Is It Permissible To Fly Within South Africa?

South African travel regulations have been updated, with limited domestic air travel and a focus on medium and low-risk countries. Travelers from these countries are advised to have a valid Vaccination Information Certificate (VIC) test for domestic flights. The new level 3 lockdown regulations allow domestic air travel to resume in South Africa, but it is not as simple as just booking a flight.

Travel to South Africa is permitted for all purposes, but travelers must complete a health check before entering the country. Since May 30, 2020, domestic air travel has been allowed for business and essential travel. International travel is only allowed for repatriation and medical evacuations.

A passport is not required for domestic flights, but ID is required for international travel. Liquids can be taken as part of hand luggage, but passengers must ensure they have a valid form of ID like an ID Book or card, South African Driver’s License, or Passport. Children must have a Birth Certificate.

To ensure a smooth connection between international and domestic flights, passengers need to incorporate at least two hours of time. Certified copies of the South African Identity Document and Driver’s Licenses may be accepted for domestic travel, but only valid for three years.

Furthermore, passengers must be in possession of a valid (return) air ticket, a passport, visa, health documentation, and other necessary documents. Alternative airlines offer affordable flights with 600+ airlines and 40+ ways to pay.

Do you have to go through customs on a domestic flight?

Passengers on layover flights typically need to clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry. To simplify the process, consider applying for Global Entry. If your overseas stopover is in European countries, the process depends on whether the countries are within the Schengen Zone or not. If both countries are within the Schengen Zone, you can skip customs and immigration. If you are travelling from a Schengen member to another EU country that is not part of the Schengen area, you will not be subject to customs limitations but will be subject to immigration procedures. On the other hand, leaving from an EU country to a non-EU Schengen country, you need to clear customs but not immigration.

Do I need a visa to fly to South Africa?

The Port of Entry Visa (Tourist Visa) in South Africa is for 90 days or less, and U. S. citizens visiting for tourism or business purposes do not need visas. Non-US green card holders and nationals of other countries must check the list of visa exempt countries to determine if they need to apply for visas. Countries that are visa exempt if the applicant is traveling for 30 days or less are also exempt. Countries like India, Colombia, and Mexico are required to apply for visas but are exempt from visa fees.

Can you fly internally in South Africa?

In order to travel within South Africa, it is necessary to present an original South African identity document, such as a driver’s license or passport. Certified copies are accepted for domestic travel and remain valid for a period of three months. It is anticipated that there will be delays at the OR Tambo Immigration facility. It is a requirement for passengers travelling to Botswana, Gaborone, Kasane, Maun, Madagascar, Antananarivo, and Nosy Be to present identification documents. It should be noted that flights to other destinations may be subject to delays.

What documents do I need to enter South Africa?

The U. S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, does not provide consular services to the public. Consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town offer services to the public. The U. S. Embassy in Pretoria does not provide consular services to the public. The consulates are located at 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia Pretoria 0083, and 1 Sandton Drive, Johannesburg 2196. The consulates are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. and 8:00 a. m.

To 12:00 p. m., respectively. Emergency after-hours services are available at 79-111-1684, 079-111-1684, 884-0396, and 011-884-0396. Tourist visas are not required for visitors visiting 90 days or less.

Can you take luggage on domestic flights?

Airlines typically allow one checked bag and one carry-on bag, with a weight limit of 50 pounds and size restriction of 62 linear inches. Overweight, oversize, or additional baggage can be allowed for additional fees, which can be expensive. It is crucial to know the exact details of your airline’s checked baggage restrictions to avoid unnecessary fees. Checked luggage may be opened for airport inspection, and if locked, the lock may be broken. To avoid potential damage, use a TSA approved lock.

What is required for domestic flights?

To ensure a smooth and comfortable flight, passengers should bring valid identification documents, such as an ID card or passport, and a hard or soft copy of their air ticket. A boarding pass is also essential for seamless boarding and can be printed at check-in kiosks at Delhi Airport. Comfort essentials such as neck pillows, headphones, chargers, eye masks, medications, sanitizers, and travel-sized toiletries can be helpful. Mobile apps like DigiYatra and Live Flight Status Tracker can be helpful for a hassle-free journey.

Arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international departures is recommended. Electronics should be kept silent and headphones used when listening to music or watching videos. Maintain orderly lines at check-in, security, and boarding gates and follow airport signage for directions to various services and facilities.

What do I need to check in for a domestic flight?

TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use at checkpoints, including driver’s licenses, state photo identity cards, U. S. passports, passport cards, and DHS trusted traveler cards. Weapon permits and temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable forms of identification. Starting May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs or licenses must be REAL ID compliant to fly within the U. S. If you’re unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Which domestic airlines still operate in South Africa?

South African Airways SAASA is a popular low-cost airline in the country. To find the best prices for domestic flights, use our flight search engine to compare the cheapest flights in one view. To find the best prices, enter your departure and arrival destination, as well as your departure and return dates. For one-way domestic flights, a return date is not required. This will provide the most accurate flight comparisons.

What is prohibited on domestic flights?

Certain items, such as weapons, household items, and sporting goods, are prohibited due to their security risks. These items cannot be carried beyond the security screening point or on board an aircraft, as they can be used as weapons or cause harm. If you carry these items, you must surrender them at the screening point. Airports and airlines do not have to store or return surrendered items, but they are handled according to state and territory legislation. If you are unsure about whether an item can be taken on board, consult your airline before arriving at the airport. If allowed, pack any uncertain items in checked baggage.

Are there any travel restrictions in South Africa?

South African travelers are no longer required to present vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests for entry and exit.

What documents are needed for domestic flights in South Africa?

The South African National Green Identification Book, South African National Identification Card, valid South African National Driver’s License, valid International/National Passports, original birth certificates, and temporary identification documents are required for boarding. Digital copies of any form of identification will not be accepted, as per SACAA regulations. Temporary identification documents are permitted with an affidavit no older than three months. Failure to present identification for each passenger, including minors and infants, will result in a denied boarding. Birth certificates will not be accepted for anyone 18 years or older.