigners are allowed to move out of Zimbabwe.
Air transportation will continue as before, with arrivals and returning residents being required to present negative COVID-19 certificates.
For land access – only returning residents and essential service drivers will be admitted subject to presentation of negative COVID-19 certificates. These certificates must have been issued at least 48 hours before departure.
(Credit: Annie Cee)
