From October 1, when South Africa’s borders officially open, all travellers from the African continent will be permitted entry into the country.
This was announced on Friday (September 18) by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, before promulgating new Lockdown Level 1 regulations.
She reiterated that travel might be restricted to and from certain countries that had high infection and transmission rates, noting that the relevant ministers making that decision were currently in consultations regarding this list and aimed to publish it before October 1.
International business travel from countries deemed 'high-risk' may be allowed with approval from Home Affairs.
“The list of permitted and prohibited countries will be based on the latest scientific data and updated accordingly,” said the Minister.
Dlamini-Zuma said South African missions abroad would open for visa applications and all long-term visas would be reinstated.
These are some of the key regulations pertaining to travel:
- From October 1, 2020, all travellers are required to present a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) before the date of travel. Failure to present proof of a negative test will require the traveller to quarantine at their own cost. All travellers will be screened on arrival and anyone presenting symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted. All travellers will be asked to download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.
- Johannesburg's OR Tambo, Durban's King Shaka and Cape Town International Airport are the only airports that will allow international air travel to arrive or depart.
- The 18 land borders that were partially operational during the previous lockdown levels will be fully operational (i.e. allow passage of South Africans and permitted foreign nationals). The 35 land borders that were closed during the previous lockdown levels will remain closed.
- All commercial seaports will be opened for the transport of goods and crew, but will remain closed to passengers.