• Destinations

57 Countries cannot travel to South Africa for leisure 57 Countries cannot travel to South Africa for leisure

After weeks of waiting with baited breath, South Africa’s Minister Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that South Africans will be allowed to venture abroad, but restrictions are in place for international visitors Level 1 regulations now allow international journeys from Thursday 1 October, but there are exemptions in place for a number of countries with high transmission rates of coronavirus.

But there are exemptions in place for a number of countries with high transmission rates of coronavirus. Although there are still requirements for social distancing, mask-wearing, and crowd controls in place at Level 1, it is still the most relaxed version of lockdown available for South Africa. The travel list itself will be ‘reviewed regularly’.

Border controls will also remain airtight for the foreseeable future, with all persons passing through Mzansi required to prove they are COVID-negative. Temperature checks will also be made mandatory for all travellers. South Africa has split all countries into three categories: High-risk, Medium-risk, and Low-risk. People from any High-risk countries will not be able to travel to South Africa for leisure purposes. Business workers, investors, and high-skilled professionals (including diplomats) from these nations are permitted, however.

The banned Travel List includes:

  1. Dominican Republic
  2. Ecuador
  3. Faroe Islands
  4. France
  5. French Polynesia
  6. Georgia
  7. Gibraltar
  8. Greece
  9. Guam
  10. Guatemala
  11. Guyana
  12. Honduras
  13. Hungary
  14. Iceland
  15. India
  16. Iran
  17. Iraq
  18. Ireland
  19. Israel
  20. Jamaica
  21. Jordan
  22. Kosovo
  23. Kuwait
  24. Lebanon
  25. Luxembourg
  26. Maldives
  27. Malta
  28. Mexico
  29. Moldova
  30. Monaco
  31. Montenegro
  32. Netherlands
  33. Nepal
  34. North Macedonia
  35. Oman
  36. Palestine
  37. Panama
  38. Palau
  39. Paraguay
  40. Portugal
  41. Puerto Rico
  42. Romania
  43. Qatar
  44. Russia
  45. San Marino
  46. St Maarten
  47. Slovakia
  48. Slovenia
  49. Suriname
  50. Switzerland
  51. Trinidad and Tobago
  52. Turks and Caicos Islands
  53. Ukraine
  54. United Kingdom
  55. United States of America
  56. US Virgin Islands
  57. Venezuela

This list may evolve every two weeks as the government monitors infections found. But for the other 130 odd countries – South Africa is open for you to travel!

Source: Gallivant Africa