South Africa is reopening borders to all international travelers
South Africa is reopening its borders for all tourists. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement saying in a news conference, “We are also opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 certificate.”
You’ll need to bring a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours and follow extensive safety protocols.
This step, making South Africa one of the world’s countries most open to international travel, comes as cases of the disease are slowly increasing in the country. Ramaphosa said his government will closely monitor any signs that international visitors increase transmission rates.
“By using rapid tests and strict monitoring we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation,” said Ramaphosa. “We expect that these measures will greatly assist businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.”
After closing its borders as part of one of the world’s strictest lockdowns imposed at the end of March, South Africa has gradually reopened, resuming international flights on Oct. 1 but not admitting travelers from countries with high infection levels. Now that restriction has been removed, Ramaphosa said.
President @CyrilRamaphosa updates the nation on South Africa’s response to the #COVID19 pandemic #StaySafe https://t.co/MmS7m500zG
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 11, 2020
Entry Requirements for South Africa
PCR Testing
Yes.
All passengers will be required to present the negative result of a PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure.
Passengers under 5 years of age are exempt from the PCR test requirement.
Quarantines
No.
If the passenger fulfills the PCR testing requirement, there is not mandatory quarantine. However, if a passenger does not bring the negative PCR result, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
Contact Tracing
Yes.
President Ramaphosa declared that all travellers will be asked to download the government’s contact tracing alert app for the duration of their stay in South Africa.
Health Screening Upon Arrival
Yes.
All passengers, regardless if they brought their negative PCR test, will still undergo a health screening, which will include symptom checks and temperature screenings. Any symptomatic passenger will be subject to additional testing and/or quarantine.
