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Health Alert: U. S. Embassy (Pretoria, South Africa)
8 MINUTE READ
November 27, 2021

Health Alert – U. S. Embassy (Pretoria, South Africa) (November 27)

Location: Southern African Countries

Event:  On November 26, the White House announced a travel restriction due to the detection of a variant of the SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in southern Africa.  The policy does not apply to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and certain other categories of travelers.  See the text of the announcement here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/26/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-the-omicron-covid-19-variant/.  The new restrictions and requirements will take effect on November 29.  Additionally, President Biden announced new actions to protect Americans against the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19, including strengthening global pre-departure testing protocols. Starting the week of December 6, the United States will require all inbound international travelers over the age of 2 years old, including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, to take a COVID test within one day of departure globally, regardless of nationality or vaccination status.  The CDC has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice - Do Not Travel for South Africa.  Subsequently, the Department has updated the Travel Advisory for South Africa to a Level 4 - Do Not Travel.

U.S. citizens wishing to depart South Africa currently have multiple options via commercial air and land border crossings.  Transportation schedules can change without notice.  Please check with airlines/carriers regarding flight cancellations and/or restrictions.  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to have a departure plan that does not include government assistance.

Please see contact information for airlines operating from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport below.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

United States Embassy to the Republic of South Africa
(Note: The Embassy does not provide consular services.)
877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: 012-431-4000 (outside South Africa: +27-12-431-4000)
https://za.usembassy.gov/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USEmbassySA/ 

State Department – Consular Affairs

1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
South Africa Country Information
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