Namibia: Revised tourist-related Covid-19 regulations!

Namibia's President Dr. Hage G. Geingob has announced a number of changes to the status quo of the tourist-related COVID-19 regulations in the country during a public briefing on the national COVID-19 response measures on 30 November 2020. The current dispensation of measures to fight the pandemic which came into force on 17 October 2020, will expire at midnight on 30 November 2020. From 01 December 2020 t0 25 January 2021 the following measures will apply.

People arriving in Namibia:

Requirements for COVID-10 test results:

• All non-Namibian travellers arriving in Namibia are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from the country of departure, which is not older than 72 hours.
• This requirement does not apply to children under the age of five years.
• Non-Namibian travellers arriving with a negative result, which is older than 72 hours, will be placed in quarantine and tested for COVID-19 on the same day, at own cost. If results come out negative, they will be released from quarantine. If positive, they will be isolated at own cost, according to Namibian isolation protocols.
• Returning Namibian citizens or holders of Namibian permanent residence or employment permits may enter the country without a COVID-19 PCR test result or with a positive result. But in cases of arrival without a COVID-19 test result, s/he will be swabbed immediately upon arrival while observing quarantine and if the result comes out negative, they will be released from quarantine.
• A Namibian who arrives with a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, will be isolated at a designated isolation facility or home isolation, subject to approval after assessment by an authorized medical officer.

Public gatherings:

• Public gatherings will remain at 200 people. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to arrange and host all public gatherings outdoors. Registers of attendees at such gatherings and events must be maintained.

Liquor sale restriction:

• Sale of alcohol by shebeens, bars and nightclubs shall be extended to midnight.
• The business must:
• ensure physical distancing
• all business premises must be equipped with functional hand-sanitizer dispensers, at all times.

Keeping COVID-19 registers:

• Shopping outletts and businesses will no longer be required to keep registers of persons visiting their premises. Registers should, however, be maintained at public events such as weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, sports and entertainment events.

Namibia: New revised tourist-related Covid-19 regulations! [update]

update (23 October 2020): Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has released a press release titled "Changes in the Approval of Travelers and Quarantine Request for Travelers". 

Namibia's President Dr. Hage G. Geingob has announced a number of changes to the status quo of the tourist-related COVID-19 regulations in the country during a public briefing on the national COVID-19 response measures on 21 October 2020. The new regulations will come into force from tomorrow (22 October 2020) until midnight on 30 November 2020. The new measures will apply for all 14 regions of Namibia.

• All travellers (including tourists, business travellers and all Namibians and Permit Holders) who arrive in Namibia with a negative PCR test result, that is not older than 72 hours, will be permitted to proceed to their final destinations in the country. The regquirement for the mandatory five day retest has been withdrawn.
• All travellers who arrive in Namibia with a negative PCR test result that is older than 72 hours but not older than 7 days, will be permitted to enter the country. However, they will be required to undergo seven-days supervised quarantine at home or tourism facility. In the event that these environments do not fulfill qurantine requirements, the travellers will be placed under mandatory Government quarantine facilities at own cost.
• Non-Namibians, who do not present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, will not be granted entry into Namibia.
• Returning Namibian citizens or Permit Holders may enter Namibia with or without a COVID-19 PCR test result. In the event such persons present a positive test result or no result at all, they will be subjected to mandatory quarantine and testing or isolation, after arrival. This provision shall also apply to aircraft and marine vessel crew members; humanitarian aid workers, essential service providers, as well as operators and drivers of cross-border transport vehicles who arrive in the country without the requisite test.
• Restrictions on passenger numbers in publc transport, private vehicles and group tour operators are herewith lifted. This means, vehicle occupancy can revert to the respective carrying capacities of a particular vehicle. However, drivers, passengers and operators are required to continue taking the necessary precautions.
• In line with the "Saving lives, economies and livelihood" campaign of the African Union (AU), Namibia will continue to harmonize the re-opening of borders and resumption of full economic and social activities. To this end, Namibia will gradually re-open borders on reciprocal basis and resume social activities including contact sports activities; face-to-face instruction for tertiary institutions and schools where social distancing is feasible.
• The limitation to the number of persons permitted at public gatherings shall be increased to a maximum of 200 persons until 30 November 2020.
• The protocols for COVID-19 burials will be conducted as per previous regulations.

