Arrived home in the night after a wonderful trip to Africa. Just a note on Covid Cards, and a summary. Four of us left the USA for a hunt in Namibia on Apr 21. We all had 4 Covid vaccines, two plus two boosters and the CDC authorized card. All websites we checked, including this one, said that was enough. But one day before departure, we decided to get PCR tests just to be sure. All were neg. We arrived in JNB on the 22 and stayed at Afton. Entry was fine. On the 23 we left for WDH and had two great weeks of hunting and photography in the Namibian desert. We returned from WDH to JNB on May 7. While approaching passport control we were all checked, and a booming voice told all of us "we don't want Covid in South Africa." We were sent back, entering line after line, waiting hours standing in hallways, never knowing what was next. Easy for the youngsters, but on elderly, with a long trip from the Namibian wilderness and a plane ride already that day, very fatiguing. Still, it is Africa. No explanations, of course, no one knowing what they are doing. But next was easy....we all paid 250 Rand before anything was done or explained. We were eventually told by a lady from the UK who sought answers, that we needed a Rapid Antigen Test. Of course, since we could not enter RSA, only the airport Medical was available. The staff left at 5 PM, and a new staff arrived promptly at 6:20. We were informed that they had no test kits but would order some. Not knowing where we would spend the night, what happened to our luggage or where our meet-and-greet would go, and having no phone connection in that lower level, we waited and stood and waited more. We eventually were escorted from the airport by a supervisor who took some pity on us. Still with no neg tests. The desk agents, baggage counters, and our ride had long gone. All the supervisor told us as we left: there have been some false CDC cards, and we will not accept them any longer. Of course, by then our PCR's were no longer current. We got our RAT tests printed out by Elize at Afton in the morning of the 8th. My thanks to Wisdom and Cristina for staying very late on the 7th and preparing some wonderful food.
My opinion and recommendations: If you're traveling to South Africa only, get a PCR. That should do it. If you leave for other countries, get a RAT before your flight back to JNB. And before you leave the USA, get a Covid Passport. About 30 States offer them. Find them by "Smart Card" or "AFAR" search on Google. My State does not offer them. Finally, if possible, avoid OR Tambo. And I know, usually not possible. We received 6 of our 8 checked bags that night, by searching, and the two lost ones the morning of our departure. Plan carefully. The airport at JNB is fluid, and changes cannot always be known ahead. They are not governed by rules, procedures, or professionalism. Be prepared. Had a good return flight. And all in all a wonderful trip. Hope this helps someone else. Travel safe.....................have fun...............FWB
