Thinking of travelling to South Africa? It's probably a good idea to think again!
With effect from 01 October 2020, South Africa has started to emerge from one of the world's strictest lockdowns. South Africa is opening its borders for limited international travel, and has adopted a risk-based system when evaluating which countries will be granted access with each country receiving a Low, Medium or High Risk categorization. How are Countries Categorised as Low, Medium or High? This is entirely based upon the transmission rate, infection rates and ultimately death rates with countries having higher rates than South Africa not being permitted for entry for leisure purposes with their status being evaluated every two weeks. Which Countries are allowed entry? Countries with a low or medium risk status will be allowed to enter for leisure purposes. Countries from high-risk countries will not be allowed to enter for leisure travel however business workers, investors, and high-skilled professionals (including diplomats) will be allowed entry. If the passport of the traveller from a high-risk country indicates that they have spent the last 10 or more days in a low-risk country before departure, they will be considered to be arriving from a low-risk country. All countries from Africa fall into the low-risk category and thus will be allowed entry. As of 01 Oct 2020, key markets such as the UK, USA and most of Europe remain in the High Risk category and as such leisure travel is not permitted. Here is the current list:
Argentina
Armenia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Chile
Columbia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
France
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Jamaica
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Maldives
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Nepal
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Oman
Palestine
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Slovakia
Suriname
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Emirates
United Kingdom
USA
Venezuela
Where can you fly in? Presently only Johannesburg O R Tambo, Cape Town International and Durban King Shaka are open for international flights.
What travel requirements are needed to enter South Africa?
The following is needed from every passenger to be granted entry into South Africa:
Negative Covid-19 test (no older than 72hours);
The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and must contain the name and signature of the person who conducted the test;
If no negative test is produced, the traveller will be required to quarantine at their own cost;
Travel insurance;
Proof of accommodation within South Africa.
All travellers will undergo temperature screening on arrival in South Africa. Social Distancing will be encouraged and every traveller will be required to wear a mask.
If you are planning on travelling for business, it's probably a good idea to try to confirm your eligibility in advance with the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation - DIRCO: http://www.dirco.gov.za/