10 restrictions international travellers should take note of when travelling into SA

On Wednesday, the government disclosed a long list of restrictions for international travellers and outlined what should be expected at the airport when travelling into the country.

Restrictions on international travel for business, leisure, and other travel will be eased gradually and cautiously by SA government.

On Thursday, October 1, the rules came into effect which follows the easing of lockdown regulations to Level 1.

Visitors coming from African countries will be given permission into the country but, leisure travellers coming from COVID-19 countries with a record of high-risk, will not be granted permission into the country. The government disclosed a list of 60 countries with COVID-19 high-risk.

According to international relations and co-operation minister – Naledi Pandor, he explained that high-risk travellers are those coming from countries with higher numbers of COVID-19 infections and reported deaths in comparison with SA.

He further explained that medium-risk travellers are those coming from countries with a relatively equal number of infections and death tolls compared to SA.

Long-term visa holders, diplomats, repatriated people, investors, and people who participate in professional sporting and cultural events from high-risk countries, would be granted entry but with adherence to certain conditions.

Here is a list of vital restrictions that travellers who are planning to come into the country should take note of:

International travellers should possess a mandatory travel insurance which is supposed to cover the Covid-19 test and quarantine costs.
Travellers will need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine upon arrival in the country.
Upon arrival, in the port of entry, travellers will be screened for any Covid-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
Travellers who display any Covid-19-related symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person, will be expected to take a mandatory Covid-19 test.
Those who test positive for the virus on arrival will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site, which they will be required to pay for.
Travellers coming into SA must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test from within 72 hours from the time of departure to enter the country.
This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner.
Travellers from medium and low-risk countries will only be allowed into the country subject to the prevailing visa requirements.
In the interest of all citizens and the continuing public health efforts, SA reserves the right to deny entry of any traveller who is travelling from a high-risk country for tourism purposes.
Airlines from high-risk countries are not necessarily banned, but their crew will be required to isolate in facilities at designated accommodation.