Covid-19: Lesotho has reopened borders!

The Government of Lesotho has eased the Covid-19 restrictions last week. The country is now open for regular travel, including tourism, through all border crossings and Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), which is located about 15 km southeast of Maseru. Travellers intending to visit Lesotho need to present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure when entering the country. There are no restrictions on intercity or interstate travel within Lesotho. Covid-19 health and safety protocols must be followed at all times, including observance of guidelines for social distancing, sanitation and hygiene, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, like cloth face masks. Supermarkets, pharmacies and most businesses can operate in line with safety protocols. Accomodation facilities in Lesotho are allowed to open with 100% occupancy. Public recreational areas (such as parks) are permitted to operate, while nightclubs remain closed. Liquor stores are allowed to operate from Mondays to Sundays (08:00 - 20:00). The daily curfew starts at 22:00 and ends at 04:00. Public transport is allowed to operate at 100% capacity.

South Africa opens its borders to all travellers!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during an address to the nation on 11 November 2020 that the country is opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate that was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. By using rapid antigen tests for Covid-19 detection and strict monitoring the South African Government intends to limit the spread of the infection through importation. The amendment to the "Disaster Management Act, 2002" came into effect at 00:01 on 12 November 2020.

btw - South Africa's Government has also amaneded the alert level 1 regulations to restore the normal trading hours for the sale of alcohol at retail outlets.

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!