Confused about the ever-changing list of countries South Africans are/are not allowed to travel to? Travel website Skyscanner has the solution: a new mapping tool showing Covid-19 flight and travel restrictions in effect around the world.
The map uses data from the International Air Transport Association and shows the latest info on which countries South Africans are currently banned from, those they may travel to and those with moderate restrictions.
Due to the Covid-19 variant 501Y.V2 discovered in South Africa, many countries have imposed either an all out ban or major restrictions on travellers from South Africa.
Co-chairperson of the ministerial advisory committee Prof Salim Abdool Karim recently asked governments across the globe to stop labelling 501Y.V2 the “South African variant” due to the harsh restrictions being imposed on South Africans, which he believes are unnecessary and unjust.
“Even though the virus in this particular variant was first described in South Africa, it might not have emanated from South Africa. It is inappropriate to call it a South African variant. It is better to call it by its name,” he said.
Nevertheless, Skyscanner’s map currently only lists 7 countries that South Africans may travel to with low restrictions, such as no quarantine on arrival. These include Cameroon, Costa Rica, Afghanistan and Albania.
By contrast, there are 120 countries that have major restrictions, which range from an all-out ban to entrance subject to being a citizen and/or meeting stringent requirements such as long quarantine periods. These include most of South America, all of North America, most of Europe, most of Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India.
There are 98 countries with moderate restrictions for South African travellers, whereby travel is possible with certain entry requirements such as a Covid-19 negative test and quarantine on arrival. This list includes most African countries, several South American countries such as Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia and Columbia, and a few Eastern European countries such as Belarus and the Ukraine.
Check for updates direct on Skyscanner’s map here.
For expert advice on Covid-compliant travel and destination bookings, contact your nearest Sure Travel agency (find yours here), or call 0861 47 48 49.