More and more countries are relaxing their entry requirements for tourists, and some are even scrapping them completely. South Africa has adjusted its Corona rules, simplifying entry for the fully vaccinated visitors.
South Africa relaxed some of its remaining Covid 19 restrictions on March 22, 2022 and eliminated the mandatory corona tests for fully vaccinated entrants. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the restrictions would be relaxed because new infection rates have declined and there are fewer deaths.
Fully vaccinated travelers will therefore only need to show a proof of two doses of the vaccine. For the unvaccinated, the entry requirements remain – a negative PCR test, which must be no more than 72 hours old at the time of entry. Previously, all travelers entering the country were required to present a negative PCR test for a fee.
Within the country, vaccinated individuals or those with negative test results will again be allowed into sports stadiums and music and theater performances - which are allowed to operate at half capacity. "Both indoor and outdoor venues can now accommodate up to 50 percent of their capacity, provided the criteria for entry is a proof of vaccination or a Covid test that is no more than 72 hours old," Cyril Ramaphosa said in a speech broadcast live by local television stations.
In addition, the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors has been scrapped but remains mandatory indoors in public places. As of last Tuesday, a total of 3,705,696 laboratory-confirmed cases had been recorded in South Africa, including 99,893 deaths in a population of 59 million.