Breaking: SA’s ‘high-risk travel list’ reduced to just 22 countries

The Government has confirmed that South Africa will now allow more travellers from other nations to enter the Republic, almost three weeks after reopening the international borders for the first time. The ‘high-risk travel list’ has been slashed from 60 countries, down to just 22. However, some major nations are still blocked from sending tourists to SA.

High-risk travel list reduced for South Africa

People from places such as Greece, Ireland, Switzerland and the UAE will now be allowed to visit South Africa for leisure purposes. That’s provided that they all arrive with a PCR test proving that they have not contracted coronavirus 72 hours prior to their departure. All arrivals will be screened and processed when they land in Mzansi.

President Ramaphosa hinted last week that there would be a ‘significant reduction’ to the high-risk travel list, and it seems he has made good on his promise to open up the borders to another 38 countries. However, a number of significant travel partners remain excluded from leisure tourism in South Africa.

What countries are banned from ‘leisure travel’ to South Africa?

The USA, UK, France, and Germany remain on the list of 22 countries still hit by restrictions. China is the only BRICS nation that has been allowed to send tourists to SA, but big hitters like the USA, Canada, and The Netherlands also find themselves excluded. The revised high-list travel list was published earlier on Monday:

1. Argentina
2. Bangladesh
3. Belgium
4. Brazil
5. Canada
6. Chile
7. Colombia
8. France
9. Germany
10. India
11. Indonesia
12. Iran
13. Iraq
14. Italy
15. Mexico
16. The Netherlands
17. Peru
18. The Philippines
19. Russia
20. Spain
21. The United Kingdom
22. The United States of America

The exceptions: When can you travel to SA from high-risk countries?

The Government has revised high-risk travel list countries based on a scientific model. There are exceptions, however – people from high-risk countries who may visit SA fall in the following categories: Business travellers, holders of critical skills visas, investors, and people on international missions in sports, arts, culture, and science. 

“We continue to be reminded that the Covid-19 pandemic is still with us and we need to continue to take precautions. In its last meeting, the Cabinet instructed the Ministers of Health, Home Affairs, and Tourism to lead a process to review the list.”

“The review of the list of high-risk countries was done in such a way that it strikes a balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods. Nothing has changed as far as all travellers from the continent of Africa are concerned. They are still welcome to visit the country subject to Covid-19 protocols.”

Department of Tourism