The lift in restrictions could not have come at a better time. South Africa is known for its lovely weather and what better time to step foot on South African soil than during the spring months leading to summer. You can look forward to lovely weather as you enjoy the stunning beaches, wildlife and landscape the country has to offer.
It has been six long months since we could welcome international travelers from across the world in South Africa. A country that usually boasts of activity has come to a complete halt. The tourism sector has been hit very hard and we were all holding our breath for the announcement that international travel will open
On September 17th it happened! As of the 1st of October 2020, South Africa welcomed its first international flight and the entire country was in high spirits.
The lift in restrictions could not have come at a better time, especially since South Africa is known for its lovely weather. What better time to step foot on South African soil than during the spring months leading up to summer. You can look forward to lovely weather as you enjoy the stunning beaches, wildlife, and landscape the country has to offer.
International Travel Restrictions
Unfortunately, not all countries have received the green light to travel to South Africa. The South African Government recently released a list of restricted countries based on their level of risk and these countries are as follows:
*Leisure travellers from the following countries will not be allowed to travel to South Africa:
1. Albania
2. Argentina
3. Armenia
4. Austria
5. Bahrain
6. Belgium
7. Bolivia
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
9. Brazil
10. Chile
11. Columbia
12. Costa Rica
13. Croatia
14. Czech Republic
15. Denmark
16. Ecuador
17. France
18. Georgia
19. Greece
20. Guatemala
21. Guyana
22. Honduras
23. Hungary
24. Iceland
25. India
26. Iran
27. Iraq
28. Ireland
29. Israel
30. Jamaica
31. Jordan
32. Kuwait
33. Lebanon
34. Luxemburg
35. Maldives
36. Malta
37. Mexico
38. Moldova
39. Montenegro
40. Nepal
41. Netherlands
42. North Macedonia
43. Oman
44. Palestine
45. Panama
46. Paraguay
47. Peru
48. Portugal
49. Puerto Rico
50. Qatar
51. Romania
52. Russia
53. Slovakia
54. Suriname
55. Switzerland
56. Ukraine
57. United Emirates
58. United Kingdom
59. USA
60. Venezuela
Please familiarise yourself with the abovementioned list before confirming your travel plans to South Africa. The list will change as and when the risk levels of these countries are adjusted and we expect that South Africa will be able to welcome visitors from most of the countries sooner than we think.
If you are allowed to travel to sunny South Africa, then the following protocols/regulations will have to be adhered to, which includes:
- The mandatory wearing of masks at all times
- Practising social distancing in public spaces
- Regular washing or sanitising of hands
- Presenting a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure. If you fail to produce such a certificate, you will have to quarantine at your own cost.
The great news is that as of 1 October 2020, all African travellers (from neighbouring countries) will be able to enter South Africa.
How to access get South Africa
Seaports:
- All commercial seaports will be opened for travel
Airports:
International air travel is restricted to the following international airports:
- OR Tambo International Airport;
- King Shaka International Airport;
- Cape Town International Airport
Travelling from African countries
Travellers from neighbouring countries must possess relevant travel documents. They will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
To allow ease of travel from the African countries, Minister Naledi Pandor confirmed that 18 borders will be opened. However, 35 border posts will only offer restricted services. “Any travellers who present themselves at borders which are unable to accommodate them will be directed to the currently operational border posts for processing”.
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
The visa requirements for entry to South Africa have not changed since the start of COVID-19. You won’t need a visa if you are visiting South Africa for 90 days or less. You will have to consult your nearest Embassy should you wish to visit for longer than 90 days. Please make sure you do not overstay your visit to South Africa without having the necessary and valid documentation.
EcoTraining is Travel Ready
Now that you know you can travel to South Africa, it is time to start planning your trip. What better way to end your lockdown than with a breath of fresh air in the African bushveld? We are taking bookings for 2020 and 2021 and we cannot wait to welcome you to our camps. EcoTraining is committed to offering a safe environment for all our students and visitors and therefore has strict COVID-19 protocols in place.
Our COVID response
Our EcoTraining Camps will be among the safest places to be. The protocols address all the acknowledged risk areas related to training and tourism. We will ensure the crucial areas of concern for the government are addressed through these protocols.
Come join us for an immersive wilderness experience
EcoTraining offers a variety of short wildlife courses and longer field guide career courses in unfenced wilderness camps in big game areas. We offer a unique and authentic wildlife experience and we can guarantee that you will walk away from our camps with plenty of memories of an unforgettable experience. Contact [email protected] to book your spot on one of our educational programs or bush breakaway experiences as part of your trip itinerary to Africa.
