South Africa eases Covid rule for vaccinated arrivals

South Africa has eased its Covid-19 regulations, so that no test result is now required for fully jabbed travellers who provide proof of vaccination when they arrive.

A negative PCR test result is still required for unvaccinated travellers, and the swab must be taken a minimum of 72 hours before departure. This does not apply to passengers younger than five.

Unvaccinated travellers who have fully recovered from Covid-19 and intend to travel within 90 days of their initial PCR test can find details on the South African Tourism website for exemption letter requirements.

The website also has links for entry and exit health questionnaires that need to be filled in by travellers.

British and Irish passport holders can travel visa-free for 90 days.

News about the travel regulations was included among a range of changes announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday (March 22).

He said 48% of adults in the country have received at least one vaccine dose, fewer people are now becoming severely ill and requiring hospitalisation, and there are far fewer deaths than before.

Indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a Covid test not older than 72 hours.

It remains mandatory to wear a face mask in public indoor spaces but a covering is now not required when outdoors.

Kgomotso Ramothea, acting hub head for South African Tourism UK, welcome the announcement, saying: “This is great news and makes South Africa more accessible to travellers regardless of their vaccination status.

“South Africa’s travel industry is hopeful that recovery will be quick and visitor arrival figures will  spring back to 2019 levels. The ease of regulations is such a positive move in support of the industry and a step towards reaching this goal.”