Update: These countries are no

Image by AdobeStock

Update: These countries are now open to vaccinated South Africans

Travel options are slowly starting to increase for South Africa, with a handful of European countries now opening up borders to South Africans who have been fully vaccinated.

Update: These countries are no

Image by AdobeStock

According to Business Insider, at least 10 countries in Europe will now grant entry to fully vaccinated visitors from South Africa.  

From being the most restricted nation in the world just a few months ago things are now starting to look up for South Africans.  The detection of the Beta variant of the coronavirus in South Africa late last year contributed greatly towards the country’s isolation in the world.

India now most restricted nation in world

About 120 countries had imposed strict travel restrictions equivalent to total travel bans on South African travellers by March this year.

Right now, things have improved for South Africa with only 84 countries still holding major restrictions against the country, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This situation has changed, with India now becoming the most restricted nation in the world, owing to the Delta variant which is now prevalent in that country.

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES OPEN TO SOUTH AFRICANS

South Africans can travel to several destinations provided they have been fully vaccinated. The list of countries that will allow South African travellers through their borders — provided they have proof of been fully vaccinated — has increased from just Albania to several more.

European destinations, such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal have adopted the Digital Green Certificate but are still not allowing even fully vaccinated South Africans through their borders.                                                                                     

The following European countries permit entry to fully vaccinated South African visitors (data provided by Sherpa) :  

  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • Moldova
  • Romania
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Montenegro
  • Lithuania
  • Estonia
  • Iceland
  • Norway
Image : Sherpa, 8 July 2021

COUNTRIES FULLY OPEN TO ALL SOUTH AFRICANS

There are few countries that South Africans can still travel to without proof of Covid-19 test results or having to quarantine on arrival.  These include (data provided by Sherpa) :

  • Albania
  • Costa Rica
  • Colombia
  • Mexico
Image : Sherpa, 8 July 2021