Some car-rental companies are offering an alternative to flights for South Africans needing to get home.

According to its website, Avis is offering transport for repatriation, or for clients to get home safely after spending time in quarantine.  Clients will need to present an authorisation/permit to travel, and they have to fill out a form on the website to request a rental car. They may cancel at no charge. Avis has confirmed that agents can book on behalf of clients, as long as they are paying with the client’s card and payment details. The website’s terms and conditions state that the offer is non-commissionable.

Bidvest Car Rental offers rentals for inter-provincial repatriation and other forms of essential travel, such as attending a funeral or going back to varsity, according to its website. Clients need the permits required by authorities to cross inter-provincial borders, and can book on the website, through the call centre at 086 101 7722, or via email at reservations@bcr.co.za. Bidvest has confirmed that agents are now allowed to book on behalf of clients, and can earn commission if a referral number is used or it is booked on an account.

Europcar too offers services for ‘moving you home’ and other essential travel. Clients need to present a valid permit at the time of collection, according to its website. Bookings can be made on the website, or via the call centre at 0861 131 000, and Europcar has confirmed that agents will be allowed to make bookings on behalf of clients and can earn commission if they have an account, or referral account, with the company.