During lockdown, ‘E’ is for ‘Entry’ and sometimes ‘Exit’ from the Republic of South Africa

The Ministry of Home Affairs has since then acted accordingly. More specifically, measures have been established in an effort to accommodate repatriation of foreign nationals and South Africans during level 4 of the national lockdown.

Entry into or exit from Republic for emergency medical attention for life threatening condition

A person who wishes to enter or exit the Republic for emergency medical attention for a life-threatening condition must apply to an immigration officer at a port of entry, which immigration officer must inform the Minister of Home Affairs and obtain approval. An application must be supported by documentary proof of the applicant’s life threatening condition and a copy of the applicant’s valid passport.

In a case where a person requires assistance with physical movement or care, the person providing assistance must be screened and, where applicable, be subjected to mandatory quarantine.

Entry by South African citizens or permanent residents and exit by foreigners to be repatriated to countries of nationality or permanent residence

South African citizens or permanent residents who wish to enter the Republic during lockdown must, prior to the intended entry into the Republic, apply 72 hours in advance to the South African Mission in the country in which he or she is, which Mission must inform the Minister of Home Affairs of the application and obtain approval. The application must be supported by the applicant’s passport or ID copy, permanent residence permit and details regarding the travel itinerary in the last two months. South African citizens and permanent residents who are permitted to enter the Republic will be subjected to mandatory quarantine.

Foreign nationals who wish to be repatriated to their country of nationality or permanent residence during lockdown must apply to the relevant diplomatic or consular mission in the Republic 72 hours prior to the intended date of departure. The diplomatic or consular must notify the Minister of Home Affairs, or a person designated by him or her in writing, of the application and obtain prior approval for the intended exit. The application must be supported by a copy of the applicant’s valid passport, a copy of the applicant’s temporary residence visa or permanent residence permit and proof of the applicant’s means of travel.

Services to be rendered by Department of Home Affairs during level 4 lockdown

The following services will be rendered:

• Re-issue of birth and death certificates;
• Issuance of temporary identity certificates;
• Registration of deaths;
• Registration of birth, excluding late registration of birth;
• Collection of identity cards or documents; and
• Application for, and collection of, passports for persons engaged in the delivery of essential goods across the borders of the Republic and those travelling outside of the Republic for receiving medical services.