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The Department of the Interior has revised the list of high-risk countries that will be restricted from entering South Africa under the country’s level 1 lockdown rules.
In a statement on Monday (October 19), the department said that the revision of the list of high-risk countries was conducted in a way that strikes a balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods.
The department said that people from high-risk countries who can visit South Africa fall into the following categories:
- Business travelers,
- Critical skills visa holders,
- Investors
- People on an international mission in sports, arts, culture and science.
“Furthermore, we recognize that there are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries who have been used to long periods of visiting our country during our summer season when it is winter in the northern hemisphere. Most of them own properties in the country, ”said the department.
“We appreciate the important economic contribution they make through their activities in the country. To this end, we will also allow visitors, in any category, to come to stay for a period of three months or more subject to Covid-19 protocols. “
The department said travelers needing to apply should direct email requests to this email address supported by:
- A copy of the passport and / or temporary residence visa;
- Proof of commercial activities to be carried out in the Republic;
- Travel itinerary test; Y
- Proof of residence or accommodation in the Republic.
In the first two weeks that the email address was up and running, 4,701 applications were received, mostly from investors in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism. Of these requests, 3,113 have been approved.
“These figures show that, on average, 335 investors a day requested to visit the country, which sends a strong message that South Africa remains an attractive investment destination,” the department said.
“In response to these numbers, the Department of Internal Affairs has increased the capacity of the people managing the email account to ensure faster responses and we will do our best to ensure that responses are communicated within 24 hours.” .
High risk countries
The department also released its updated list of high-risk countries based on its updated model.
Leisure travelers from high risk countries will not be allowed. The exception will be business travelers with low and critical skills, including diplomats, returnees, investors and people involved in professional sports, and events will undergo the same health protocol checks.
The previous list of high-risk destinations had 60 countries. The latest update is just 22 years old, with Germany being the most notable addition.
The new list as follows:
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Italy
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Peru
- Philippines
- Russia
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- United States
Read: Australia is updating its visas – here are the key changes South Africans need to know about
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