Home Affairs has revised the list of high-risk COVID-19 countries from 60 to 22.
In a statement, the Department of Home Affairs said: “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.”
Home Affairs has also revealed that over 4,000 international travel applications have been received from mostly investors in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism.
While the updated high-risk country list means that people from these destinations cannot travel to South Africa, special clearances have been issued to visitors conducting business, critical skills visa holders and investors among others.
Nothing has changed concerning travellers from other countries on the continent, meaning that they will still be welcome in the republic after undergoing COVID-19 protocols.
The government recognises “that there are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries that have been accustomed to long periods of visitation to our country during our summer season when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere,” said the DHA.
“Most of them own properties in the country. We appreciate the significant economic contribution that they make through their activities in the country. To this end, we will also allow visitors, in whichever category, who are coming to stay for a three months period or more subject to Covid-19 protocols.”
List Of High-Risk Covid-19 Countries
Here is the full list of high-risk countries, from which tourists may not visit South Africa, as of 19 October:
- Argentina
- Germany
- Peru
- Bangladesh
- India
- Philippines
- Belgium
- Indonesia
- Russia
- Brazil
- Iran
- Spain
- Canada
- Iraq
- United Kingdom
- Chile
- Italy
- USA
- Colombia
- Mexico
- France
- Netherlands
Border officials are instructed to turn away tourists from those countries should they reach South Africa.
In addition, all travellers are required to produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure, supplemented by screening on arrival and antigen testing at the airport, should they fail to pass screening protocols.