Travel Support - General - The Expedition Project

It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all COVID-related requirements as well as passport and visa requirements are met prior to travelling. The Expedition Project cannot be held responsible for the traveller being denied boarding / entry due to incorrect / insufficient documentation.

Please use the below as guidance and recommendations.

RECOMMENDED ARRIVALS & FLIGHTS

Please note that for international flights, you would need to arrive by certain times depending on your project / placement on your arrival date in order to meet our transfer time. Should you not be able to make this time then an earlier arrival day is advised. We cannot cover additional transfers should you miss your allocated transfer date and time.

Please confirm the correct arrival airport needed.

Please confirm your flight options with us before booking so we can confirm times, dates and transfer options. We are also able to help with both recommended airlines and fair airfares.

For details on travelling from the UK visit Gov.uk here.

For details on travelling from the US visit Travel.State.Gov here.

Additional information is available via IATA here.

Passports

Visitors who wish to travel to South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their intended return date from South Africa. It’s important to note that non-South African passport holders must have at least 1 completely unused visa page for entry or departure endorsements by South African Immigration Service in their passport. Government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding travellers without the required blank visa pages, even if you hold a valid ticket and a valid passport.

Visas

If you are travelling from a country that is not on South Africa’s visa-exempt list (see here for details), you may have to apply for a visa in advance. Please note that this can take months to be approved so do plan in advance.

In addition, you may be asked to complete a form similar to this on arrival. Please have the information you need to hand:

Exit-Screening-Questionnaire Download

Domestic-Screening-Questionaire Download

Travel Insurance

Although most travel insurances are not covering COVID-related cancellations, travel insurance is still highly recommended to cover medical costs, lost items and any additional support that might be needed.

Vaccinations

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa although not essential – this depends on you and your local GP.

The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, and tetanus. Source: Passport to Global Health and WHO

When visiting South Africa from the UK, a few precautions should be taken to ensure you stay safe. Mosquito bite prevention and sun safety should be practised, and care should be taken when eating and drinking in areas with poor sanitation. It’s also important to get properly vaccinated. Make sure you visit our Vaccination Checker to receive your personalized travel health summary.

Before you leave for South Africa, you should make an appointment with your GP or a travel clinic to discuss your individual requirements. You should do this six to eight week before you fly to South Africa, as some of the common travel vaccines must be administered over the course of a month. Source: Lloyds Pharmacy

COVID – If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to take a coronavirus test to travel to South Africa. You will need to present your vaccination certificate during travel and on arrival. Unvaccinated people must provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. Source: Gov.uk

Packing List

Your packing recommendations are as follows:

COVID Mask or Buff
Windproof or ideally waterproof jacket
A few warm sweaters/jerseys and hoodies
A couple of pairs of long pants, trekking pants, but jeans will do
T-shirts or shirts
Some pairs of Shorts or convertible pants for flexibility
Socks, long and short
Sun hat/Cap
Sunscreen
Closed shoes
Flip Flops
Swimming wear
Towel
Mosquito & Insect repellent
Toiletries
Chronic and other personal medicine required
Small Backpack
Notebook and Pens

The following Goods are prohibited from Import into South Africa

Vegetables, groundnuts, firewood, honey, raw animal wool and hair, electric blankets, coins, and weapons.

Tips for the Trip

Enjoy and absorb all the little things; try to understand the different sounds and smells and what they could mean. The African bush is a unique experience and will change your whole outlook on life.

Take your sense of adventure, disconnect, and immerse yourself in nature, culture and in a new experience. These are memories that will last a lifetime… the rest will still be there when you get home.

Have your camera ready at all times, not packed away in your bag, or you could miss out. If you are afraid of dust, cover it with something that can be removed quickly.

Dust is part of the experience. Carry some wet wipes to freshen up.

Insect repellent is a must.

A spare pair of glasses, an all-purpose charger for your camera battery especially (but for any other devices too), and a waterproof bag that covers your camera – it’s useful for all sorts of things, especially in sudden downpours.

Bring comfortable clothes, preferably in neutral colours. We will be walking through thick bush which could have thorns. Please ensure your clothing will protect you from possible scratches. Closed shoes are mandatory for working in the bush.

Maintain your hydration – carry a water bottle at all times. Suitable drinking water will be made available to you throughout each day.

Safety Tips

Safety has become an important issue throughout the world. This is especially important within close proximity to wildlife. You will be expertly instructed and advised by your host, safari guides and the wildlife vet. Listen to their instructions and you will have a safe, life-changing experience with us.

All COVID protocols will be in place to ensure maximum protection for each participant. Sanitise regularly, wear your mask and maintain social distance wherever possible. Your Guides and hosts will do their utmost to maintain your safety. Personal hygiene must also be taken seriously during your experience with us.

Some further tips to ensure your own safety:

Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables
It’s definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around (rather, we recommend using a safe, convenient prepaid debit or credit card designed specifically for travellers)
It’s better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
Keep a certified copy of passports and other important documentation such as flight tickets in a safe place such as the lodge safety deposit box or with your guide.

Payments & Refunds

We understand that planning travel in the current situation is stressful. Should you have to cancel your trip for reasons around travel restrictions or COVID-19 then refunds will be considered depending on the circumstances. Deposit refund requests are available when a trip or project is cancelled but are not always possible if participation is cancelled by the traveller, however, they will always be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We don’t want you to worry when you’re booking your trip or expedition with us. All our trips and partners are as COVID-ready as they can be. Whenever possible we offer flexible options such as fee-free changes, so you can travel with complete confidence and peace of mind.

90+ days from stay = full refund, deposit retained
Within 60-90 days = 75% refund, deposit retained
Within 45-60 days = 50% refund, deposit retained
Within 30-45 days = 10% refund, deposit retained
Within 30 days = we are unable to offer refunds after this time.

Subject to change: Please refer to up-to-date discussions regarding any changes of the above which may be in place for specific projects or placements.

Trip Pricing

In-person trips are based on South African Rands (ZAR) and therefore any converted prices to other currencies are made at the customer’s convenience and therefore are subject to South African exchange rates.

If exchange rates change, quoted foreign currency exchange rates may be subject to change at short notice.

COVID-19 TRAVEL UPDATES

UK GOVT. ADVICE

No quarantine at present when entering South Africa (as of March 2022), however, travellers could also still need to quarantine if they present COVID symptoms upon arrival.

Travellers no longer need to produce a printed negative COVID PCR.

Look out for updates on entry requirements here.

Additional information is available via IATA here.

SA GOVT. ADVICE

All international travellers arriving at the above airports no longer need to provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.

Source: Gov.za

Additional information available via IATA here.

COVID-19 Travel Planning

It is recommended to refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for all the latest travel advice. Select the country you are travelling to and read over the local measures section. This is constantly under review so make sure you keep checking as advice can change at short notice.

Every country has their own rules and guidelines. You should always check your destination’s local government website for more information.

Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure you will be allowed entry into South Africa with all relevant documents and COVID-19 tests complete if needed.

Please also refer to the Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel here.

Look out for updates on entry requirements here.

Additional information is available via IATA here.

*Note that if PCR tests are required, some destinations ask for swab samples to be collected within 2-3 days before departure, while others 2-3 days before arrival.