South Africa has released a revised "banned leisure travel list"!

The Government of South Africa has revised the list of high-risk countries, whose tourists are banned from visiting the country ("banned leisure travel list"). The new list has 22 high risk countries, including major tourist source countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium Italy, Spain. People from these high risk countries may not travel to South Africa for leisure, but can apply to be allowed in the country if they are:

• business travellers
• holders of critical skills visas
• investors
• people on international mission in sports, arts, culture and science

Visitors from European countries on the list, coming to South Africa to stay for a three months period or more will be able to apply for an exception.

People who need to apply must direct email requests to: Covid19BusinessTravel@dha.gov.za, supported by:

• a copy of passport and/or temporary residence visa
• proof of business activities to be undertaken in South Africa
• proof of travel itinerary
• proof of address or accommodation in South Africa

Nothing has changed as far as all travellers from the continent of Africa are concerned. They are still welcome to visit South Africa subject to Covid-19 protocols.

The full list of banned countries includes:

1. Argentina
2. Germany
3. Peru
4. Bangladesh
5. India
6. Philippines
7. Belgium
8. Indonesia
9. Russia
10. Brazil
11. Iran
12. Spain
13. Canada
14. Iraq
15. United Kingdom
16. Chile
17. Italy
18. USA
19. Colombia
20. Mexico
21. France
22. Netherlands

Covid-19: South Africa will shortly publish an updated "banned leisure travel list"!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa today (15 October 2020) announced during an address to the Joint Sitting of Parliament on South Africa's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan that the Government of South Africa will shortly (!) be publishing an expanded list of countries from where resumption of international travel will be permitted. As of today (15 October 2020), leisure travellers from the following 60 countries are not permitted to enter South Africa:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Suriname, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Venezuela.

Namibia: Summarised entry & quarantine requirements for tourists! [update]

update (14 October 2020): According to a public notice by Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security the following ports of entry are open with immediate effect for entry to and departure from Namibia.

• Katima Mulilo Border Post (Namibia <> Zambia)
• Ariamsvlei Border Post (Namibia <> South Africa)
• Noordoewer Border Post (Namibia <> South Africa)
• Walvis Bay Harbour

The Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Germany has published the summarised entry & quarantine requirements for Namibia currently in place (as of 13 October 2020; subject to change) on Facebook. According to the information provided, international tourists are only allowed to enter Namibia through Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek and Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay. Tourists are not allowed to use public transport and need to procure a local SIM card when arriving at the airports. Upon entry, tourists need to provide the completed health questionaire and proof of booking of NTB*-registered destinations approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) for the first 5 days and proceed to pre-booked destinations. 

Tourists also need to

• present himself/herself to an authorised person for SARS-COV-2 PCR testing at own cost on the 5th day after arrival at a place indicated by an authorised person on arrival.
• contact of 7th day the authorised testing facility and enquire about the test result. If the test result is positiv, tourists have to submit into mandatory supervised isolation at own cost.

 

*NTB = Namibia Tourism Board

South Africa rolls out rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection at all ports of entry!

The Government of South Africa yesterday (08 October 2020) announced that rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection will be rolled out at all ports of entry in the country with immediate effect. Rapid antigen tests (different from antibody tests) are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection. Results of antigen tests are typically available within 15 minutes – as opposed to the roughly 48-hour turnaround time for polymerise chain reaction (PCR) tests. The cost for a rapid antigen test is R150-R170, while a PCR test usually costs R850. Please note that the cost of the antigen test has to be paid by the traveller and not South Africa or their country of origin. Also note that PCR tests have a much higher sensitivity and specificity than rapid antigen tests. The purpose of the rollout of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection is to effect the provisions of the level one travel regulations, which stipulate that all travellers that arrive at a South African port of entry without a certified negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result (not older than 72 hours) must be tested at the point of entry before entering the country.

