President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will open its borders to international travel from 1 October.
The move comes as the country enters national lockdown alert level 1 following a significant decrease in infections, with cases slowing down to an average of fewer than 2,000 per day. Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that are deemed high risk, with a list of these countries set to be announced in the coming days, and all international travellers will be required to present a COVID-19 free certificate dated no later than 72 hours within their date of arrival or quarantine on arrival.
Kgomotso Ramothea, Acting Hub Head UK & Ireland, South African Tourism, “We are very encouraged by President Ramaphosa’s announcement that South Africa will open its borders for international flights on 1 October.
“This is an extremely positive step in the right direction for tourism in South Africa. Whilst there is more detail to come in the next few days, this progress sends a really positive message to the world, that South Africa is on the road to tourism recovery.
“The UK is our number one international travel market – many of these are repeat visitors, who have an emotional connection to South Africa and we look forward to welcoming them back to experience our beautiful country once again, as well as first time travellers who have always had South Africa on their bucket list and who we hope will seize the opportunity to visit after a difficult year.
“With the announcement yesterday that Virgin Atlantic plans to resume flights to the country from 18 October it demonstrates that consumer confidence is returning. We’re home to incredible natural landscapes, diverse vibrant culture, wide open spaces, an abundance of nature and wildlife, and warm, welcoming people who cannot wait to welcome visitors to South Africa once again.”
