President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will reopen its borders to international travel from October 1, with Virgin Atlantic resuming flights to the country from October 18.
South Africa, which was following a level-based national lockdown, depending on alert level, will enter its Level 1 phase from September 20, with a significant decrease in infections, and cases slowing down.
But travel may still be restricted to and from certain countries that are deemed high risk. A list of these countries will be be announced in the coming days, and all international travellers will be required to present a COVID-19 free certificate, after a test conducted no later than 72 hours within their date of arrival.
"The UK is our number one international travel market ? many of these are repeat visitors, who have an emotional connection to South Africa and we look forward to welcoming them back to experience our beautiful country once again, as well as first time travellers who have always had South Africa on their bucket list and who we hope will seize the opportunity to visit after a difficult year. With the announcement yesterday that Virgin Atlantic plans to resume flights to the country from October 18, it demonstrates that consumer confidence is returning. We're home to incredible natural landscapes, diverse vibrant culture, wide open spaces, an abundance of nature and wildlife, and warm, welcoming people who cannot wait to welcome visitors to South Africa once again.?
