South Africa Removes All Entry Requirements
South Africa has removed its remaining Covid-related entry requirements – as well as lifted its nationwide indoor mask mandate.
The news has just been announced by the nation’s government – with the country’s Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla also revealing that rules and regulations surrounding limitations on public gatherings will also cease to exist.
So, basically you can now enter South Africa just like in pre-pandemic times – with there no longer a requirement to:
- show proof of vaccination against Covid-19, OR;
- present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result upon arrival.
And, once you enter the country, you are no longer legally required to wear a face mask in public indoor spaces.
Indoor venues can now operate at full capacity – with previous rules having limited capacity to 50%, or a maximum limit of 1,000 people.
Outdoor gatherings are also no longer limited to a maximum of 2,000 people.
What Were South Africa’s Previous Entry Requirements?
Prior to the South African authorities removing all of the nation’s entry requirements, travelers wanting to enter the country had most recently been required to adhere to certain entry protocols – which were dependent on their vaccination status.
Previous entry requirements for Fully Vaccinated travelers
For instance, for visitors that had received their full vaccination against Covid-19 all that was required from them – in order to enter South Africa – was to show proof of their vaccination before their departure to the country – as well as presenting this upon arrival.
In order to have been classified as fully vaccinated, you needed to have had a full dose of one of the World Health Organization’s approved vaccines.
South Africa’s most recent Covid-related entry rules – prior to yesterday’s announcement – did not require fully vaccinated travelers to undergo any Covid-19 testing, either before their departure to the country or upon their arrival.
There were also no other entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers to adhere to in order to gain entry to South Africa.
Previous entry requirements for Unvaccinated travelers:
For visitors entering South Africa – that had not received their full vaccination against Covid-19, or were completely unvaccinated – entry to the country had previously been allowed.
However, for such travelers there was a need to show one of the below upon their arrival into the country:
- a negative Covid-19 PCR test result – with the test needing to have been taken 72 hours prior to traveling to the country
- a negative Covid-19 Antigen test – with the test needing to have been taken 48 hours prior to the individual’s departure.
This was, however, the only recent Covid-related entry requirement for those that were not fully vaccinated.
A proof of recovery certificate was also previously accepted for entry
It had also previously been possible to enter South Africa using a valid proof of recovery certificate – from Covid-19 – as long as the Covid test that the visitor had tested positive for was one that was recognized by the World Health Organization.
Anyone that used a proof of recovery certificate to gain entry to the nation was also required to present a signed letter from their health care provider in their country – which needed to have confirmed the individual’s full recovery from the virus, as well as declare that the person was now fit to travel.
Visitors Can Now Enter South Africa Just Like In Pre-Pandemic Times
Fast forward to right now, though, and it is now possible to visit South Africa without having to adhere to a single Covid-related entry rule.
Yes, that’s right – whether you are vaccinated or not, all visitors can now enter the country just like in pre-pandemic times – without having to show proof of vaccination or undergo any Covid testing whatsoever.
Why You Should Visit South Africa
There is no denying that South Africa is a fascinating nation – and one that should certainly be on your list of travel destinations.
One of the nation’s capital cities, Cape Town certainly serves up some great things to do and see – with some of its top places to visit, including:
- Table Mountain
- The V&A Waterfront
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Boulders Beach
- The Cape Winelands
And for those, looking for a bit of adventure then heading out on a road trip through South Africa’s glorious Garden Route – which is a 186 mile-long drive through the nation’s beautiful natural landscape – is sure to have you in awe at just how truly amazing this country really is.
South Africa now joins a long list of countries to have removed all of its Covid-related entry requirements and restrictions – with nations such as Finland, Estonia, and Georgia having also done the same in the last week or so.
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