South Africa: Several countries suspend passenger travel to and from the country Dec. 24 /update 17

Event

Multiple countries have imposed various travel restrictions to South Africa as of Dec. 24 due to a new variant of the COVID-19 virus discovered in the country.

El Salvador: As of Dec. 20 authorities will prevent any traveler having South Africa on their flight itinerary from entering El Salvador. The directive also prohibits entry for anyone who has been in South Africa within the previous 30 days.
Germany: Passenger flights from South Africa are suspended until at least Dec. 30. Lufthansa will continue flights to South Africa during this time, but return flights will be empty.
Guatemala: The government has suspended all commercial passenger travel from South Africa as of Dec. 22.
Israel: As of Dec. 21, authorities are prohibiting the entry of South African travelers. Returning citizens from South Africa must enter a mandatory quarantine at designated hotels for 14 days, during which the individuals will undergo two COVID-19 tests.
Panama: As of Dec. 22, authorities are prohibiting the entry of travelers who have stayed in or transited through South Africa within 20 days. The measures apply to foreign nationals and nonresidents entering via the land, air, and sea borders by commercial or private transport. Panamanian nationals and residents may return but will be required to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test upon arrival and complete a quarantine period, regardless of the test result.
Sudan: Authorities have banned travelers from South Africa for 21 days as of Dec. 23.
Switzerland: Passenger flights to and from South Africa are suspended since Dec. 21. The government may make exceptions for return flights for Swiss and South African residents who need to return home.
Turkey: The government has suspended all flights arriving from South Africa as of Dec. 20. Authorities have as yet given no indication as to how long the suspension may remain in place.
UK: As of Dec. 24 direct flights from South Africa have been suspended. Arriving visitors who have been in or transited through South Africa in the previous 10 days will not be permitted entry.

The Netherlands imposed a ban on travel to South Africa Dec. 21 but lifted the ban on Dec. 23, stating that travelers will instead need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival in the Netherlands, followed by 10 days of self-quarantine.

Additional countries may impose similar travel restrictions on travel to and from South Africa in the days ahead. Reports indicate that several countries are tightening their monitoring of travelers from South Africa, which includes mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

In addition, as of Dec. 24 South African authorities are maintaining various international travel restrictions to curb COVID-19 transmission.

International Travel Restrictions:

Three international airports are open for the entry and departure of foreign travelers, namely O.R. Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), and King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
Currently, 18 land ports of entry are fully operational; however, 35 border posts remain closed due to insufficient capacity for screening, testing, and quarantine. Small-craft passenger maritime travel is allowed to resume; however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking.
Those entering South Africa will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in the country.
All travelers will be screened upon arrival. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to take a test. Travelers who test positive will be subject to mandatory quarantine for up to 10 days at a designated facility. Authorities also require proof of accommodation, should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.
Travelers departing South Africa will be subject to screening. Those found to have had COVID-19 may be subject to further testing. The outcome of the test will determine whether or not the person may depart the country, as determined by the Director-General of Health or a delegated person. Travelers testing positive will need to self-isolate; this may be done at one's private residence.

Separately, as of Dec. 24 authorities are maintaining various Level 1 restrictions to curb COVID-19 transmission. Additional restrictions have been announced for specific areas with high-rates of local transmission.

Domestic Restrictions:

No new restrictions have been imposed on interprovincial travel; however, people are encouraged to travel only when essential and adhere to social distancing when doing so.
A 1100-0400 nightly curfew is in place since Dec. 15. Medical personnel and other essential workers are exempt from the measure but require a travel permit.
Bars and restaurants and other non-essential services have to close by 2200 from Dec. 15.
Beaches and public parks in the Eastern Cape Province, and along the Garden Route in Western Cape Province, will be closed Dec. 16-Jan. 3. Beaches in the KwaZulu-Natal province will be closed Dec. 25, 26, 31, and Jan. 1-3.
Social, religious, political, and other gatherings will be permitted, so long as the capacity does not exceed 50 percent of the venue. No more than 100 people are permitted to gather in indoor spaces, and no more than 250 are to gather in outdoor spaces.
The mandatory wearing of facemasks in public remains in place. Those caught contravening this measure will face fines or criminal charges.
Public rail transportation, minibus taxi, and bus services are permitted but need to adhere to directives following the increase of commuters. These will be announced in the coming days. E-hailing services will be permitted to operate under certain circumstances and between designated hours.
Funeral attendance is set at a maximum of 100 people; post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.

Hotspot Restrictions:

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the Sarah Bartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province and the Garden Route in the Western Cape as COVID-19 hotspots. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro was declared the first COVID-19 hotspot Dec. 3.

A 2200-0400 nightly curfew is in place. Medical personnel and other essential workers are exempt from the measure but require a travel permit.
Gatherings will be permitted as long as the capacity does not exceed 50 percent of the venue. No more than 100 people are permitted to gather in indoor spaces, and no more than 250 are to gather in outdoor spaces. All post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.
Restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol are in place.

The national state of disaster remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2021.

Authorities have reiterated that the disease activity will determine the increase or decrease of restrictive measures in individual districts, metros, and provinces that are identified as coronavirus disease hotspots. Further amendments to updated restrictions are possible in the coming days. The resumption of economic activities in additional sectors is subject to stringent health and safety measures.

Context

South Africa's travel restrictions and preventive measures correspond with similar actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19.

Stages of the phasing of restrictive measures are as follows:

Level 5 – Drastic measures are required.
Level 4 – Some activity can be allowed, subject to extreme requirements.
Level 3 – The easing of some restrictions on work and social activities.
Level 2 – Further easing of restrictions, but the maintenance of social distancing.
Level 1 – Most normal activity can resume, with caution and health guidelines followed at all times.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. South Africa declared a National State of Disaster on March 15 and implemented nationwide movement restrictions on March 26.

Advice

Heed all official advisories and remain nonconfrontational if stopped by authorities. Reconfirm all travel arrangements if traveling to, from, or via South Africa. Shipping disruptions may occur; consider delaying or rerouting shipments. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.