SA Reopening Its Borders: Here Are The Requirements For Travellers
South Africa is set to open its international borders on October 1 as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.
The country will allow travellers to and from countries across Africa.
The partial reopening of South Africa’s borders is unconditional only for the countries on the “African continent”, according to the rules Gazette on Friday.
It is not yet clear if that definition is limited to mainland Africa, or whether it includes Cape Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles.
Although the SA Government is yet to release a list of countries that can travel into South Africa, From 1 October 2020, the gazetted rules give a hint that travellers from countries outside the African Continent with a low rate of COVID -19 infection and transmission will be allowed into the country.
Below is a list of what you need, apart from valid travel documents and some cash, to go to South Africa after borders open on 1 October:
1. A valid certificate of a Covid-19 negative test
The gazetted rules state that a traveller must provide a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveller will be required to quarantine at his or her own costs.
2. Approval from the Minister of Home Affairs
In the event that you are travelling from a country listed as having a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate, you will need approval from South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister.
This only applies to those that will be travelling from a country listed as having a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate to South Africa for business. The gazetted rules state that:
International travel from countries listed as having a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate, will remain prohibited except for business travel which may be allowed with the approval of the Cabinet member responsible for home
It is important to note that the list of countries with a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate is not static with cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma saying the list will change depending on what happens to the countries’ infections; if they’re under control, then they will also be allowed.
It is also important to note that International air travel is restricted to the following airports; OR Tambo International Airport; King Shaka International Airport; and Cape Town International Airport.
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