Turkey places entry ban on South Africans amid COVID-19 third wave

Several countries have begun opening their borders to certain categories of visitors ahead of the Northern Hemisphere’s traditional peak summer tourism season. This is in an attempt to prevent huge losses of tourism revenues which many countries depend on, for a second consecutive year.

In many cases, only vaccinated visitors or those with proof of having recovered from COVID-19 infections are granted entry.

SOUTH AFRICAN BORDERS ARE OPEN

While South Africa has entered Level 4 lockdown due to the third wave of COVID-19 infections across the country, South Africans are not prohibited from taking international trips. It is still possible to travel to destinations outside of the country’s borders.

TURKEY PLACES BAN ON SA

Turkish authorities have responded by placing travel restrictions on countries which are currently seeing increasing rates of infection.

Turkey has imposed an entry ban on travellers from South Africa, with effect from 1 July. Visitors from South Africa and those who have been in South Africa in the 14 days prior to departure are not permitted to enter Turkey.

TURKISH AIRLINES’ FLIGHTS CONTINUE

Travelnews reports that Turkish Airlines will continue to fly between Istanbul and South Africa at this point in time. The airline operates scheduled flights to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Passengers on flights from South Africa however will only be able to use Istanbul to connect onto flights serving other destinations in Turkish Airlines’ route network. The airline is currently not permitted to carry passengers from South Africa, who wish to enter Turkey.