Tag Archive for: Restrictions

Andrew Stegmann
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South Africa Has Published Its List of 60 Countries Banned From Leisure Travel

As of today, 1 October 2020, South Africa has opened its borders to international travelers. There are, however, numerous restrictions, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test, and visitors only being allowed to enter through select airports and land border posts. Furthermore, the South African Government has published a list of 60 countries that are banned from leisure travel to South Africa.

International Relations and cooperation minister Naledi Pandor said in a media briefing on Wednesday that the country’s infections rate has gone down and the country can return to a ‘more normal’ situation.

She said that the government has developed a list of high and low-risk countries which will be allowed to travel to and from the country based on World Health Organization guidelines over a seven-day period.

  • High risk travelers are those who come from countries with higher numbers of Covid-19 infections and reported deaths compared to South Africa.
  • Medium risk travelers are from countries with relatively equal number of infections and death toll to SA.
  • Low risk travelers obviously originate from countries with lesser number of infections of Covid-19 and death toll than SA.

This list will be updated on a regular basis, reviewed every two weeks, Pandor said.

Leisure travelers from high-risk countries will not be permitted. The exception will be business travelers with scarce and critical skills including diplomats, repatriated persons, investors and people participating in professional sporting and, events will undergo the same health protocol screenings. “Travelers that intend to visit the country will need to produce a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin,” Pandor said.

“The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and must have the name and signature of the person who conducted the test.” Upon arrival, travelers will be screened for any Covid-19 symptom s and will also be screened for contract with people who have been in contact with others who could have had Covid-19.

Travelers will also need to provide proof of accommodation addresses in case they need to self-isolate. International travel around the world has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Those who are found to have Covid-19 after entering the country will be required to isolate for 10 days at their own cost. Travel insurance will be mandatory for all travelers. If the passport of the traveler from a high risk country indicates that they spent 10 days or more in a low risk country before departure, they will be considered to be arriving from a low risk country.

Banned countries are:

  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

To read Home Affairs’ full speech on the reopening of the borders for international travel, click here. And to read the SA Government Gazette changes, 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], [3]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
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Lion’s Head Has Reopened With Restrictions

Eager hikers can once again make the climb up popular Lion’s Head. The mountain officially reopened to the public last week.

In a statement, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the reopening comes with a host of protocols.

The following protocols have been put in place:
– Rangers will be positioned at various entry points to check that users are compliant with Covid 19 regulations stipulated by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
– Limitations of user numbers may be imposed at the sergeant ranger’s discretion.
– Maintain social distancing by at least 1.5m at all times.
– Users accessing the summit must wear their masks at all times. No mask no entry.
– Users are to sanitize their hands before and after making use of the staples/ladder and or chain area of Lions Head.
– Picnicking and gathering in social groups is not allowed.
“We encourage all users to adhere to the regulations imposed by the NCC and SANParks to avoid possible re-closure of the iconic summit,” said SANParks.

The popular trail has been closed since June 6 as the hike requires people to use chains and ladders to reach the summit, making these parts high-touch zones.

In a statement at the time, Table Mountain National Park explained: “Due to the nature of the trail, the inability of the visitors to maintain/practice safe social distancing and regular contact in the use of the chains and ladders, makes it a very high risk trail and unsafe to allow users to access the area.”

 

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
,

Ghana Reopens Borders to International Commercial Flights September 1st

This information was provided to us courtesy of Globetrotters Legal.
The government of Ghana announced August 30, 2020, that the country’s airspace will be opened to international commercial flights effective September 1, 2020.

Travelers must take note of the following protocols and the attached for further information.

  1. A negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained 72 hours before arrival from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin is required;
  2. Compulsory wearing of face masks for passengers;
  3. Mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal, at a fee to be borne by the passenger (should not exceed GH 500). The test result will be available within thirty (30) minutes;
  4. Testing at the airport not required of children under the age of five (5);
  5. Passengers, who test positive for COVID-19, will be handled by the health authorities for further clinical assessment and management;
  6. Passengers, who test negative, can enter Ghana to go about their lawful activities and will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions during their stay in Ghana; and
  7. Departing passengers will be required to take A PCR test 72 hours prior to departure and present a negative result to port health officials for verification before being allowed to complete departure formalities;

Ghanaian land and sea borders will continue to remain closed to human traffic until further notice.

 

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
,

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Extends Ban on International Flights Until October

Lynn Mackenzie, J.D., LLM
Courtesy of Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided notification that it will extend the closure of international air space until October 15th, 2020.
This announcement implies that only essential and diplomatic flights would be allowed to remain in place until the airspace is reopened for international flight operations.

According to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by NCAA, “The federal government of Nigeria has extended the closure of our airports to all international flights with the exception of aircraft in a state of emergency”.
However, flights related to humanitarian aids, medical relief flights, alternative aerodrome in the flight plan and also those being used for extended diversion time operation, technical landing where passengers do not disembark and cargo flights and other safety related operations, may be approved by request.

All requests are to be made and addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

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].