Changes & Cancellations	Travel Insurance
Voluntary Cancellation Coverage	Reliable Resources

Travelling During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The South African government has declared it a National Disaster and with over 150 000 confirmed coronavirus cases world wide, we understand that you are concerned about travelling right now. We hope to offer you reassurance, assistance and useful information regarding your South Africa Travel Online flight bookings below.

If you need further information regarding COVID-19, please visit the government website www.sacoronavirus.co.za.

Nationwide Shutdown

On the 23rd of March 2020 president Cyril Ramaphosa made the difficult decision to place our country on lockdown, effective from midnight the 26 March 2020. This 21 day period will see South Africans stay at home, work from home where possible and only leave to seek medical help, for social grants and to acquire essential supplies. Some exceptions apply to workers providing essential services. Government will publish a full list of these workers soon.

This Lockdown Rules:

• No leaving your house - unless for medical assistance, collection of social grants or shopping for essentials.
• Restrictions on domestic travel - all long-haul bus services and flights are cancelled.
• No international flights - all international flights are cancelled.
• South African citizens and residents who arrive from high-risk countries will be placed under quarantine for 14 days.
• Non-South Africans who arrive on flights from high-risk countries which were prohibited in Ramaphosa’s announcement last week will be turned back.
• International travellers who arrived in South Africa after March 9 2020 from high-risk countries will be confined to their hotels until they have completed a 14-day period of quarantine.

Most South African domestic airlines have been accommodating and allowing free date changes or travel vouchers, meaning travellers only have to pay the difference in airfare and taxes on a new ticket.

Most international airlines have now adopted a travel voucher system for affected flights that can't be refunded.

Stay safe, stay home and look after yourselves and one another!

Changes & Cancellations

We're here to help you postpone and cancel your flights if you no longer want to travel. We believe holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed about whether you have enough handsanitiser.

Due to the high number of enquiries we're currently dealing with, we have had to prioritise customers travelling within the next 72 hours. Please be sure to contact us telephonically on 087 351 2051 or email us at travel@southafrica.to and follow up with a phone call if you don't hear from us soon enough.

Change and cancellation policies do differ for each booking depending on the airline, travel destination, travel dates and ticket rules. If you want to change or cancel a current booking, please contact your travel consultant to discuss the options currently available. Unfortunately we are restricted to airline policies which most often align with the relevant government policies and travel bans in place at the time.

In most cases the new lenient airline policies are very restrictive, so cancellation and change policies for travel to affected areas generally don't extend to travel beyond the end of the month. You might have to wait a while before postponing or cancelling your holiday in order for the airline to meet you half way.

Travel Insurance

It is times like these where travel insurance is truly proving its worth! If you are purchasing insurance through your travel consultant, please ensure it is a comprehensive policy. If you are relying on the free travel insurance provided by your credit card provider, please contact the insurance company to top-up your policy.

Book Your Next Holiday With Confidence

If you are planning further in advance -hoping to avoid the outbreak - you can purchase yourself peace of mind! Contact our travel consultants to find out about "Voluntary Cancellation Coverage" which would allow you to book with more confidence. This policy needs to be issued immediately after your first payment on the holiday booking, but can provide cover of up to R30 000 for flights and accommodation.

Reliable Resources

The only thing that spreads faster than the virus is the fake news about COVID-19. Please make sure you rely on these official Coronavirus advisory resources for all your coronavirus updates.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) & their Myth Busting Page specialising in debunking fake reports about the virus
• South African Department of Health
• International Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

Have You Recently Returned from International Travel?

• Please self-isolate for 14 days if this an option for you, as it stops the spread of the disease in its tracks! This means working from home where possible, online shopping or going to the shops in off-peak periods and as infrequently as possible and rather phoning friends and family than meeting up.
• If you do show any symptoms (fever, dry cough or difficulty breathing among others) please contact your local health care provider telephonically for further advice on getting tested and treatment if necessary. Do advise them that you have been overseas and provide details, even if it isn't being asked. Don't show up to your GP unannounced and spread the disease to everyone else in the waiting room.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes. You should also wipe down any hard surfaces like phones, laptops and hard case bags as there is no confirmation for how long the virus can survive on hard surfaxes. It is possible to have the disease and spread it without showing any symptoms. However without us spreading the disease, it will have nowhere to go.

What If I Have to Travel Right Now?

Whether it is for work or medical treatment, if you can't cancel or postpone a trip you have to try to see the bright side. Aircrafts have never been this clean and usually crowded spaces like airport and tourist attractions can be enjoyed in relative peace. You can however take the following steps to reduce your risk:

• Practice good hygiene. This includes the recommended hand washing for at least 20 seconds or use of hand sanitiser. Also try to keep your hands to yourself, don't touch anything unnecessarily. Your aircraft should be cleaner than usual, but it can't hurt to wipe down your screen, tray, belt and armrest with a sanitizing wipe.
• Avoid crowded places and steer clear of anyone coughing or sneezing as far as possible.
• Make sure you get enough rest and follow a healthy diet, these form the cornerstone of a healthy immune system.
• Santise any hard surfaces that might have accidentally come into contact with the virus before touching it again. This includes your phone, laptop and any hardcase luggage and handles.
• Self-isolate for 14 days on your return as you may carry and spread the disease even if you are asymptomatic.

Disappointed to Have Your Holiday Plans Cancelled?

If the worst you're dealing with at the moment is cancelled holiday plans count yourself lucky and take some inspiration from this creative couple. This is living proof that holiday is just a state of mind!

Plus we'll still be around to help you rebook once it is safe to travel again.

There are so many more things you can do to help reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the disease, but these are a good start. Stay safe and use your time in self isolation wisely.

Category : Flights