On 30 September 2020, SARS Customs & Excise published a letter advising of the opening of ports of entry for international travellers and advising of certain port processes to implement the directive from the President that international travel can start from 1 October 2020 subject to certain conditions.

The movement of people through ports of entry (land, sea, air) is governed by the following processes:

Travellers:

• To present a negative COVID-19 test results not older than 72 hours from time of departure.

• If a test has not been done, travellers are to enter mandatory quarantine for 10 days (at own cost).

• Screening will be done on arrival

• If symptoms are detected then travellers will remain in quarantine until a repeat test is done

• Complete a Traveller Health Questionnaire prior to/upon arrival

• Normal formal border processes will still apply.

• The wearing of masks & social distancing will be enforced.

Truck drivers:

• Drivers to present COVID-19 negative results upon departure from and arrival in RSA.

• Test results will remain valid for a period of 14 days after the first movement.

• All drivers who test positive will be handled according to the Department of Health Guidelines.

• All other health control measures are also applicable to truck drivers

Closed Ports of Entry

• The 18 land borders, which were partially operational, will be fully operational.

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  The 35 land borders currently closed will remain closed

Sea Ports of Entry:

• All commercial sea ports of entry will be opened, including Mossel Bay and Saldanha Bay.

• Yachts and leisure crafts to ensure compliance to all Health Protocols and border processes.

Aviation:

• International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports.

• It remains the responsibility of all airlines to ensure that no passenger is allowed to board the flights without valid COVID-19 test results; failure to adhere to this condition will be viewed as a contravention and might lead to administrative penalties.

Cova Advisory