Tag Archive for: COVID-19

Andrew Stegmann
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Cyprus’ Latest COVID Travel Categorization

Authorities in Cyprus have categorized European countries, based on their epidemiological situation in an effort to halt the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in their country. The categorization of countries may be modified at any moment, depending on the Coronavirus situation.

Category A includes low-risk countries. Citizens coming from the countries listed on the category A, are not required to test for the Coronavirus, nor are they obliged to go through two weeks compulsory quarantine.

Category B lists countries with possibly low risk “but more significant uncertainty compared to Category A. Passengers from category B countries falling into the following categories may undergo health examination upon arrival in Cyprus, including citizens of Cyprus permanently residing in the Republic, their foreign spouses and their minor children and all legal residents in the Republic. Persons who belong to this category must go under house quarantine until the result of the COVID-19 test is issued.

Category C includes countries at increased risk, compared to categories A and B. Persons coming from category C will be eligible to enter only under certain conditions. They also will have to choose if they want to undergo a diagnostic test for Coronavirus disease upon arrival in Cyprus or present an RT-PCR Covid-19 certificate with a negative result, not older than 72 hours.

To view an updated list of the countries that fall into the above categories, visit the Cyprus Flight Pass website by clicking here.

Any Countries not defined below are treated as category C.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
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Mauritius’ Recently-launched Premium Travel Visa

Lynn Mackenzie, J.D., LLM
Courtesy of Samina Jaffery, Mauritius partner

Mauritius has introduced a Premium Travel Visa on 23 October 2020, valid for a period of one year, renewable, to welcome travellers seeking to experience the island living in a COVID-safe destination.

To qualify for the Premium Visa, interested visitors should produce proof of their long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay while meeting the following criteria:

i. the applicants should not enter the Mauritius labour market;
ii. the main place of business and source of income and profits should be outside Mauritius;
iii. documentary evidence to support application such as purpose of visit, accommodation etc.; and
iv. other basic immigration requirements.

From a personal taxation perspective, you will have to seek the advice of your tax advisor/ accountant in your current country of residence. This is because, if you have been spending a minimum of 183 days or more in Mauritius during a fiscal year, you will be considered as tax resident in Mauritius as per Clause 73 of the Mauritius Income Tax Act.

All your income and profits will be generated from outside of Mauritius as per the condition of the Premium Visa and therefore it is very much likely that you will already be paying taxes on those income generated outside of Mauritius in their respective source country. However, once you become tax resident in Mauritius after spending 183 days or more in a fiscal year, you will be liable to taxes in Mauritius on your income generated while in Mauritius, unless there are double taxation avoidance treaties in place between your country of residence and Mauritius, in which case, foreign tax credit can be claimed, if conditions are met.
The process is as follows:

• Step 1: Flight and hotel for quarantine pre-booking;
• Step 2: Apply online;
• Step 3: Get your premium visa approval via email after 48 hours;
• Step 4: Book your accommodation for stay in Mauritius;
• Step 5: Travel to Mauritius if PCR Test is negative; and
• Step 6: Comply with the quarantine upon arrival in Mauritius.

There is no processing fee payable to the Authorities in Mauritius for the application and approval of the Premium Visa. We shall be delighted to assist you with your Premium Visa application. Please feel free to get in touch with us via immigration@relocationafrica.com

The documents required are below.

Main applicant:

i. Digital colour passport size photo
ii. Bio-data page of passport
iii. Travel and health insurance
iv. Air ticket, including valid return ticket (including quarantine hotel details in Mauritius)
v. Evidence for pre-booking for accommodation in Mauritius
vi. Proof of monthly income (bank statement / attestation of monthly income)

Dependent spouse:

i. Digital colour passport size photo
ii. Bio-data page of passport
iii. Travel and health insurance
iv. Air ticket, including valid return ticket (including quarantine hotel details in Mauritius)

Dependent child:

i. Digital colour passport size photo
ii. Bio-data page of passport
iii. Travel and health insurance

Air ticket, including valid return ticket (including quarantine hotel details in Mauritius.

 

The content of this article is provided for general information purposes. The provision of this article does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind; no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created between Relocation Africa and any other person accessing or using this article. Relocation Africa will not be liable for any damages or loss arising from using any part of this article.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
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Western Cape Launches Safe Travels Tourism Website

The Western Cape province has launched its Safe Travels tourism website.

The website was developed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism together with destination marketing and promotion agency Wesgro to help domestic and international tourists to navigate the restrictions on travel and be informed about the important health and safety protocols they need to follow when visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier said the website aims to offer peace of mind to those travelling for business or leisure.

“As a result of national government’s risk-based approach to international travel and the ‘red list’ of countries restricted to travel to South Africa, there is still much confusion and uncertainty in the travel and tourism industry, especially as the ‘red list’ is not being reviewed consistently every two weeks as promised.

