IMPACT – HIGH

South Africa recently lifted COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from all countries.

Key Points:

  • Travelers from all countries are now permitted to enter the country, whether traveling for tourism, business or other reasons.
  • COVID-19 testing protocols remain in place (see below).
  • Health protocols remain in effect within South Africa, such as the requirement to wear masks in all public places, practice social distancing and to limit the size of public gatherings. The ban on sales of alcohol and tobacco has been lifted.
  • Testing and entry requirements announced in October remain in effect:
    • Inbound travelers must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate from a test conducted within 72 hours of departing the country of origin.
    • The test must have been conducted by a certified medical professional and include this person’s name and signature.
    • Inbound travelers will be required to take a mandatory COVID-19 test if displaying any COVID-19-related symptoms or if they have been in contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
    • Travelers must also provide proof of their accommodation address and mandatory travel insurance within South Africa to cover the possibility that they are later required to enter self-quarantine.
    • Those that have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense.
    • Travelers with positive test results must enter a 10-day quarantine at their own expense within a designated site.

Analysis & Comments: The change will ease entry processes for foreign travelers, many of whom were barred entry under South Africa’s COVID-19 restrictions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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