This week’s presidential address, which moved the country back to adjusted Level Four lockdown in an effort to curb the latest spike in South Africa’s COVID-19 infections, was somewhat vague in addressing how the latest travel restrictions would affect South African residents booked to travel internationally. Several outbound agents and tour operators reported that there was a lot of confusion among industry and clients over the question of international outbound flights, and whether Gautengers could board them.
After perusing the latest restrictions, canvassed industry experts concluded that international travel was still permitted for all residents.
After seeking clarification from the government about the new restrictions, Asata released a statement, providing more insight into some of the most frequent questions that had been posed to the association.
* Domestic travel to and from Gauteng is only permitted for essential reasons.
* Travellers transiting in Gauteng before or after international trips are allowed to travel through Gauteng and are also able to overnight in the province.
When it came to Gauteng residents wanting to travel internationally, Asata had this to say: “Yes you can travel internationally. All COVID-19 protocols will need to be observed and a negative COVID-19 test (not older than 72 hours) will need to be presented upon your return to South Africa.”
Ramesh Jeenarain, md of World Leisure Holidays, said: “International travel is not affected. The restriction is on people from Gauteng moving between provinces of South Africa.”
Marian Sandu, director of Holiday Packages by AfricaStay, pointed out that the Gazette specifically said that international borders were open and transit via Gauteng was allowed.
Joanne Adolphe, ceo of Thompsons Holidays, concurred, saying the regulations did not mention any restriction on international travellers departing from OR Tambo for destinations such as Maldives.
Travelstart’s senior commercial manager, Linda Balme, agreed, saying there had been no change to international travel restrictions, that South Africa’s borders remained open and that Travelstart’s interpretation of the regulations was that all residents, including those of Gauteng, were still permitted to travel internationally.