In the event of a traveler arriving at a port of entry without a certified negative PCR test, this shall be the procedure:

• The traveller will be screened for signs and symptoms on arrival
• Upon failure to produce a certified polymerise chain reaction (PCR) test result, the traveller will be directed to a testing facility at the port of entry
• A staff member from National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) will collect the samples and conduct the test immediately
• The cost shall be borne by the traveller and the NHLS shall be remunerated upon testing. Travellers must be prepared to pay out of pocket (approximately R150 - R170) and claim the fees from their health insurance service provider (pending the relevant insurance agreement)
• If the traveller tests negative, he/ she will be allowed to proceed through the port of entry provided they have been cleared of red flags at the screening phase
• If the traveller tests positive he/ she will be required to quarantine at a facility designated by that particular port of entry. They will not be permitted to travel across provinces. Contacts of a traveller testing positive at the point of entry, including those who were in proximity of the traveller within the conveyance, will also be tracked and traced.
• Travellers who arrive without a certified PCR test and who refuse to test at the port of entry will not be permitted entry into South Africa and will be required to quarantine at a designated facility [src.]
  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently approved the use of rapid antigen tests as a point of care diagnostic for COVID-19 for screening and surveillance tool in the community where a rapid result is required at low cost. Rapid antigen tests have been commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

South Africa reinstated the visa exemption status of citizens of eleven countries!

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has reinstated the visa exemption status of citizens of several countries which was temporarily suspended at the start of the coronavirus lockdown period in March 2020. Effective since 04 October 2020, nationals of the following eleven countries are free to visit South Africa, subject to complying with the applicable regulations and health protocols:

• South Korea
• Spain
• Italy
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• USA*
• UK*
• France*
• Portugal
• Iran*
  

*The USA, UK, France and Iran are on South Africa's List of High Risk Countries (as of 30 September 2020) and therefore travellers from these are currently not allowed to travel to South Africa.

Namibia: The status quo of tourist-related Covid-19 regulations!

The Government of Namibia has published the Government Gazette No. 7346/Government Notice No. 235 through which the Amendment of Public Health COVID-19 General Regulations: Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015, is made public. The Government Gazette states the status quo of the tourist-related Covid-19 regulations as part of Namibia's International Tourism Revival Initiative (TRI). Of particular importance is:

• 4. Regulation 9 of the Regulations is amended by -
• (a) the substitution for subregulation (1) of the following regulation:
• (1) Subject to subregulation (1A), any person who enters Namibia as contemplated in regulation 8 is subject to quarantine requirements as set out in these regulations and the directives.
• (b) the insertion of the following subregulation after subregulation (1):
• (1A) A person who enters Namibia for tourism purposes is not subject to the quarantine requirements referred to in regulation (1), subject thereto that he or she otherwise  complies with the provisions of these regulations and applicable directives.
• (1B) A person contemplated in subregulation (1A) must: -
• (a) immediately proceed to the destinations for which he or she has booked beforehand in respect of the first five days of his or her stay and must inform the authorised officer of these destinations;
• (b) present himself or herself to an authorised person for SARS-COV-2 PCR testing on the fifth day after arrival at a place indicated by an authorised person on his or her arrival; and
• (c) on the seventh day after his or her arrival in Namibia, contact the authorised person referred to in paragraph (b) in the manner indicated by that person to enquire about the result of the test referred to in paragraph (b) and if the authorised person indicates that the result of the test is positive, subject him or herself to mandatory supervised isolation contemplated in regulation 22(1) subject to the directions of that authorised person.
• (1C) A person who contravenes the provisions of subregulation (1B) or fails to comply with those provisions, commits an offence and is on conviction liable to the penalties referred to in section 29(3) of the Act.
  

