While we wait to hear further details about International Travel and the official re-opening of Hotels, limited domestic air travel has already been permitted. The partial relaxation of travel restrictions was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and outlined in the COGTA Regulations issued in Gazette 43364. Further details were released in the directions issued by the Minister of Transport.

Air services have resumed for now on the Golden Triangle, with OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International and Lanseria International the first airports to open up again. Under the revised Level 3 regulations, only certain categories of travelers are permitted to travel. These travelers must produce relevant documentation which needs to stipulate their reasons for travel.

ASATA urges travel consultants and their clients to familiarise themselves with the gazetted regulations to ensure seamless travel plans.

Where travel between provinces takes place, as is the case in air travel, passengers need to ensure their employers complete an Authorisation for business travel form by employer.  Other important forms can be accessed in Gazette 43364 .

Below is a list of the various types of travel which are permitted during Level 3:

• Movement and travel by air between provinces : Form 2
• Carrying out work responsibilities or performing any service permitted under Alert Level 3, where a permit has been issued – Form 2
• Moving to a new place of residence – Form 6
• Moving to care for an immediate family member – Form 6
• Learners commuting to attend schools or institutions of higher learning – Form 3A / 3B as applicable
• Attendance of funerals, and transportation of mortal remains
• Obtaining medical treatment 
• Persons who are returning to their place of residence from a quarantine or isolation facility
• Transportation of fuel, cargo and goods 

The Department of Health has also issued a domestic screening form. This form has to be completed in order for travellers to gain access into the terminal building. Airlines have been provided with a copy of this form and have been requested to load it onto their systems.

If passengers don’t have the domestic screening form upon arrival at the airport, there will be hard copies available and passengers will be required to complete these forms at the Port Health table located at the entrance to the terminal.

For their own peace of mind, travellers are advised to carry a completed copy before they get to the airport.