South Africa doesn’t plan to open its doors to international tourists before February 2021, based on the information released by the country’s parliament.
Business travel to the country is possible earlier (date unclear), while domestic tourism in South Africa would not return before December and international in February 2021.
Here’s an excerpt from the South African government:
The committees note that in level 3 of the lockdown commencing on 1 June 2020, that certain areas of business tourism will be able to operate whilst domestic travel will reopen in December. The much-anticipated international tourism will commence in February 2021. In the meantime, the Department of Tourism must continue to work closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the world-class e-visa regimes continue to be developed in more countries and implemented.
The Minister informed the committees that the department will submit the Tourism Amendment Bill after the finalisation of the White Paper on Tourism, which will be at the end of this financial year.
“In the meantime, whilst the department is drafting the Tourism Recovery Plan, we are confident that the liaison that is happening with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will ensure that local economic development finds its rightful place in villages, townships and small towns, which is where poverty, inequality and unemployment are more prevalent,” said the Chair of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo.
Conclusion
When I was back in Johannesburg and Cape Town this February, it never came to my mind that the country would be soon closed for international arrivals for an extended period.
Tourism is an important sector, especially in the Western Cape. Not sure how all these businesses can survive a year without any revenue?
Let’s hope that there are positive developments on the Covid-19 pandemic so that South Africa could revisit this guidance and reopen the country’s borders earlier.
This is a good reminder that it doesn’t make much sense to make any flight bookings right now because it is unclear when countries are welcoming international visitors again.
LOL 😆 Who in his right mind would want to visit South Africa?
It was a turd 10 years ago, I can only imagine what it smells like today.
Free of Californians, its wonderful
Anybody in their right mind who doesn’t have tunnel vision.
I’d rather visit South Africa than just about any other country.
Especially with a name like Tan, they probably would’t want you in there anyway, I love South Africa, Asian and China Virus free zone… you can stay in China buddy with all your sniveling and groveling Communist China Virus spreading countrymen….. wonderful
@robdublu LOL 😆 No one cares about your opinion idiot. I have no interest in visiting South Africa and lots o people that I trust advised my against it. Overrated and corrupt unlike my beloved Singapore where you would not be allowed to enter. Idiot! LOL
The best thing about Singapore is the 4 floors of whores in Orchard Towers!
Reading the 8 comments so far, I was reminded of an article on faz.net (if I remember correctly, Sebastian has German roots, so he at least will be able to read this): https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/streitkultur-im-netz-ist-das-internet-zu-amerikanisch-16782949.html
Why is “Idiot!”, “turd”, “dickheads”, and some underlying racism in the mix acceptable language?!? Who in their right mind enjoys reading (and posting!) this filthy crap? Shall we just give up, and not use the Internet anymore… Seems like even the most basic manners of how to discuss with each other are simply too much to worry about.
I for one (in my limited English) feel sick and tired reading hateful comments that simply do not add any information to posts I do find interest in.
Maybe the “Comments” section should simply disappear??
You’re right JayJay. By now, we should have learned how to post more with more civility. Posting comes with a sense of security as the person isn’t in front of you. In real-life, many would never say these things to your face unless drunk or high and even then probably not that often. Regardless whether it is a loyalty blog or not, some need reminding that we all would be in a better position if posts moved a conversation forward. Like I say to my son, “Consider what you did today to make yourself better or build others up?” The alternative is above.
I think the issue and shirty responses come when people denigrate something based upon hearsay / rumors.
If I just read certain newspapers and based my opinions based upon a certain spectrum then I could make equally divisive / denigrating comments.
Is Singapore wonderful – I don’t know… so I won’t comment upon it. Is South Africa an amazing country – yes… and I base that upon facts from over 20 visits.
Comments should be limited to experience and knowledge – not wild speculation.
I would say that comment quality is most of the time good.
Personally, I love visiting the country that I do almost yearly.
I would also add that anyone of a certain intellectual level, who has a valid argument does not need any pounding “verbal enhancers”. I would suggest to ignore them as they are in a suicidal risk group…when they jump from their ego level onto their IQ one…
Dickheads, I guess thats what you get when you let…. say no more in this politically correct 2000’s, the place is going broke
@robdubluu LOL 😆 No one cares about your opinion idiot. I have no interest in visiting South Africa and lots o people that I trust advised my against it. Overrated and corrupt unlike my beloved Singapore where you would not be allowed to enter. Idiot! LOL 😆