 

Botswana extends the state of emergency by another six month!

The Government of Botswana has extended the state of emergency for another six month until March 2021 to combat the spread of Covid-19. The country's President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced in an extraordinary meeting of Botswana's National Assembly on 27 September 2020 that the extension will allow the Government to introduce a different set of regulations geared at preventing the further spread of the disease. These measures inlcude controlling the movement of people, restricting public gatherings, the prohibition of entry into the republic by non-citizen, suspension of the retrenchment of workers and certain laws, as well as the provision of payment of people affected by the regulation. President Masisi added the state of emergency will be used solely for the purpose of fighting the spread of the Covid-19 in Botswana. 

Botswana first declared a state of public emergency with effect from 02 April 2020 for an initial 21 days which was later extended for six months until  02 October 2020.

South Africa reopens its borders for international travellers from medium-risk and low-risk countries! [update]

update (01 October 2020): The Government of South Africa encourages the international travellers who intend to visit South Africa to download the COVID Alert SA app on their smartphones so that they are able to monitor and minimise their risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus. 

update (01 October 2020): South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has released an official list of countries currently rated as "high risk". The list will be reviewed every fortnight. Travellers from the following countries are not permitted to enter South Africa:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Suriname, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Venezuela.

update (30 September 2020): According to media reports from South Africa, the following countries are currently regarded as "high risk": Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Nepal, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, St Martin, Slovakia, Slovenia, Suriname, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Kingdom, The United States of America, Virgin Islands and Venezuela.
According to other sources, the following countries are on South Africa's "banned leisure travel list": Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Faroe Islands, France, French Polynesia, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Nepal, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Palau, Paraguay, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, St Marteen, Slovakia, Slovenia, Suriname, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands and Venezuela.
We'll update the list as soon as an offical "high-risk country list" is available.The "banned leisure travel list" itself will be reviewed regularly.

South Africa's borders will gradually open for international travel for business, leisure and other travel on 01 October 2020. The reopening is guided by the communique published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Public Health on considerations for international travel on 30 July 2020. South Africa will open its three major airports (OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban) for international travellers, as well as 18 land borders to allow ease of travel from African countries. 

International travellers:

The Government of South Africa has developed a risk categorisation model for different international travellers. This model classifies international travellers according to a scale of high risk, medium risk and low risk. Travellers from high-risk countries (countries with higher numbers of Covid-19 infections and reported deaths compared to South Africa) will not be permitted to enter South Africa. The exception will be business travellers with scarce and critical skills including diplomats, repatriated persons, investors and people participating in professional sporting and cultural events will undergo the same health protocol screenings.
Travellers from medium-risk countries (countries with relatively equal number of infections of Covid-19 and death toll to South Africa) and travellers from low-risk countries (countries with lesser number of infections of Covid-19 and death toll than South Africa) are allowed to enter South Africa.
If the passport of the traveller from a high-risk country indicates that he/she has spent 10 days or more in a low risk country before departure, he/she will be considered to be arriving from a low risk country.
Travellers from medium-risk countries and low-risk countries will only be allowed into the country subject to the prevailing visa requirements.
Airlines from hig- risk countries are not necessarily banned, but their crew will be required to isolate in facilities at designated accommodation at the cost of their employer.
Long term visa holders who visit South Africa for business purposes will be allowed to travel to South Africa These travellers will also be subject to health screenings for Covid-19 symptoms at the port of entry.  
South Africa reserves the right to deny entry of any traveller who is travelling from a high-risk country for tourism purposes.

