PCR Testing

[Kudubull]

Fellow Hunters,

I’m the leaving the U. S. on 6/27/21 and will be arriving in Johannesburg 4 am on 6/29/21. What day would I need to get my PCR test?

Thank you,

Chris

 

[Areaonereal]

6/25/2021 to be safe.

 

[Surgeon1]

You need the results printed no more than 72hr prior to departure and must be a RT-PCR.
If flying Ethiopian Air I would suggest results no more than 48 hours old!
Get started now as technology is changing faster than the Rules and it took some special
effort and connections to get one done for me and I'm a Surgeon who thought it would be a snap
before about a week before leaving only to discover that all my local and regional labs had switched
technology! Africa and our Immigration (USA) are clueless and all they Know is PCR

 

[Surgeon1]

I'm in Africa right now and PCR for return seems to be easy!

 

[Hogpatrol]

No earlier than 6/24

 

[mdwest]

No earlier than 6/24

Yep

 

[Kudubull]

Thank you for all of your responses!

 

[MarkB]

We will be leaving SA from Joberg on 30 Aug 2021. Hoping to find a test facility in Joberg that meets all requirements for our outbound flights. I will ask our outfitter but not really his problem as we are touring for 2 weeks after hunt ends. Trip still a couple months out, really hoping things do not change except Trudopes mandated jail hotels upon our return. Any details/info/specifics from those there and on the ground with real life facts would help.



MB

 

[PeteG]

We will be leaving SA from Joberg on 30 Aug 2021. Hoping to find a test facility in Joberg that meets all requirements for our outbound flights. I will ask our outfitter but not really his problem as we are touring for 2 weeks after hunt ends. Trip still a couple months out, really hoping things do not change except Trudopes mandated jail hotels upon our return. Any details/info/specifics from those there and on the ground with real life facts would help.



MB

There are quite a number of testing stations throughout all the major towns.
I usually do my test at the Mediclinic hospital where my wife works. It’s a “drive through” process and they email and text the results when done. I then go in to the Lancet Laboratory and ask them to print them off with the stamp and signature that the Zambian authorities need. I am sure you’ll be able to find a testing station that works for you.

 

[shootist~]

Do they have to be signed by an actual M.D.?
(RSA in my case.)

 

[Hogpatrol]

Do they have to be signed by an actual M.D.?
(RSA in my case.)

Not sure if it was required but mine was done by Ampath Laboratories and had a doctor's signature.

 

[Philip Glass]

I'm in Africa right now and PCR for return seems to be easy!

You can do rapid test for return.

 

[Tanks]

You can do rapid test for return.

One caveat is if transiting through another country. For example Emirates requires a PCR test for all arrivals including those connecting through.

So, I'd make sure to apply the regulations of transiting country, not just USA.

 

[BRICKBURN]

What is the health screening process on arrival in South Africa?
Upon arrival in the port of entry, the traveller will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. Travellers will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country. Should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site. The accommodation at a quarantine site will be at the traveller’s cost.


What are the requirements for the 72 hour PCR test for COVID-19?
Travellers intending to visit the country will be expected to produce a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa, and be presented before travelling to South Africa. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such a test.


Are home PCR tests allowed, which are sent to a testing laboratory?
No, PCR tests must be performed by a certified medical practitioner.

https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/advice-for-travellers/

 

[Trogon]

View attachment 405771

What is the health screening process on arrival in South Africa?
Upon arrival in the port of entry, the traveller will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. Travellers will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country. Should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site. The accommodation at a quarantine site will be at the traveller’s cost.


What are the requirements for the 72 hour PCR test for COVID-19?
Travellers intending to visit the country will be expected to produce a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa, and be presented before travelling to South Africa. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such a test.


Are home PCR tests allowed, which are sent to a testing laboratory?
No, PCR tests must be performed by a certified medical practitioner.

https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/advice-for-travellers/

I followed the red highlighted verbiage that @BRICKBURN has noted, after my PH notified me prior to my trip to SA in mid April (got my RT-PCR test on a Saturday morning, arrived in SA on early Monday afternoon) well under the 72 hours.

 

[Tanks]

I wish Zimbabwe had followed the example of other countries and chose 72 hours. Their 48 hour rule makes it challenging for those of use taking Emirates and have a 40+ hours of elapsed travel time due to long layover on the way there.

I am also concerned about explaining Pacific Standard Time difference to whoever is checking the time stamp.

 

[Hogpatrol]

You can do rapid test for return.

Do you mean the quickie test like the Walmart ones? Qatar going through Doha to the U.S., the airline wants a PCR test. Boarding has been denied to antigen rapid test passengers returning to the U.S. from RSA through Joberg. Same in Doha. I spoke with another passenger who boarded in Doha for the flight to Philly and she had to get a PCR test to board. Bottom line, get the PCR test and you'll be covered everywhere.

 

[rookhawk]

@Tanks and others.

I’ve visited Zim three times during the Covid era and I wouldn’t fret over it. The airport on arrival and departure is looking at stuff and they have never given me any trouble. I don’t think they are equipped to do the math story-problem in their head converting time zones, carry the one, divide by two, etc.

Just get a PCR from Covid Consultants before your trip. Submit it so that you get the results the night before departure. Yes, that test is signed by an MD, the physician at Covid Consultants. It’s also a spit test which is much better than having the q-tip that turns out to be an anal test administered through your nose!

Once in Africa, in Zim, its $60 the day before departure for a test at Lancet or Mater Dei. Your PH will know which clinic you need to go to that day.

As pointed out, Emirates is the no-nonsense part of the equation and they will do the complex math to make sure its 48 hours or less when you fly through Dubai. Muslims do not understand the concept of bending the law. Have copies of your PCR just in case and use the playbook I just laid out, you’ll be fine. You need to show that it was <48 hours from your departure when you had your test.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Here's my take on the PCR test requirement. According to the experts, it's the gold standard for detecting the presence of the virus in your body. It doesn't matter where you are traveling internationally. Those carriers do not want to see a headline where one of their flights had a virus spreader on it and then other passengers were infected and died. Are the test and requirements 100% foolproof? No, but it shows the air carriers are doing the utmost to provide safe travel.

 

[Manny R]

I have a question and looking for an answer that could be 99.9% Correct.
I am leaving on Emirates on 6/27/2021 at 8:00PM arrive Dubai 14 hours later with a 14 hour layover. Then 8 hours to Jborg. If I get my PCR Cover 19 test on Friday 06/25/2021 by the time I get to Jborg I am well over the 72 hours. I realize you need a PCR Test within 72 hours of departure but do the officials in JoBorg mind if the 72 hours have expired when landed and going through customs?