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Interior Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi announced visa-free travel to 11 countries in an effort to boost tourism in the country.
At a press conference on Sunday (October 4), Motsoaledi said that the visa-free status of citizens of some countries and territories was temporarily suspended at the beginning of the lockdown period.
“In accordance with the Government’s commitment to take urgent measures to address the economic and tourism stagnation caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, the visa-free status of citizens of various countries and territories has been restored.”
Countries include (in bold are high risk):
- South Korea;
- Spain;
- Italy;
- Germany;
- Hong Kong;
- Singapore;
- United States;
- United Kingdom;
- France;
- Portugal;
- Iran.
However, the minister said that the visa-free status does not alter current Covid-19 regulations.
Motsoaledi said he has instructed officials to communicate this decision to the aviation industry, embassies and other interested parties as a matter of urgency.
“Port managers have been instructed to adhere to SADC protocol and guidelines governing the movement of essential goods under Covid-19 regulations.
“The guidelines that regulate truck drivers crossing the border will continue to apply as has been the case for the past seven months,” he said.
The minister said that immigration officials should assess the movement and place of origin of the traveler and not the country of origin of the airline in question.
“Travelers in transit through South Africa by air will be able to connect to their destinations, subject to compliance with applicable health protocols, but they do not need to present the negative 72-hour certificate.”
High risk countries
Motsoaledi said that anyone from a country that has a high rate of infection and transmission of Covid-19, who wishes to take a business trip to South Africa, can, in writing, submit a request to the Department of the Interior and demonstrate the reasons for their Application to enter the Republic for commercial purposes during the period of the national state of disaster.
Such applications should be directed to email [email protected] and 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.
The list of high-risk countries published on September 30, 2020 is:
The list of these high-risk countries will be updated biweekly, Motsoaledi said.
“Immigration officers have been instructed to apply the requirements with some flexibility to allow business travel applications to be submitted at ports of entry when necessary and await the outcome before entry into the Republic is allowed. “, He said ,
All other categories of travelers from low and medium risk countries must present a negative Covid-19 test result certificate that is no more than 72 hours from departure time, Motsoaledi said.
“Anyone who does not present the certificate will have to self-quarantine.”
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