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Government has announced measures that will be in place when a limited number of the country’s borders open for business, leisure and other travel from 1 October.
These were announced on Wednesday by government ministers in the Command Council.
“In reopening these selected ports of entry and borders we will be guided by epidemiological and transmission rates both in South Africa and the traveller’s countries of origin,” a statement said.
“As Government, we will constantly monitor the transmission rates both in the country and the countries of origin and respond accordingly.
According to the regulations travellers intending to visit the country will be expected to produce a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa.
“This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such a test.”
Upon arrival in the port of entry, the traveller will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus.
They will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.
“Should the traveller display any COVID-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test.”
“This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site.”
“As a country, we have adopted a gradual reopening of borders and ports of entry for international travel for business, leisure and other travel guided by the communique published by the World Health Organisation on considerations for international travel on 30 July 2020,” the Command Council said.
