South Africa: Authorities open 20 land borders as of Feb. 15 while several COVID-19 restrictions remain in place /update 1

Event

Authorities in South Africa have announced the reopening of 20 land borders across the country as of Feb. 15 after being partially closed from Jan. 11 due to the increasing number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The remaining 33 land entry points will remain closed until further notice. The National State of Disaster remains in place through to at least March 15. Authorities will open the following entry points for travelers:

• Botswana: Kopfontein, Groblersbridge, Skilpadshek, and Ramathbama

• Lesotho: Maserubridge, Ficksburg, Van Rooyensgate, Qachasneck, Caledonspoort, and Sanipass

• eSwatini: Oshoek, Golela, Jeppes Reef, Mananga, and Mahamba

• Namibia: Nakop and Vioolsdrift

• Mozambique: Lebombo and Kosibay

• Zimbabwe: Beitbridge

Those traveling into South Africa via these entry points will need to comply with new regulations, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before entry, social distancing, and sanitization methods. Those who fail to provide a negative COVID-19 test will need to self-isolate for 10 days at their own costs. Those who fail to provide proof of a legitimate COVID-19 test certificate that has been recognized by the WHO will be banned from entering the country for five years. Additionally, trucks transporting cargo will be allowed to wait at borders so long as the queue does not exceed 700 meters. Overflow trucks will be diverted to rest stops once this has been reached, in order to prevent overcrowding and the spread of COVID-19.

Under the eased Level 3 measures, the following nationwide restrictions are in place:

• Faith-based gatherings are permitted; however, they must adhere to a 50-person capacity for indoor meetings and a 100-person capacity for outdoor groups.

• A daily curfew between 2300-0400 is in place.

• Public spaces, including beaches and parks, are permitted to reopen as long as health protocols are adhered to.

• Cinemas, museums, theatres, and other indoor recreational activities are permitted to reopen.

• Alcohol sales are permitted, with off-sites sales allowed Monday-Thursday 1000-1800. On-site sales at places such as restaurants are permitted throughout the week 1000-2200.

• Nonessential establishments, including shops, restaurants, bars, and all cultural venues, must close at 2200.

• Funerals are limited to 50 people.

• All night-vigils remain prohibited.

• No social gatherings of any kind are permitted to take place.

• Sport, political, and other gatherings remain prohibited until further notice.

• The wearing of protective facemasks in public remains compulsory.

Although the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased throughout the nation, several pre-determined hotspots are being monitored. Authorities may implement tightened restrictions in the following areas in the case of a COVID-19 surge:

• Eastern Cape: Chris Hani, Buffalo City, Amathole, Alfred Nzo, and the OR Tambo districts and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, and the Sarah Baartman districts, which were previously declared hotspots.

• KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini, Umgungundlovu, Ugu, Harry Gwala, King Cetshwayo, and Ilembe districts.

• Gauteng: the West Rand, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg districts.

• Western Cape: the West Coast, Overberg, Winelands, Cape Town, Central Karoo, Garden Route districts.

• North West: Bojanala District.

• Limpopo: the Waterberg and the Capricorn districts.

International Travel Restrictions
Additionally, as of Feb. 15, South African authorities are maintaining various 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).

• Small passenger craft maritime travel is permitted; 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.

• Business travelers providing services between countries belonging to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are permitted multiple entries, provided that a negative PCR test is presented and taken no longer than 72 hours before departure. This certificate is valid for 14 days.

• Transiting in South Africa to a third country is permitted, provided a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival is presented. If a negative PCR test is not shown, travelers may need to quarantine at a government facility at their costs.

• All travelers will undergo screening 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 travelers to show proof of accommodation should they need to self-quarantine when they arrive 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 test outcome 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 take place at one's private residence.

Multiple countries, including El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Panama, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, continue to impose travel restrictions to South Africa due to a new variant of COVID-19 discovered in the country. 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 and mandating quarantine of travelers from South Africa.

Authorities have reiterated that the disease activity will determine the increase or decrease of restrictive measures in individual districts, metros, and provinces identified as COVID-19 hotspots. Further amendments to updated restrictions are possible in the coming days. The resumption of economic activities in other 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.

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.

Resources

South Africa Health Department
COVID-19 Online Resource
Government of South Africa
High-risk countries