International travellers permitted to visit South Africa will be expected to produce a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa. This test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted such test.
Upon arrival in the port of entry, travellers will be screened for any Covid-19 symptoms or for contact with people who have been infected with Covid-19.
Travellers will also need to provide proof of accommodation address should they need to  self-quarantine at the time of arrival in South Africa.
Should travellers display any Covid-19–related symptoms or been in contact with an infected person(s), they will be expected to take a mandatory Covid-19 test.  This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the Covid-19 test comes back positive, travellers will be subjected to a 10 day quarantine at a designated site. The accommodation at a quarantine site will be at the traveller’s cost.
Travellers are also required to possess a travel insurance which is supposed to cover the Covid-19 test and quarantine cost.

African travellers:

Travellers from all African countries are allowed to enter South Africa, but must possess relevant travel documents. African travellers will also be screened for Covid-19 symptoms.

Sea Ports:

To facilitate ease of transportation of goods and medicines to and from South Africa at sea ports, ships will be allowed to dock, load and off-load cargo. Crew members from the cargo ships will be allowed to crew changes. These crew members will also be medically screened for Covid-19 symptoms. Passenger liners for luxury travel are still not allowed to dock and off-load passengers. [src.]

Uganda: Uganda Airlines to resume operations!

Uganda's flag carrier, Uganda Airlines, has announced the resumption of international flights. Effective 01 October 2020, the airline will restart its service with scheduled return flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Juba Airport (JUB) in Juba and Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu. At a later stage, Uganda Airlines will also resume flights to Bujumbura, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa and Zanzibar. The airline also plans to launch scheduled operations to Kinshasa, Lusaka, Harare and Johannesburg. We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

Namibia ends COVID-19 State of Emergency! [update]

update (24 September 2020): The Government of Namibia has released the current Covid-19 restrictive measures. These regulations come into effect today and cease to have effect at 24:00 on 21 October 2020.

update (18 September 2020): According to Namibia's Attorney General Festus Bandeka, certain restrictions will remain in place under the new dispensation to deal with COVID-19:

• wearing of masks remains mandatory
• restrictions for public transport remain in place
• public gatherings will remain at 50
  

Restrictions have been lifted for alcohol to be sold for on-site consumption until 22:00 and gambling, casinos will be allowed to operate as well until that time. The restrictions around Khomas region have also been removed and curfew is lifted while borders are open through Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek.

Namibia's President Dr. Hage G. Geingob has announced during a media briefing to update the nation on the latest COVID-19 situation in the country on 17 September 2020 that Namibia's COVID-19 State of Emergency, along with current regulations, is due to lapse at midnight tonight (17 September 2020). The COVID-19 State of Emergency in Namibia was declared six month ago on 17 March 2020.
The Government of Namibia will monitor the situation for a period of 14 days to determine the way forward under a new dispensation. When warranted, risk-appropriate measures will be introduced. As from 18 September 2020, new directives will be issued by Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, in terms of the provisions of the Public and Environment Act. We'll keep you posted.

Cape Town: Iziko Museums of South Africa has reopened four museums!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has reopened four museums in Cape Town to the public today (17 September 2020) after six month of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Iziko South African Museum, the Iziko South African National Gallery, the Iziko Slave Lodge and the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum have reopened to the public, and are running under new operating hours. The museums are open from 10:00 to 14:00 from Tuesdays to Sundays. There will be two entry sessions – from 10:00 until 11:30, and 12:00 until 14:00; visitors are asked to arrive fifteen minutes before the sessions begin, so that staff of Iziko Museums can swiftly screen the visitors before entering. This includes taking temperature, receiving contact details and accepting payment. Entry will not be permitted without a mask.
Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Coronavirus pandemic: South Africa moves to alert level one!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in a televised address to the nation on 16 September 2020 that South Africa will move to alert level one of the country's risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19 at midnight on 20 September 2020. The move will mean a further easing of restrictions on gatherings (with effect from 20 September 2020) as well as a gradually and cautiously easing of restrictions on international travel (with effect from 01 October 2020). This move recognises that levels of infection in South Africa are relatively low and that there is sufficient capacity in the country's health system to manage the current need.

