South Africa will move to alert level one on 28 February 2021. South Africans are permitted to travel freely internationally as mentioned during the ministerial brief on 30 September 2020, however will be required to check the entry requirements of the country they wish to travel to.
The 20 land borders which were partially operational will now be fully operational and the 33 land borders which were closed will remain closed. There are still many entry restrictions and border closures that remain in effect globally. Any returning South African citizens and residents will be subject to entry regulations and protocols and may be required to enter quarantine.
South Africans are permitted to travel freely internationally as mentioned during the ministerial brief on 30 September, however will be required to check the entry requirements of the country they wish to travel to. With the emergence of the Covid-19 variant, some countries have decided to restrict entry from South Africa for a period of time.
Those living in hotspot districts are encouraged to minimise their travel within the district to essential travel only. Travel to hotspot districts should be avoided if possible. South Africans are permitted to travel freely internationally as mentioned during the ministerial brief on 30 September, however will be required to check the entry requirements of the country they wish to travel to.
It was mentioned during President Ramaphosa's speech that the 20 land ports of entry currently open, will be closed until 15 February 2021. Read more to view details.
The Government Gazette indicates that international travel can take place from and to OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airport. Travellers entering South Africa will need to provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID test not older than 72 hours.
Without a safe, reliable COVID-19 vaccine, the world is unlikely to return to ‘normal’ any time soon. Travel experts, travel managers and travellers need to be agile and resilient, with health and wellbeing now at the very heart of business travel.
Businesses across the world have had to adopt a flexible mindset in terms of business goals, team management and budgets for the 2020 year, as well as prioritise the health and safety of their employees.
From 21 July, East London Airport, George Airport and Kimberley Airport will resume operations for domestic travel for business and essential purposes.
Although, not an issue when travelling within South Africa’s borders (unless a health check before departure warrants further investigation and self-quarantine), once international travel opens the threat of quarantine may well cause anxiety levels to rise!
As businesses around the world have come to grips with connecting digitally through virtual platforms with their teams and clients, it is safe to assume that some corporate travel will be replaced by technology.
