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The Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, has urged South Africans to be cautious when traveling internationally during the holiday season so that they do not end up stranded abroad.
At a press conference on Monday (December 14), Pandor said that travelers should read carefully about the country they intend to visit, as the global situation is “unstable.”
He added that South African travelers will likely deal with the possibility of canceled international flights, as well as countries introducing new restrictions on short notice.
“If the country you are visiting is high risk, consider postponing your visit or proceeding with caution if the trip is avoidable. Know the Covid-19 protocols of the country you want to visit, and if you don’t comply, you may be denied entry.
“Although it is not common, it is likely that many airlines require proof of Covid-19 vaccines before commenting on the trip. Currently, a Covid-19 test is mandatory. “
Pandor also encouraged South Africans to purchase travel insurance and to find out the contact details of South African embassies.
Minister Pandor said that many countries are facing a second wave of # COVID-19 and that South Africans should be cautious when traveling as they might feel distressed or even helpless abroad awaiting levels of lockdown in those countries.#TravelSmartWithDIRCO pic.twitter.com/LyG3f1wugo
– DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) December 14, 2020
In a series of bulletins published on December 3, the government updated the travel rules for travelers entering and leaving the country. The biggest changes are as follows:
People leaving the country
- A person leaving the country through a point of entry must undergo an examination, including the completion of a traveler’s health questionnaire;
- A person who, during the evaluation, has been exposed to Covid-19 or exhibits any signs and symptoms of Covid-19 should undergo a medical examination which may include tests;
- Based on the result of this medical examination, the Director General of Health or any delegated person can make a decision on whether or not the person can leave the country;
- People who have contracted Covid-19 in accordance with the tests must be subjected to mandatory isolation or hospitalization;
- Individuals placed in isolation may be allowed to self-isolate in their own private residence if they meet the prescribed criteria.
People entering the country
- A person entering the republic must undergo an examination upon arrival at the point of entry, including the completion of a traveler’s health questionnaire;
- A person who, during the evaluation, has been exposed to Covid-19 or presents any signs and symptoms of Covid-19, must undergo a medical examination which may include tests and isolation;
- A person entering the republic must, upon arrival at the point of entry, provide the port health officer with the following: a completed Traveler’s Health Questionnaire; and a valid negative result of the Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, not greater than 72 hours from the date of departure from the country of origin;
- A person who is not in possession of a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result will be subjected to an antigen test at the point of entry and may be quarantined in an approved facility at their own expense;
- A person under quarantine must, upon arrival at the point of entry, complete and sign a written statement committing to comply with the quarantine requirements; (b) be responsible for all costs related to testing, quarantine and transportation;
- People entering the Republic are encouraged to install the Covid Alert SA mobile application on their mobile phones;
- A person who experiences any signs and symptoms compatible with Covid-19 while in the country, should seek medical attention and inform the doctor of their travel history;
- The bulletin makes a special waiver for airline crews, commuters, cargo operators, medical personnel, and children.
Read: Some nationwide lockdown restrictions in South Africa could return sooner than expected – Analysts
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