Restrictions on gatherings (with effect from 20 September 2020):

• Social, religious, political and other gatherings will be permitted, as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings.
• Health protocols, such as washing or sanitising of hands, social distancing and mask-wearing, will need to be strictly observed.
• The maximum number of people who may attend a funeral is increased from 50 to 100 due to the higher risk of viral transmission at funerals. Night vigils are still not permitted.
• Venues for exercise, recreation and entertainment – such as gyms and theatres – which were limited to no more than 50 people, will now be allowed to accommodate up to 50% of their venue’s capacity as determined by available floor space, subject to social distancing and other health protocols. 
• Existing restrictions on sporting events remain in place.
  

Restrictions on international travel (with effect from 01 October 2020):

• Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published based on the latest scientific data.
• Travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown or one of the three main airports: King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.
• On arrival, travellers will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
• Where a traveller has not done a COVID-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost.
• All travellers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted.
• All travellers will be asked to install the "COVID Alert South Africa" mobile app.

In preparation for the re-opening of the country's borders, South African missions abroad will open for visa applications and all long-term visas will be reinstated. 

The following restrictions will also change in alert level one (with effect from 20 September 2020):

• The hours of curfew have been changed. The curfew will now apply between midnight and 04:00.
• The sale of alcohol at retail outlets for home consumption is now permitted from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00.
• Alcohol will be permitted for on-site consumption in licensed establishments only and with strict adherence to the curfew.

According to President Ramaphosa, the updated regulations will be published In the next few days and Ministers will provide detailed briefings. We'll keep you posted!

South Africa to welcome international travellers again from 01 October 2020! [update]

update (16 September 2020): King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will also reopen for international air travel from 01 October 2020. Travellers will only be able to use those land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa just announced during a televised address to the nation that South Africa will reopen its borders with effect from 01 October 2020. The country's two main airports, OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, will reopen for international air travel and will welcome travellers from 01 October 2020.

Please note that international travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that are deemed high risk. A list of countries will be published based on the latest scientific data. International travellers must meet the following requirements to ensure safety:

• On arrival, travellers will need to present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
• All travellers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to have a Covid-19 test.
• Where necessary travellers will need to enter mandatory quarantine facilities at their own cost
• Travellers will be asked to download the "Covid Alert South Africa" mobile app for smartphones.

We'll keep you posted!

Coronavirus pandemic: Namibia remains in stage three lockdown for another 5 days!

Namibia's President Hage Geingob has announced during a media briefing to update the nation on the latest COVID-19 situation in the country on 11 September 2020 that all 14 regions of Namibia will remain in stage three of the COVID-19 state of emergency for another 5 days (13 September 2020 - midnight on 17 September 2020). As of 11 September 2020, Namibia had 9,437 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 98 deaths. A total of 4,898 individuals have recovered from the disease.

The following measures will apply during the extended stage three of Namibia's COVID-19 state of emergency (travel and tourism related only):

• Travel restrictions into and out of the City of Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth Local Authority Areas remain in force.
• International travel:
• Travel out of Namibia will be permitted via Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, subject to quarantine at own cost (!) upon return.
• Entry and exit into Namibia for business travel purposes will be permitted Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. This is in addition to the tourism revival initiative and subject to quarantine at own cost (!) upon arrival or return.
• To complement economic activities, the daily curfew hours will now commence from 22:00 to 05:00 countrywide
• The following business activities will be permitted to resume, countrywide, including within the restricted areas of the City of Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth Local Authorities:
• Restaurants, Cafes and Informal Food Traders may reopen for sit down meals and may sell alcohol for onsite consumption only.
• For Shebeens, Bars and Liquor Outlets, trading hours for the sale of alcohol will remain the same countrywide and alcohol is only to be sold for off-site consumption (!)
• Entertainment events, conferences and workshops may resume, in compliance with the limit on public gatherings (50 people max.!) as well as health and hygiene protocols.
• Nightclubs and gambling houses are to remain closed (!) for the duration of this period. Due to the curfew (22:00 - 05:00), theses businesses may not be able to operate.

