South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire
Complete your South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire online before travel — receive email confirmation for port health screening.
What Is the South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire?
The South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire is a mandatory health screening document used by port health authorities and airports to capture traveller contact, itinerary and basic health information before entry. Airports Company South Africa and national port health officials publish the standard Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ) as part of entry screening at international ports. The PDF screening form and online guidance are used by airlines and port health staff to triage arrivals and ensure required vaccinations or COVID-19 documentation are in order.
Travelers can complete the questionnaire via the official port-health materials published on Airports Company South Africa and present a printed or digital copy as requested by carrier staff. DoVisa offers guided completion and checks to ensure fields (name, passport/ID number, travel origin, recent symptoms and contact details) are correctly filled for submission to health officials. On approval you receive an email confirmation or a stamped form to show at the port health desk — keep a copy for airline check-in if required.
Unlike a visa, the questionnaire is a public‑health screening requirement — it does not grant entry or replace immigration checks. The document is used only for health assessment and contact tracing; immigration entry decisions remain with South African immigration officers. Recent policy updates require full completion of the THQ for all international arrivals and emphasise proof of COVID-19 vaccination or testing when applicable — see the official government travel health guidance for any changing requirements.
Key facts: fill the THQ shortly before departure, carry your passport and vaccination certificates, and confirm which document version your carrier accepts. For broader entry rules visit South Africa visa information and review the official port health PDF at airports.co.za. When ready, Apply now to complete your submission with guided checks.
Who Needs the South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire?
Who Needs It
- All international travellers arriving at South African ports of entry who will pass through port health screening
- Passengers disembarking from international flights at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka international airports
- Children and minors — a parent or guardian must complete the questionnaire on their behalf
Who Is Exempt
- South African nationals on return to the Republic
- Airline and vessel crew members on active official duty
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on government business
South Africa Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Passport Validity
Your passport should meet the destination rules — most sources advise at least 30 days validity beyond your planned exit date and at least two blank pages for entry stamps. See U.S. State Dept.
Vaccination & COVID Rules
Port health may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or test results depending on current public‑health rules. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country. Check official guidance at GOV.ZA and the CDC: CDC South Africa.
Customs & Prohibited Items
South African Customs prohibits importing illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, firearms, certain animal and plant products, and other restricted items. Declare dutiable goods and review the full list at SARS.
Health Screening & Onward Care
The THQ is used for initial screening; travellers with symptoms may be referred for further assessment. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended for remote areas.
Medication, Drones & Electronic Items
Carry prescriptions in original packaging and a doctor’s letter for controlled medicines. Drones and some electronics may require permits — check import rules to avoid seizure at arrival.
Travel Tips for South Africa Visitors
South Africa is a large and diverse country with major international arrival hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The principal international airports are O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Cape Town International Airport (CPT), and King Shaka International Airport (DUR). International cruise and ferry visitors clear port health at major seaports such as the Cape Town cruise terminal.
- Best time to visit: Spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) for milder weather and wildlife viewing.
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). Major hotels and tourist operators often accept USD but pay local costs in ZAR.
- Language: South Africa has 11 official languages; English is widely used in tourism and at airports.
- Time zone: South Africa Standard Time is GMT+2 with no daylight saving.
- Airport transfers: Allow ample time for immigration and THQ checks; pre-book transfers in Johannesburg and Cape Town to avoid delays.
- Health: Pack insect repellent for malaria-risk areas and carry a copy of prescriptions.
- Customs: Declare cash and dutiable goods; prohibited items include illicit drugs and counterfeit goods.
- Keep copies: Save your THQ confirmation and vaccination certificates offline — reception at remote lodges can be limited.
"Completed the South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire before my flight from Cape Town. Email confirmation arrived quickly and immigration at CPT only asked to see my printed copy."
"Helpful prompts for symptoms and contact details — I showed the emailed confirmation at check-in and again at OR Tambo (JNB). Smooth and reassuring process."
"Support guided me when I wasn't sure where to enter a cruise port name. The team confirmed the THQ was accepted by port health in Cape Town before boarding."
"Used DoVisa to finish the South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire for a family trip. The checklist for passports and vaccination proof saved us time at the port health desk."
"Form was straightforward but required precise passport numbering. Once submitted the email confirmation was clear and accepted at airport health screening."
"I had to correct my flight number after submission; support advised how to present the updated THQ at immigration and it was accepted without issue at JNB."
"Fast turnaround — got an emailed confirmation and a clear PDF to save offline. Port health checked my vaccination certificate together with the questionnaire."
"Photo upload for my vaccination card was a bit fiddly on mobile, but support walked me through it and the form was accepted at the Cape Town cruise terminal."
"Minor delay — my confirmation arrived later than expected but still before departure. Port health at DUR accepted the emailed copy once presented with my passport."
"Great for a business trip — filled in the THQ quickly and had the email confirmation to show at check-in. Helped avoid last-minute questions at immigration."
"Completed the South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire before my flight from Cape Town. Email confirmation arrived quickly and immigration at CPT only asked to see my printed copy."
"Helpful prompts for symptoms and contact details — I showed the emailed confirmation at check-in and again at OR Tambo (JNB). Smooth and reassuring process."
"Support guided me when I wasn't sure where to enter a cruise port name. The team confirmed the THQ was accepted by port health in Cape Town before boarding."
South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire: Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply for Your South Africa Traveler Health Questionnaire?
Complete the health questionnaire in minutes with guided checks. Fast confirmation by email and 24/7 support available.
Check Price & Apply NowSources & References
- Airports Company South Africa — Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ) PDF
- GOV.ZA — Travel / Coronavirus COVID-19 travel requirements
- CDC — South Africa: Traveler's Health
- SARS — Prohibited, Restricted and Counterfeit Goods
- U.S. Department of State — South Africa Travel Advisory
- UK Foreign Travel Advice — South Africa entry requirements
- Government of Canada — South Africa travel advice
- Trade.gov — South Africa prohibited and restricted imports