South Africa has opened its borders to all international travellers, in a bold move designed to kickstart the country’s economy.

The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphos, announced the country would be moving to augmented alert level one.

International travellers will need to supply a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 72 hours from the date of departure from their country, and will only be permitted to fly into OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport or Cape Town International Airport.

South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona said: “We are excited by the full opening of our international borders because this is a strong testament of the fact that we are open for both business and leisure travel.

“This opening brings certainty for South Africa, as a travel destination putting us back on the map and on the radar for many travellers who want to come [and] explore our beautiful country.”

“We know that now more than ever, traveller behaviour is influenced by trust and confidence, so our country has put in place globally-benchmarked health and safety protocols.

“We thank all partners from here in South Africa and across the world for their ongoing support and patience. As we gradually welcome tourists and business travellers from all over the world, we look forward to engaging with our partners once again as we work together to package South Africa for various tourists’ needs.

“While we know that there won’t an immediate influx of tourists, as other countries are now experiencing second waves of the pandemic and have imposed travel restrictions for their citizens, we look forward to welcoming those tourists that are able to come.”

There currently more than 37,000 active cases of COVID-19 in South Africa right now, with almost 2,000 cases identified between 17 November and 18 November alone, according to South Africa’s Minister for Health, Zweli Mkhize.

Featured image source: iStock.com/SL_Photography