Holidays to South Africa are once again off, after the country returned to the red list. 

On November 25, the UK Government announced the addition of six southern African countries to the previously empty red list, as concerns grow over a new Covid-19 variant detected in South Africa. A flight ban is now in place and all those who arrive home from these countries after 4am on November 28 must check into a quarantine hotel for 10 days, at a cost of £2,285. Those returning before this time must isolate at home for 10 days. 

Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, said the new variant “may be more transmissible” than the delta strain and added “the vaccines that we currently have may be less effective”.

Here’s everything we know about travel to South Africa now the red list has been revived.

Can I visit South Africa?

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Lesotho have all been added to the red list, and since 12pm on November 26 flights from these countries to the UK have been banned.

This means that anyone arriving from these countries from 4am on Sunday will have to spend 10 days in a hotel quarantine on their return to the UK, and will face a £10,000 penalty if they flout the rules. 

Those who arrive back from these countries before 4am on Sunday (via another country), or who have arrived back from South Africa in the last 10 days, will need to quarantine at home for 10 days.

Do I need to self isolate on my return to England?

Yes. Arrivals from any of these countries between midday Friday 26 November and 4am Sunday November 28 must follow special guidance and isolate at home for 10 days – free PCR tests will be provided to take during quarantine on day two and day eight.

Then, from 4am on Sunday November 28 arrivals into the UK from the six nations will be forced to stay in a quarantine hotel for 10 days, at a price of up to £2,285, including two Covid tests. The rate for one additional adult, or a child aged 12 or over, is £1,430; while children aged between 5–11 are £325 each. Those in financial hardship have been able to avoid the large fee.

Do I need to take a test before travelling back to England?

Regardless of vaccination status, arrivals must take a Covid test in the three days before travelling to England and fill in a passenger locator form. If arriving after 4am on November 28 they will also have to pre-book a hotel quarantine package.

What are the red list rules for children? 

Children aged 11 to 17 must take a Covid-19 test in the three days before travel to England. On arrival, all children aged five to 17 must quarantine in a managed hotel for 10 full days and take two tests. Children aged four or under do not have to take any travel tests but must enter managed quarantine.

How has South Africa reacted to the ban? 

South Africa has criticised Britain’s “rushed” decision to place the country on the travel red list.

The South African foreign ministry said in a statement on November 26: “Whilst South Africa respects the right of all countries to take the necessary precautionary measures to protect their citizens, the UK’s decision to temporarily ban South Africans from entering the UK seems to have been rushed as even the World Health Organisation is yet to advise on the next steps.”

Are flights operating?

A flight ban has been in operation since 12pm on Friday, November 26. Those currently in South Africa and needing to return to the UK will have to fly home via other routes. However, other countries, including Germany and Italy have moved to restrict travel from the region. 

I have a holiday booked to South Africa, what should I do?

If you are booked to travel to South Africa or any of the affected countries with an Atol-protected tour operator, your trip will be cancelled and you will be due a refund. Wait for the company to cancel your trip, rather than cancelling unilaterally, or you may not be eligible for a refund.

If you have booked flights independently to South Africa or one of the affected countries, these will be cancelled and your airline will offer a refund or a rebooking option. Contact your airline direct for your options. Do not cancel your flights, or you may not be eligible for a refund.

If you have booked accommodation direct, check its Covid cancellation policy to see if you are eligible for a refund, and contact them direct immediately to explain your situation.

Will my insurance be valid if I go?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) now advises against all but essential travel to South Africa for Covid-19 reasons. This means insurance will be more difficult to secure.

Do I need to take a test before travelling to South Africa?

Yes. You must carry a paper copy of your PCR test, taken within 72 hours before departure. You will also need to fill in a screening form prior to arrival in South Africa.

Do I need to quarantine on arrival in South Africa?

Only if you test positive for Covid-19, in which case you’ll need to quarantine at a designated site for 10 days at your own expense. 

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