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COVID-19 Travel Information

Last Updated: 6.15pm 25th April 2022

Please check the South African government’s step by step guide  to travelling abroad Travel - Coronavirus COVID-19 | South African Government (www.gov.za) for the latest information.

The South African authorities require a form to be completed per passenger ahead of their arrival back in South Africa: "Traveller health questionnaire: entry screening to South Africa (International travel)" - download it here. ENTRY-SCREENING-THQ-2.pdf (b-cdn.net)

Returning to South Africa

International passenger flights to and from the Republic are permitted, subject to the following conditions:
(a) A traveller must provide a valid certificate with a negative COVID-19 test outcome, recognised by the World Health Organisation, or equivalent local accredited authority, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. South African Authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of the presented certificate;
(b) in the event of the traveller's failure, for whatever reason, to submit a valid negative test certificate in terms of paragraph (a), upon arrival in South Africa, the traveller shall be required to do an antigen test at his or her own costs;
(c) in the event of the traveller testing positive for COVID -19, he or she shall be required to isolate him or herself, at his or her own cost, for 10 days;
(d) a passenger is required to wear a face mask at all times, may only remove a face mask during an emergency or when instructed by cabin crew to take it off and must observe social distancing;
 

For more information also see Frequently asked questions:

https://www.gov.za/covid-19/models/current-alert-provincemetro

International and domestic cruises have successfully returned sailing with newly introduced safety measures to ensure your cruise is safe. There may be short notice itinerary changes due to the quickly changing environment around the rules in certain destinations. Please be aware some itineraries may require you to do an organised ‘bubble’ excursion should you wish to disembark. Please see our website COVID-19 Travel Information section for more information on cruise line specific requirements.

Vaccination and Testing Policies

Most cruise lines now require all crew and guests to be double vaccinated some now also require with a booster at least 14 days prior to sailing. You will also need to consider the vaccination policy for any international countries you are visiting that may also require a booster vaccine for entry. COVID-19 vaccine boosters are required for guests whose second / final dose of an approved/authorised COVID-19 vaccine is older than 9 months. (270 days) Please check individual cruise line, and country requirements.

Proof of your double vaccination with booster if applicable status will be required for entry/ boarding and must be from an approved World Health Organisation source,

You can download your certificate on the below website.

https://www.gov.za/covid-19/vaccine/certificate

You will receive a travel policy document with your tickets three weeks prior to departure. Please be aware that these rules and regulations could change before you travel.

My holiday has been cancelled

If your holiday has been cancelled by your cruise line, or you are unable to travel due to restrictions either in your home country or the country you’re travelling to, you do not need to contact us, we plan to contact you as soon as possible with more specific information on your options. We are currently assisting passengers travelling in strict date order and therefore we would appreciate your patience during this time.

I've been offered a cruise credit by my cruise line

The policies around Future Cruise Credits can be complicated and differ by cruise line. Our experienced team are actively working with each of our cruise line partners to fully understand the detail behind each cruise line’s terms and conditions so that we can talk through your best options.

If you have been offered a Future Cruise Credit by your cruise line and your holiday has not yet been cancelled, please note that the credit only applies to the cruise provided by the cruise line, it does not apply to the other travel elements of your booking. Imagine Holidays is your tour operator.

I'd like to cancel/amend my booking

If your holiday has not been cancelled our standard booking conditions apply. We will continue to monitor local health authorities, and all relevant governmental advice, and will review all holidays and update passengers if circumstances change. If your holiday is not officially cancelled but you have seen an alternative holiday on our website you would prefer to move to, please call our Customer Service Team on 0861 500 200 who will be happy to look at the alternative for you.

Please be aware cancellation and amendment fees may apply if your departure falls within the next 90 days in some cases a change may not be possible as all elements of your holiday will be fully confirmed. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for further information. Imagine Holidays ZA - Terms & Conditions

Should the South African Government, global or local health authorities advise against travel or impose severe restrictions on movement within a country which directly affects your holiday itinerary, we will be in contact to discuss your options.