Covid-19: Rapid tests available for travellers to SA
Rapid tests for the coronavirus are available at all South African border posts, according to the South African Government Information Service (GCIS).
The advantage of these tests, compared to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test where samples are taken from someone's throat or nose, is that the results are available within 15 minutes.
According to a statement by GCIS, travellers to South Africa who do not have a certified negative PCR test for Covid-19 must first be tested before they can enter the country. The negative test may not be older than 72 hours.
According to the South African government, some of its neighbouring countries, including Lesotho, do not have the ability to do PCR tests for all travellers to South Africa.
Rapid tests make it possible to manage the influx of travellers without certified PCR tests. Priced at about R150, rapid tests are much cheaper than PCR tests. The cost of the test must be paid by the traveller.
If the test is negative, the traveller may move to the entrance point. If the test is positive, the traveller must be placed under quarantine at a designated quarantine facility for that border post.
Travellers without a certified PCR test who refuse to take the rapid test will be denied access to the country and must go to a designated quarantine facility.
All travellers must still take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure or arrival at a border post in South Africa. – Sanews.gov.za
The advantage of these tests, compared to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test where samples are taken from someone's throat or nose, is that the results are available within 15 minutes.
According to a statement by GCIS, travellers to South Africa who do not have a certified negative PCR test for Covid-19 must first be tested before they can enter the country. The negative test may not be older than 72 hours.
According to the South African government, some of its neighbouring countries, including Lesotho, do not have the ability to do PCR tests for all travellers to South Africa.
Rapid tests make it possible to manage the influx of travellers without certified PCR tests. Priced at about R150, rapid tests are much cheaper than PCR tests. The cost of the test must be paid by the traveller.
If the test is negative, the traveller may move to the entrance point. If the test is positive, the traveller must be placed under quarantine at a designated quarantine facility for that border post.
Travellers without a certified PCR test who refuse to take the rapid test will be denied access to the country and must go to a designated quarantine facility.
All travellers must still take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure or arrival at a border post in South Africa. – Sanews.gov.za
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