Holidaymakers are reminded to ensure that all their essential documents are in place as they prepare to travel during this festive season.
South Africa Airways (SAA), the country’s flag carrier airline, has urged travellers to ensure they have the correct documentation when presenting themselves at check-in, security, and immigration formalities.
“For international travel, government regulations require all travellers to have a valid return air ticket, a passport, visa, and health documentation if required, and any other documents that could be required by government regulations,” the SAA said on its website.
“Travellers without the necessary documents will not be allowed to board, to avoid flouting immigration rules.”
Meanwhile, those who will be travelling with minors overseas this festive season are reminded to carry unabridged birth certificates, unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parent’s passport.
“In cases where one parent is travelling with a child in the absence of another parent, a consent letter from the absent parent granting permission to the other parent to exit the country with the child will be required,” said Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, during a media briefing held late November.
Masiapato explained that this requirement is mainly applicable to South Africans intending to exit the country with children, which forms part of the fight against human trafficking.
“Considering the expected high volumes in this festive period, we would like to appeal to all travellers to plan their travel early and exercise patience on the roads towards ports,” he said.
The Commissioner said this when he unveiled the agency’s festive season plans covering December 2024 and January 2025, aimed at managing increased border activities.
He also urged those who will be leaving or entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents are in order to avoid any unnecessary delays at the ports of entry.
As required by international protocols, Masiapato said all travellers should have a valid machine-readable passport and a valid visa, where applicable.
In addition, passports should have at least one empty page to enable the BMA immigration team members to stamp the passports as required.
“This message is also relevant during the return leg in January 2025, as all travellers are expected to present themselves at the designated ports of entry to enter South Africa.
“As for those wishing to cross the border using a financed vehicle, they should have the letter from their financing institution authorising them to exit the country with the vehicle,” Masiapato said.
Travel insurance
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has strongly recommended that holidaymakers take out travel insurance before travelling overseas.
According to the department, travel insurance should cover hospitalisation and related medical costs, as well as a possible emergency evacuation.
“Depending on your age, physical condition and destination, you should consider provision in the event of death,” the department said, adding that medical costs abroad can be expensive compared to South Africa.
In some instances, DIRCO said medical treatment can be withheld by the foreign country if a person has no proof of funds or travel insurance.
“Travel insurance that covers expenses in the event of death abroad will ensure that family and friends are not burdened with the costs for the preparation and transportation of mortal remains to South Africa.”
Yellow fever and malaria
Those arriving from yellow fever endemic areas are required to have valid yellow fever certificates.
According to the BMA, these requirements also apply to those who will be in transit for more than 12 hours in local airports.
“For the outgoing travellers, it is always important to check with the relevant consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting to ensure familiarity with the travel requirements of the country you are visiting.”
Masiapato noted that malaria is endemic in some parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
“Therefore, to prevent and minimise mosquito bites, travellers are advised to use insect repellents, bed nets, and wear long-sleeved clothes and socks, especially after sunset,” he said, adding that the use of chemoprophylaxis where prescribed is also advised.
Masiapato said those presenting signs of illness should present themselves or report to the BMA port health clinic on arrival at the port of entry or visit their nearest health facilities or their private doctors for consultation.
Declarations
Those wishing to carry health-related goods such as food, medicine, hazardous substances, and/or cosmetics are advised to ensure that they make the necessary declarations at the customs counter at the port of entry.
“As for travellers transporting human remains, including ashes, they must be in possession of the requisite import or export permits issued by the National Department of Health to be processed.” – SAnews.gov.za