Table Mountain National Park: Lion's Head summit has been reopened to the public!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Lions Head summit situated within the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) reopens today. Cape Town's famous landmark was closed to the public since June 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic. SANParks encourages all users to adhere to the regulations to avoid possible re-closure of the the Lions Head summit. The following protocols have been put in place:

• Rangers will be positioned at various entry points to check that users are compliant with Covid 19 regulations stipulated by South Africa's National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
• Limitations of user numbers may be imposed at the sergeant ranger’s discretion.
• Maintain social distancing by at least 1.5m at all times.
• Users accessing the summit must wear their masks at all times. No mask no entry.
• Users are to sanitize their hands before and after making use of the staples/ladder and or chain area of Lions Head.
• Picnicking and gathering in social groups is not allowed.

Lion's Head is a mountain in Cape Town between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Lion's Head, which peaks at 669 metres above sea level, is part of the Table Mountain National Park.

Zimbabwe sets dates for the reopening of its airspace for domestic and international flights!

Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, announced during a post-cabinet briefing on 08 September 2020 that the country has set dates for the reopening of its airspace for domestic and international flights. Domestic flights in Zimbabwe will resume on 10 September 2020, while international flights will be allowed again from 01 October 2020.
For the resumption of flights, standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been put in place at some of the country's domestic airports and all its international airports. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has introduced new health protocols to increase hygiene at the airports. These include temperature testing, social distancing, sanitisation and mandatory wearing of masks. Travellers planning to board a flights to or in Zimbabwe will be required to have a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Covid-19 clearance certificate issued by a recognised facility within 48 hours from the date of departure in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. 

#PostCabinetBriefing Domestic and International flights will resume on 10 September and 1 October respectively. All travellers will be required to have a PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure. pic.twitter.com/xqHB3p5X0F

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) September 8, 2020

Namibia's International Tourism Revival Initiative: Namibia stops enforcing mandatory quarantine for tourists!

Namibia's Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, has announced ammendments to the country's International Tourism Revival Initiative (TRI) protocols. Since the TRI protocols got implemented, Namibia has failed to record a single tourist arrival. This, as well as the fact that other countries in the region have opened up their borders with fewer restictions, has led the Government of Namibia to amend the TRI protocols in order to keep the country's tourism industry competetive. The TRI protocols are amended as follows:

1. Upon arrval at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, tourists proceed to the pre-booked destination and engage in the planned daily tourist activities at the facility for the numer of days the tourist is staying there.
2. If tourists intend to spend less than five days at the pre-booked facility, tourists can proceed to the next destination. However, on day five, tourists must be available for a PCR test ("swabbing") whereever they are.
3. Tourists must be reachable on day seven to receive the results of the PCR test ("swabbing").
4. If the result is negative, tourists are released from any surveillance. If the result is positive, tourists will be taken to the isolation facilities identified by Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services and treated at their own cost and according to national case management guidelines.

Coronavirus pandemic: Mozambique enters "situation of public calamity" for an indefinite period!

The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, announced in a televised speech to the nation on 04 September 2020 that from today (07 September 2020) the "state of emergency" in Mozambique is getting replaced by a "situation of public calamity" for an indefinite period as a way to maintain the COVID-19 preventive measures. According to the President, most of the current measures remain the same, but with some relaxations on restrictions. Mozambique's borders are open from today and international flights are allowed again. Beaches are also open and religious services of up to 250 people are permitted. Bars are still closed and the use of masks in public places remains mandatory except during physical activities.
As of 04 September 2020, Mozambique had 4,207 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths. A total of 2,370 individuals have recovered from the disease.