Vaccinated travellers into South Africa no longer need to have a PCR test or show proof of a negative test, which is great news for the overall recovery of cross-border and international tourism to South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced changes to Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations on Tuesday, 22 March, stipulating that international travellers entering South Africa only need to show proof of vaccination.
All unvaccinated travellers entering the country who wish to be vaccinated will be offered a vaccination, added Ramaphosa.
They will also have the option to have a PCR test done.
Speaking to Secret Getaway in an interview before the official announcement by the president, Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa stressed how vital this move would be to the recovery of the sector.
"This will allow us to move forward properly," however he noted that 70% load factor for transport was still a concern.
Added rule changes for the new Level 1 Lockdown Rules include no mask wearing when outdoors.
We still need to wear masks when in shops, malls, offices, factories, taxis, buses, trains or any other indoor public space.
"But we do not need to wear masks when walking on the street or in an open space, when exercising outdoors or when attending an outdoor gathering, says Ramaphosa.
"The regulations on social distancing are also being changed, requiring that a space of 1 metre is maintained between persons in all settings except schools.
These measures take effect on Wednesday, 23 March once the new regulations are gazetted.
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