[ad_1]
The government has relaxed South Africa’s level 1 lockdown rules around international travel, allowing visitors from any country as long as they follow health and safety guidelines.
In a speech delivered on Wednesday night (November 11), President Cyril Ramaphosa said that easing these restrictions will allow all parts of the economy to get back to full function as quickly and safely as possible.
“(We are) opening international trips to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate. By using rapid tests and strict control, we intend to limit the spread of the infection through import, ”he said.
While the decision has been well received by the local tourism industry, it may come to a halt as several key target markets are experiencing a second wave of coronavirus infections that will prevent potential tourists from visiting South Africa.
“From 5 November to 2 December 2020, travel away from home, including international travel, is restricted from England, except in limited circumstances such as for work or education,” the UK Foreign Office said.
The Foreign Ministry also advises against all but essential travel to all of South Africa based on the current Covid-19 risk assessment.
There are also some restrictions for Germany Y France, with both countries re-entering lockdowns in recent weeks. Prohibition of traveling abroad from Australia it is also in place.
Despite existing international restrictions, local tourism has praised the decision to ease restrictions, especially the removal from the ‘high risk list’ that saw travelers from specific countries banned from entering South Africa for leisure travel.
“We have been calling for the ‘red list’ to be removed from day one as it was killing our key source markets for tourism in the Western Cape before the summer season and causing a lot of confusion and uncertainty for the travel industry. and tourism that has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, ”said Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities David Maynier.
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, executive director of the South African Tourism Business Council, has also been pressuring the government to drop the ‘red list’ as it was not necessary because travelers had to submit a Covid-19 test before entering the country.
“We have worked hard with determination and perseverance for the good of the tourism industry,” he said. “As the president has just announced, all borders will be open subject to the negative Covid-19 certificate for all passengers. No more list of high risk countries. Let’s all go to work. “
Read: Dlamini-Zuma Details South Africa’s Updated Level 1 Lockdown Rules
[ad_2]
