South Africa and travel restrictions
The index shows that South Africa has moved up one place in the rankings to 53rd position. As of April 2021, South African passport holders are able to access 101 destinations without obtaining a prior visa.
However, as with other countries, it faces ongoing travel restrictions due to the pandemic.
A mapping tool developed by travel website Skyscanner shows that as of 12 April, South Africa has 117 ‘major restrictions’ from other countries in place.
These countries have suspended travel, may be closed to entry, or entry may only be possible if you are a citizen/meet strict entrance requirements.
A number of countries have also indicated that travelers from South Africa will be barred from entering – a sign that the country could be facing reputational damage as a result of the 501Y.V2 variant of Covid-19, which has been referred to as the “South African variant” abroad.
In addition to key target markets such as the US and UK, South Africa has also been flagged as a risk by a number of other European countries including Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
The variant was first discovered and reported by scientists in South Africa, however it has also been found to be spreading in more than 48 other countries.
By calling it the “South African variant”, a global impression has been given that South Africa is the source of the spread – when this is not the case.
The is general positive feedback in the industry for travel to return in a staggered manner from Oct 2021 onwards but our government’s lethargic vaccination roll out is a negative aspect in prospective traveler confidence.
May have started and usually low period in winter but we have some events to look forward to which will increase demand: (these have been confirmed)
- Lions Tour 1st and last weekend of July
- Cycle Tour 10 Oct 2021
- E-comm is on 11-12 Oct 2021
- Africom 8-12 Nov 2021
- Mining indaba 7-10 Feb 2022
- Jazz festival end march 2022
- WTM 11-12 April 2022
Its safe to say we are through the worst (?). We have winter ahead of us and hopefully Lions Tour will allow for 50% spectator capacity which will give us a mid year boost. Should a 3rd wave arrive it would be over by 4th quarter in Oct and we will be ready for partial, but recovery nonetheless.
Stay safe until next time
My best, Jaco
(credit: BusinessTech)
