October 12, 2021 – The announcement by the UK government follows multi-stakeholder engagements between the two countries to have the UK review its decision and shortly after Minister Sisulu’s engagement with the Acting UK High Commissioner and support for the meeting between the UK and South African government scientists, which data and expertise shared culminated in the UK’s latest review.

The tourism industry directly employs 657,000 people, 87% of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. South Africa remains open for international travel, with ease of air travel connectivity to all our major cities and the rest of the Southern African region.

Last Thursday Minister Sisulu held the first of many engagements with Tourism Stakeholders to hear how the Department lead can help the industry to get back on back on track and encouraged all in the tourism sector to vaccinate. South Africa moved to adjusted alert level 1 which reduced the hours of curfew, increased the numbers permitted at gatherings and extended hours when alcohol can be purchased.

The Department of Health brought the Electronic Vaccination System online on 5 October and the digital vaccine certificate can be used to facilitate travel, access to establishments and gatherings and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status.

“We are delighted to see the UK restrictions on travel to South Africa lifted, following a successful vaccine rollout in South Africa, and continued decline in new COVID-19 cases. We look forward to welcoming our British visitors in time for the South African summer season and we will continue to work tirelessly with all our national and international partners to ensure the success of South Africa’s tourism recovery, ” says Sisulu.

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