KenBoffard

Fischz is correct. RSA is within 72 hours of departure. My son has just transited Frankfurt and was specifically asked there for his PCR which was checked for being within 48 hr validity.
RSA has closed 20 Land borders. This was mainly for control of Migrant workers from neighbouring states, all of whom also have to produce PCR’s. All other International borders (especially airport) remain fully open. Although there is a curfew (21:00-05:00) this has not affected passengers on flights e.g. KL and QR.

LufthansaFlyer

This excerpt from the article makes me think airports are impacted the same way. ZA has a way of explaining regulations in a half-a$$ way usually.

Travel into and out of the country will be permitted for:

• The transportation of fuel, cargo and goods
• Emergency medical attention for life-threatening conditions – with proof of such a condition
• The return of South African nationals, permanent residents, or persons with valid visas
• Diplomats
• Departure of foreign nationals
• Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa. A person may apply for emergency travel at the Department of Home Affairs

Ditto

That one is on them (the citizen) and not on the government, the president clearly announced this applies to the 20 land borders and the same was gezetted (the citizen chose to omit the word 'land' from their article).

LufthansaFlyer

thanks. Got to love the accuracy of the media!

Ditto

The reason behind it is that this creates large gatherings at border posts, arguably everyone should have a recent negative PCR but that's often not the case, and I think it's fair to assume there is very little, if at all, social distancing and people properly wearing masks at those 'gatherings'.

Postdoc

I note that funerals are now limited to two hours max. With 50 mourners in attendance, that's ample time to spread the new variant. And presumably casinos are still open. The SA government really understands its priorities <shakes head in disbelief>.

Stewie Mac

apologies all, what i get for blindly trusting the citizen. i'll crawl back under my rock for nine months...

Ditto

All which should be wearing masks and keeping their distance for those 2 hours, that's much better than the previous provisions of 250 or so and allowing various other gatherings before/after the funeral
Unfortunately funerals are a big thing in some of the local culture, much like they are in some other religions I suppose.
Casinos are still open, so are restaurants, shops and other "economic activities", I'm not sure allowing "tourists" to cross land borders have a lot of economic advantage (crossing with a business and other long-term visas is still allowed)

KenBoffard

Looks like resumption of BA flights, scheduled to start again on 19/20 Jan has been changed to 4/5 February for LHR to JNB & return.
QR flying 2-3 x per day though

EvilDoctorK

I get the sense that the recent 'excitement' over the South African variant is subsiding a bit as people seem more confident that it's not going to compromise vaccine efficacy .. The next focus for a travel restriction pile on now seems to be Brazil .. UK restrictions on Brazil and neighbouring countries apparently expected imminently ... So probably restrictions on SA will not last that much longer than currently planned would be my guess ( and as amply noted above the restrictions aren't that strict anyway )

Ditto

Well the Dutch government seems to think otherwise, they announced this morning or last night that they now require a rapid test for those coming from ZA (and the UK) in addition to the PCR test already required, and this extends to transit PAX as well.
Let's hope other countries don't follow...

EvilDoctorK

Hadn't seen that , but yes hope not

jsnydcsa

Well, options to travel to/from SA just got a little more limited.

Emirates Temporary Suspension
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...nds-sa-flights

KLM suspends weekend flights and requires more testing.
https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/arti...eekend-flights
"passengers from South Africa [and IRL and UK] need to have the following to travel to or via The Netherlands:
A negative rapid test (antigen test);
A negative PCR test that has been taken within 72 hours before arrival in The Netherlands. (NHS tests from the UK are not permitted);
A signed and printed test declaration;
Passengers are also strongly advised to go into quarantine for 10 days after arrival in The Netherlands and to only travel when it is essential."

bigbadjoe

Anyone heard when the alcohol ban in South Africa will be lifted or reviewed?
We are trying to get out to SA to assess and attend to my aged mother's care needs and have postponed our trip twice now due to high infection levels here and in SA. Where my mother lives (Knysna) the number of infections have been dropping significantly in the last week or so which is hopeful and we currently have our departure date set at 17th March. We have all the ducks in a row (Battleface Insurance, booked pre departure PCR tests, located PCR testing in SA, staying in private rented accommodation, masks, gloves, etc.). It just won't be much fun being in SA without a Klippies & Coke! Already planning to take a "medicinal" bottle of gin in the suitcase.

Ditto

I don't think anyone knows what the restrictions would look like in March, at best "rumours" will pop up couple of days before the official announcement/regulations.