International borders are finally open and we are ready to host all those who qualify under the new regulations!

South African borders are now opened for business and leisure travel for international traveller’s subject to a number of restrictions for travellers.

All travellers visiting the country will be expected to abide by the regulations which include mandatory wearing of masks at all times, practising social distancing in public spaces, regular washing or sanitizing of hands and presenting a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure.

South Africa has adopted a gradual reopening of borders and ports of entry for international travel for business, leisure and other travel guided by the communique published by the Word Health Organisation (WHO) on Public Health on considerations for international travel on 30 July 2020.

A limited number of ports of entry and borders were opened from 1 October 2020.

Travellers intending to visit the country will be expected to produce a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such test.

Upon arrival in the port of entry, the traveller will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. Travellers will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.

Should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to a 10 day quarantine at a designated site. The accommodation at a quarantine site will be at the traveller’s cost.

The list of countries currently considered high risk, and from which ordinary tourists are not allowed is, in full:

Albania * Argentina Armenia Austria Bahrain Belgium Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina * Brazil * Chile * Columbia * Costa Rica * Croatia * Czech Republic * Denmark * Ecuador * France * Georgia * Greece * Guatemala * Guyana * Honduras * Hungary * Iceland * India * Iran * Iraq * Ireland * Israel * Jamaica * Jordan * Kuwait * Lebanon * Luxembourg * Maldives * Malta * Mexico * Moldova * Montenegro * Nepal * Netherlands * North Macedonia * Oman * Palestine * Panama * Paraguay * Peru * Portugal * Puerto Rico * Qatar * Romania * Russia * Slovakia * Suriname * Switzerland * Ukraine * United Emirates * United Kingdom * USA * Venezuela *