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Western Cape Government Says ‘Deeply Disappointed’ with Department of Home Affairs Review high risk list countries that will be prohibited from traveling to South Africa for leisure purposes.
While the list of countries was shortened from 60 to 22, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities David Maynier said the countries that remain on the list are key tourism markets.
Maynier said the “red list”, which now includes Germany, kills key source markets for tourism in the Western Cape.
“International markets are a key economic driver for the tourism sector in the Western Cape, so the total reopening of our borders to leisure travelers, with strict health protocols in place, before the summer season is absolutely fundamental for recovery, medium-term stability and long-term survival, ”he said.
However, Maynier welcomed the improved response times of traveler apps and the concession to allow regular visitors coming to stay for a period of three months or more to be bound by Covid-19 protocols.
“At the end of the day, the additional concession underscores the point that we have kept from the beginning: that the ‘red list’ must be removed and all visitors must be able to enter South Africa, provided they present a negative PCR test performed at least 72 hours. before departure, together with the control protocols, ”he said.
“There is simply no increased risk of Covid-19 virus transmission based on the purpose of the trip, yet the negative impact of continuing to limit the entry of leisure travelers to South Africa, especially from our key source markets, is severe and extreme. . “
Concession
The Department of the Interior has made a concession for high-risk travelers who plan to enter the country for longer periods.
“We recognize that there are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries who have become accustomed 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.
Read: Here is the updated list of high risk countries that cannot travel to South Africa
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