South Africa has opened its borders to international travel, following more than 7 months closure of ports of entry to non-essential travel to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
President Cyril Rampahosa in a speech on Wednesday, extended the national state of disaster until December but said the ban on international flights is being lifted to allow businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector benefit. He said visitors would be required to follow relevant health protocols.
Ramaphosa also said, opening up international travel to all countries is subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative covid-19 certificate. He said the country intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation by now using rapid tests and strict monitoring.
South Africa is one of the hardest-hit countries in Africa with 745,000 covid-19 infections.
The country has recorded coronavirus-related deaths totalling 20,076.