South Africa Requires QR Codes to Verify Travelers’ COVID Vaccinations
Hunters traveling to South Africa should acquire a QR Code or digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate before travel. The US State Department advises US travelers that the South African Government has informed airlines they will no longer accept the CDC COVID vaccination “white card” as proof of vaccination. The new requirement took effect May 27, 2022.
Current regulations require international travelers entering South Africa to present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. Proof of vaccination must be verifiable, meaning it must include a QR Code that allows South African authorities to check the authenticity of the certificate.
US travelers should contact their county or state health departments to receive a digital certificate and QR Code. Residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Nebraska, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia may acquire the QR Code through the CDC’s VAMS system at https://vams.cdc.gov/vaccineportal.
The details on the certificate should correspond with the information of the traveler as they appear on the passport. Travelers without proof of vaccination must submit a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Testing services are available at South African ports of entry for those without appropriate proof of vaccination.
For more information, see the upcoming issue of Safari Times or contact SCI’s Hunter Information Service at https://safariclub.org/contact.