## Travelling from South Africa to Canada during COVID-19: Everything You Need to Know
As of September 2022, South Africa is on Canada’s travel ban list due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that South African citizens and residents cannot enter Canada unless they meet certain exceptions.
### Exceptions to the Travel Ban
The following individuals are exempt from the travel ban:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents (spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents)
Foreign nationals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by Health Canada
Foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit or study permit
Foreign nationals who are travelling to Canada for essential purposes, such as medical care or compassionate reasons
### Proof of Vaccination
Foreign nationals who are exempt from the travel ban must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. This can be done by presenting a vaccination certificate that meets the following requirements:
It must be issued by a recognized public health authority
It must include the following information:
Full name of the person vaccinated
Date of birth
Date of vaccination
Name of the vaccine
Number of doses received
### Travel Restrictions
Foreign nationals who are exempt from the travel ban may still be subject to certain travel restrictions, such as:
Pre-departure testing: All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight to Canada.
Quarantine: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. Vaccinated travellers are not required to quarantine, but they must self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
### Additional Information
For more information on the travel ban and travel restrictions, please visit the following websites:
[Government of Canada: Travel restrictions](https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid)
[Health Canada: Proof of vaccination](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus/covid19/proof-vaccination.html)
### Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I travel to Canada from South Africa if I am not vaccinated against COVID-19?
A: No, unless you meet one of the exceptions to the travel ban.
Q: What is the proof of vaccination requirement?
A: You must provide a vaccination certificate that meets the requirements outlined above.
Q: Do I need to quarantine if I am vaccinated?
A: No, but you must self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
Q: What is the pre-departure testing requirement?
A: All travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight to Canada.
Q: Can I travel to Canada for essential purposes?
A: Yes, you may be able to travel to Canada for essential purposes, such as medical care or compassionate reasons. However, you must meet the requirements outlined on the Government of Canada website.