“And so, to guide tourists and ensure their visit to Cape Town and the Western Cape is as hassle-free as possible, our Safe Travels website provides the latest information on travel restrictions and the ‘red list’, as well as visa requirements and the latest Covid-19 health and safety information,” he said.

Maynier said the website is an example of the many ways that the province has worked hard since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to support businesses, especially tourism businesses in the Western Cape.

“International markets are a key economic driver for the tourism sector in the Western Cape, especially during the summer season, and will be critical to the survival of the sector. Which is why we have maintained from the start that national government must scrap the ‘red list’ and allow all visitors entry into South Africa subject to presenting a negative PCR test conducted at least 72 hours prior to departure, together with screening protocols,” he added.

The content for the Safe Travels website was largely developed using social listening tools which provided real-time insights into what potential travellers to South Africa and the Western Cape are concerned about so that we could develop the right content to help address these concerns.

To assist tourists in distress, the Tourism Safety Support Unit at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is also available to answer queries via email.

Travellers looking to visit the Western Cape, and who require assistance can send their questions to tourismsafety@westerncape.gov.za

On the launch of the Safe Travels website Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said SafeTravels.CapeTown has been established as the ‘go to’ page for all visitors coming to enjoy the world-class tourism experience on offer in the province. “It features safety news, FAQ’s and safety initiatives implemented in the province. We invite visitors to peruse the site and put their minds at ease knowing that Cape Town and the Western Cape is travel ready,” he said.

To visit the site, click here.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
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South Africa Opens For International Travel From All Countries: Updated COVID-19 Regulations

The South African Government has relaxed the country’s level 1 lockdown rules around international travel, allowing visitors from any country provided they follow health and safety guidelines.

In an address on Wednesday evening (11 November), President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the easing of these restrictions is to enable all parts of the economy to return to full operation as quickly and as safely as possible.

“(We are) opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate. By using rapid tests and strict monitoring we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation,” he said.

While the decision has been welcomed by the local tourism industry, it may be hamstrung as several key target markets are experiencing a second wave in coronavirus infections which will prevent potential tourists from visiting South Africa.

“From 5 November to 2 December 2020, travelling away from home, including internationally, is restricted from England except in limited circumstances such as for work or for education,” the UK’s foreign office said.

The foreign office also advises against all but essential travel to the whole of South Africa based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks.

Some restrictions are also in place for Germany and France, with both countries also re-entering lockdowns in recent weeks. A ban on overseas travel from Australia is also in place.

Despite existing international restrictions, local tourism has praised the decision to ease restrictions, especially the removal of the ‘high-risk list’ which saw travellers from specific countries prohibited from entering South Africa for leisure travel.

“We have been calling for the ‘red list’ to be scrapped from day one, as it was killing our key source markets for tourism in the Western Cape ahead of the summer season and causing much confusion and uncertainty for the travel and tourism industry which has been hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the Western Cape’s minister of finance and economic opportunities David Maynier.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, chief executive of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa has also been lobbying the government to abandon the ‘red list’ as it was not necessary because travellers had to present a Covid-19 test before entering the country.

“We have worked hard with determination and persistence for the sake of the tourism industry,” he said. “As the president has just announced, all borders will be open subject to Covid-19 negative certificate for all passengers. No more high-risk list of countries. Let’s all go to work.”

Partial re-opening of borders

The 18 land borders which were partially operational, will be fully operational, and the 34 land borders which were closed, will remain closed.

Travelling to and from South Africa is allowed, subject to:

  • The traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel;
  • In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveller will be required to quarantine him or herself at his or her own costs.

International air travel remains restricted to the following airports:

  • OR Tambo International Airport:
  • King Shaka International Airport;
  • Cape Town International Airport.

The resumption of services for visa applications shall be determined in directions issued by minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi.

The minister is also expected to work with the Department of Health and the Department of Transport on international travel containment protocols to ensure that entry into South African ports of entry will only be allowed subject to adherence to ensure Covid-19 positive travellers are not allowed into the country.

Liquor sales 

The gazette states that the sale of liquor is permitted:

  • By licensed premises for off-site consumption, is permitted during licensed trading hours – subject to the laws governing such licenses;
  • By a licensed premises for on-site consumption is permitted, subject to strict adherence to the curfew.

Since the start of alert level one on 21 September 2020, licensed outlets have only been allowed to sell alcohol for home consumption on weekdays from 09h00 to 17hoo.

The amended regulations effectively mean that liquor trading returns to pre-lockdown hours, with bottle stores and other retailers now able sell liquor for off-site consumption over the weekend and during all licensed trading hours.

Any person who does not follow these regulations is liable to be fined or faces imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].