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This page includes FAQs, best practice and other resources such as toolkits to help businesses understanding travel requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ll update this page as more tools and resources become available – keep checking back for updates.

Do I need a CIPC Certificate to operate as an accommodation offering for essential and permitted services workers?

No, you don't. What you need is permission to operate from the National Department of Tourism during Alert Level 4. You will be required to provide proof that the workers are performing essential services, and will be required to submit all...

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What happens if I am travelling for an emergency and need to find accommodation?

If you need to travel during Alert Level 4, the best solution would be to find an accommodation offering in the area that has permission to operate from the National Department of Tourism. What if there is no establishment in the area I need to...

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If I have essential and permitted services workers in my accommodation and have had for a while, do I need to apply to the National Department of Tourism (NDT) for permission to operate?

Yes you need to apply to the National Department of Tourism for permission during Alert Level 4 It would indeed be necessary to regulate your accommodation services by applying to the National Department of Tourism (NDT) for permission to...

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If you have an international guest in your establishment, where must their details be logged?

SA Tourism has created The Central Traveller Registry for accommodation establishments who do not have a visitor management system. Please see below for instructions on how to submit: Please download this excel file here Once...

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As an Airbnb Host, how can I determine whether I am eligible for the $250million fund that Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced?

Airbnb has announced several key initiatives and policies, including $250 million USD to help accommodation hosts impacted by COVID-19-related cancellations. To learn more about Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances Policy, click here. To learn...

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Are any other short-term measures being undertaken by the Department of Tourism to aid in the COVID-19 crisis?

According to the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, in her statement released on the 24 March, plans are well underway to establish the Tourism Services Call Centre where affected businesses can get information on the available relief...

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What is the criteria to qualify for the Tourism Relief Fund?

According to the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, in her statement released on the 24 March, the criteria to qualify for the Tourism Relief Fund is outlined as follows: 1) Must be a formally registered business with the Companies...

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What are the business categories that the Tourism Relief Fund will target?

According to the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, in her statement released on the 24 March 2020, the following categories will be accounted for: accommodation, hotels, resort properties and bed and breakfasts hospitality and...

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What is meant by the new exemption for accommodation establishments under the Competition Act issued on 27 March by the Minister of Department of Trade, Industry and Competition?

Regulations have been passed (Competition Regulations: COVOID-19 Block Exemption for the Hotel Industry, 27 March 2020) exempting certain agreements and practices in the hotel industry from section 4 and 5 of the Competition Act (restrictive...

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I have a guest from a high-risk country, that arrived after 9 March 2020, what must I do?

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that: ‘all foreign tourists that arrived in the Republic prior to or after the lockdown, and who remain in the Republic, must...

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I have an accommodation establishment with guests, may my staff come in during lockdown?

According to the Disaster Management Act Regulations (“Lockdown Regulations”) published on 25 March 2020, and amended on 2 April 2020, hotels, lodges, and guest houses are closed to the public, except to the extent that they are required...

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Can I move between provinces?

The Disaster Management Regulations issued on 29 April 2020, regulating Alert Level 4, state the following: Movement between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts are prohibited except for: For workers who have a permit to perform...

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Are there any special conditions that would allow for a foreign national to enter the country during the lockdown?

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that the cabinet member responsible for home affairs, or a person designated by him or her, may allow a person who requires to...

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What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

The Disaster Management Regulations issued on 18 and 25 March 2020 define isolation and quarantine as follows: ‘Isolation’ means separating a sick individual with a contagious disease from healthy individuals without that contagious...

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Are there domestic or international flights during the lockdown?

According to a statement made by Minister Fikile Mbalula in accordance with the National Lockdown, all domestic and international flights are prohibited irrespective of the risk category of the country of origin, during the lockdown...

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I am a foreign national from a high-risk country, I arrived after 9 March. Do I need to go into quarantine for 14 days, or can I leave the country?

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Have any airports been closed in South Africa?

In the International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel) Directions, 2020, all international and domestic passenger flights are prohibited irrespective of the risk category of the country of origin. The loading...

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What is the current protocol in place for international travellers arriving in South Africa from high-risk countries?

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that all borders of the Republic of South Africa are closed during the period of lockdown (23hr29 on 26 March 2020 – 23hr59...

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Has the Department of Transport issued any regulations related to COVID-19?

Yes, the Minister of Transport issued the International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel) Regulations, in terms of Section 43(1)(h) of the International Air Services Act on 18 March 2020. The regulations commenced...

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I am a foreigner from a high-risk country, but need to travel to South Africa for an emergency, can I still do so?

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that “the Cabinet member responsible for Home Affairs or a person designated by him or her, may allow a person who requires...

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I have a visitor visa that expires during lockdown, what should I do?

In the Directions issued by the Department of Home Affairs on 26 March 2020, a person whose visitor’s visa has reached its maximum validity period and is technically not renewable will be allowed to apply for the same visa with the same terms...

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I am a foreign national, but not from a high-risk country, can I still travel to South Africa if I avoid transit through a high-risk country?

The Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that: “There will be no flights at all during the lockdown. Furthermore, land borders will all be closed except for essential goods and services being transported to neighbouring...

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I am from a country, which under normal circumstances, does not need a visa for South Africa, do I need one now?

In the Directions published by the Department of Home Affairs on 26 March 2020, during the period of National Lock-down, no foreigner may be issued with a visa for purposes of travel into the Republic, and no person will be allowed entry into, or...

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I am from China or Iran, can I still get a visa to visit South Africa?

In the Directions published by the Department of Home Affairs on 26 March 2020, during the period of National Lock -down, no foreigner may be issued with a visa for purposes of travel into the Republic, and no person will be allowed entry into,...

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May I travel to South Africa, if I am not from a high- or medium-risk country?

In the Directions published by the Department of Home Affairs on 26 March 2020, during the period of National Lock -down, no foreigner may be issued with a visa for purposes of travel into the Republic, and no person will be allowed entry into,...

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I am from a medium-risk country, may I travel to South Africa?

In the Directions published by the Department of Home Affairs on 26 March 2020, during the period of National Lockdown, no foreigner may be issued with a visa for purposes of travel into the Republic, and no person will be allowed entry into,...

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I have a visa to travel to South Africa, may I enter the country?

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I am a foreign national may I leave South Africa?

The amended Transport (Air Services) Regulations (click here to download) have made provision for repatriation flights for foreign nationals. The first flight left for Brazil on the 31st of March from O.R. Tambo International,...

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I am a South African returning from a high-risk country, what can I expect?

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that: “There will be no flights at all during lockdown. Furthermore, land borders will all be closed except to essential...

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Will a permanent resident returning to South Africa from a high-risk country be allowed to disembark?

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If my guests are unable to travel, what happens to their booking on sites such as Expedia.com or bookings.com?

Guests are to check with the booking platform directly to see cancellations policies. Expedia Bookings.com

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My flight has been cancelled, what must I do?

South Africa is in lockdown from midnight 26 March 2020 until Midnight on 16 April 2020. Consequently, all international and domestic passenger flights are prohibited irrespective of the risk category of the country of origin. (As stated in the...

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When will flights resume?

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that: “There will be no flights at all during lockdown”. The South African government will continue to monitor the situation.

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I am a South African, can I travel outside the country, at present?

There will be no flights at all during lockdown. Furthermore, land borders will all be closed except to essential goods and services being transported to neighbouring countries. This is in accordance with the Regulations made in terms of...

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Where do I find a list of high-risk and medium-risk countries?

Currently, high and medium risk countries are designated as follows through the President's speech, with the information from the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Transport. The high-risk countries are: China France ...

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What is the protocol for a foreign traveller who is in South Africa at present?

According to the statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March 2020, all international travellers who arrived in South Africa after 9 March 2020 from high-risk countries will be confined to their hotels until they have completed a...

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Best Practice

Hospitality Resilience A self-isolation vacation

Few industries were hit as hard by the COVID-19 pandemic than those in tourism and hospitality. With travel bans instituted across the globe, airline operations ground to a halt, service providers offering experiences in destination, could only look on as pre-booked...

Experience Resilience Norval Foundation

Cape Town and the Western Cape is a famous destination for Arts and Culture, with the province boasting a rich history and heritage. The destination is home to some of the most significant art collections in the world and is very much the arts hub of the African...

Tourism Resilience Rare Earth Retreats Rare Offer

The tourism industry was one of the first industries to be hit by the COVID-19 crisis. Travel bans, social distancing and self-isolation resulted in average occupancies going from 70% during March, which is generally a high season for the Western Cape tourism...

Latest News

25 March 2020. Minister Fikile Mabalula unpacks implications for transport during lockdown

25 March 2020. Read the statement here by Minister Fikile Mbaulua on the implications for transport during the Coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown.

24 March 2020. COVID-19 interventions for the tourism industry

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa speech on 23 March 2020 which announced new measures that have been effected including a nationwide lockdown to safeguard the well-being of all South Africans, the Department of Tourism has issued a statement relating to the...

23 March 2020 Statement by Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa

Read the statement given by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the escalation of measures to combat COVID-19 epidemic here (President Speech 23 March 2020.)

Toolkits

WORKPLACE SAFETY: HOW TO MANAGE COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE

WHAT DO YOU DO IF ONE OF YOUR STAFF TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19? Having the right information at hand, and handling this sensitive situation is very important. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you manage COVID-19 in the workplace. Download here and print....

WORKPLACE SAFETY: GENERAL WORKPLACE SAFETY POSTER

BE SAFE. KEEP JOBS. The safety of your staff is paramount to your business. Here is a range of posters for staff areas, with helpful guides and reminders on how being safe is everyone responsibility. Download your WORKPLACE SAFETY POSTER here. DO YOU NEED MORE...

WORKPLACE SAFETY: RETAIL READINESS CHECKLIST

Do you need a checklist to make sure you are ready to open? Download your RETAIL READINESS CHECKLIST here. Making sure you are ready, doesn't need to be hard work. Use this checklist to make sure you meet all the requirements. Do you need more workplace safety...