Travel Restrictions & Border Reopening in South Africa

Travel Restrictions & Border Reopening in South Africa

By: Tromas 10k 32k

As the COVID scenario in 2021 remains unstable, travellers seeking cheap flights to Johannesburg or any other major African city may need to educate themselves with the regulations and procedures of admission into the nation before packing their bags and securing their tickets. So, is it safe to visit South Africa now? What are the most crucial things for tourists to know before flying to South Africa?
Let us inform our beloved Brit travellers about the present scenario regarding travel to South Africa and what they should know before boarding their flights from London to Johannesburg.

What is the Present State of Affairs in South Africa?

In the latter part of July, South Africa was gripped by another Covid-19 revival, this time fuelled by the Delta version, with daily instances reaching new highs in Johannesburg. With strict lockdowns and curfews in place, the government has been able to decrease the spread of COVID-19 over time.
South Africa has a total active case count of 16396 as of November 11, with a daily case count of 356. South Africa's vaccination rate has been encouraging, particularly since the third wave, although it remains far below that of other industrialised countries. As of November, more than20.1% of the population had been immunised. With the upcoming availability of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, 31 million more doses might assist boost immunisation rates in the country.

South African Coronavirus Variants

The Beta form (variant B.1.351) was discovered in South Africa; however, it is not the sole prevalent variety in the nation. The B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.7 variations have also been identified in the South African population by officials from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
The Delta version of COVID-19, or B.1.617.2, which has been found in at least 85 countries and was initially recognised in India, is most likely to blame for the rapidly increasing daily number of virus cases in Gauteng. According to South African officials, the second variation, B.1.1.7, or Alpha variant, has been discovered in 11 instances. This highly transmissible variety was first discovered in the United Kingdom.

Because of their enhanced transmission rates, the Beta, Delta, and Alpha variants are worrying. Officials have cautioned South Africans to be cautious as the country struggles to obtain enough vaccinations to attain herd immunity.

Is It Safe for Me to Travel to South Africa Right Now?

Right present, there are no rigorous international travel restrictions in effect, so anyone may visit South Africa.International flights are only available from the following airports:

1) Tambo International Airport;
2) King Shaka International Airport;
3) Cape Town International Airport;
4) Lanseria International Airport; &
5) Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Testing Requirements

All foreign travellers must present a valid COVID-19 test certificate acquired no more than 72 hours prior to their departure date.

Arrival Health Screening
When the traveller arrives at the port of entry, he or she will be tested for COVID-19 symptoms or contact with other people who have been infected. Travellers will also have to provide proof of their dwelling address if they need to self-quarantine once they arrive in the country. A COVID-19 test will be necessary if the traveller displays any COVID-19–related symptoms or comes into contact with an infected person(s). The traveller will be responsible for this inspection.
If the COVID-19 test is positive, the traveller will be placed in quarantine for ten days at a specified location. The expense of staying at a quarantine facility is the responsibility of the traveller. For the length of their trip to South Africa, visitors must also download and install the Covid Alert SA app.
Transit Passengers
A passenger in transit must have a negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate from an approved laboratory-acquired no more than 72 hours before the date of travel. If a traveller exhibits COVID-19 signs, he or she must, upon arrival and under the supervision of Port Health-
=> Be subjected to primary and secondary screening, including COVID-19 testing where appropriate;
=> Be quarantined at one's own expense if a positive test result is received.
=> if travelling with family, be quarantined at one's own expense with the entire family.

Is Quarantine Required if I Travel to South Africa?

If you do not provide a certificate as proof of a negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate upon arrival in South Africa, you will be required to pay for an antigen test. In the event of COVID -19, an immunity passport, risk-free certificate, or passport immunity is not accepted. According to Health Directions, if you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate for 10 days at your own expense in a government-designated institution.
When you arrive in South Africa, you will be tested for COVID-19 symptoms and interactions with infected people. You will be obliged to undergo a COVID-19 test if you have any COVID-19–related symptoms or if you have come into contact with an infected person (s). The expense of this evaluation will be borne solely by you. If the COVID-19 test is positive, you will be held in custody for 10 days at a specified facility. In a quarantine facility, you will be responsible for your own housing. You will also need to produce identification with your home address if you need to self-quarantine when you arrive in the country.

Things Open Right Now in South Africa

On July 26, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the removal of several coronavirus restrictions, including inter-provincial travel, the sale of alcohol, and bigger public meetings. Because of the decrease in new cases and deaths, an announcement was issued with immediate effect that South Africa will be moved from Level 4 to Level 3 of the five-level lockdown policy.
As part of the Level 3 lockdown, a curfew will be enforced from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., and funeral ceremonies will be limited to a maximum of 50 individuals, according to tight rules. Indoor venues will be allowed to cater for a maximum of 50 people at a time or for only 50% of their capacity if they are smaller, while events outdoor may not have more than 100 people attending. Religious, political, and social gatherings are all examples of this. Schools reopened nationwide on the Monday following the announcement, after a month-long break.
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