South Africa to reopen to int’l pax traffic in early 4Q20

South Africa will reopen its international borders in October as the country scales down its COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. This has been announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said the country would scale down to its lowest COVID-19 alert level at 0000L on September 20, followed by the reopening on October 1 of certain land border posts, as well as the country’s three main international airports, including Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, Durban King Shaka and Cape Town. This comes as COVID-19 infections decreased to less than 2,000 cases a day, with a national recovery rate of 89%. South Africa to date has recorded 653, 000 cases and 15,705 deaths. Ramaphosa said travel would be allowed for business and leisure but may be restricted from certain countries with high infection rates. A list of countries would be published in due course. Arrivals would have to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72-hours from the time of departure, alternatively be subject to mandatory quarantine at their own cost. All travellers would be screened on arrival. Those presenting with symptoms would be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test was conducted. For tracing purposes, entries would also be required to install a COVID-alert mobile app. In preparation for the re-opening, South African missions abroad would open for visa applications and all long-term visas would be reinstated. The announcement late on September 16 was welcomed by the country’s beleaguered airline sector, which has been lobbying for months for the reopening of international travel. “We are relieved and happy that our president has responded positively to our plea to open borders. We view this as one of the gradual steps towards resuscitating our fragile economy,” commented Zuks Ramasia, Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Airline Representatives (BARSA), which represents foreign carriers serving the country. “The conditions looks tolerable at the face of it, particularly since travellers are allowed to present negative COVID-19 test taken 72-hrs before travel as that will lead to no mandatory quarantine. I believe this is really progressive and will attract visitors to our shores and some jobs stand a chance to be saved. We will reflect further as regulations are issued by the Minister of Transport.”