Swazi Observer

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SOUTH AFRICA OPENS BORDERS OCTOBER 1

By Andile Nsibande | 2020-09-17

SOUTH Africa is expected to open international travel or arrivals on October 1 subject to strict restrictions.

This was revealed by the neighbouring country’s President,Cyril Ramaphosa last night, which heralded that country’s movement into Level 1 of its lockdown, in line with reopening its economy gradually.

“We will be allowing travel into and out of South Africa for business, leisure and other travel with effect from October. This is subject to various containment and mitigation measures:

Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published based on the latest scientific data.
Travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown or one of the three main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.
On arrival, travellers will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
Where a traveller has not done a COVID-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost.
All travellers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted.
All travellers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. Countries that have used this type of app have been able to manage the coronavirus pandemic quite effectively,” Ramaphosa said. He said in preparation for the reopening of the borders, South African missions abroad would open for visa applications and all long-term visas be reinstated.

The decision by the South African government was taken after daily infection rates were noted to be very low. He said the availability of beds at trauma and quarantine facilities were evidence that the republic had made strides towards reducing infection and was ready to open up its borders to foreigners. South Africa has managed to slow down infections since ordering all but essential workers to remain at home over the past six months, this further extended to the banning of international travel.

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