Everything you need to know about international travel

Posted by Anita Froneman on 1 September 2021

Back in the first quarter of 2021, South Africans were slapped with the title of ‘world’s most restricted travellers,’ with stringent travel bans in place across over 120 countries. While there’s still plenty of red tape making international movement challenging, it’s safe to say that restrictions have been significantly eased in the past few months, with more and more countries opening their borders to South Africans – especially the fully vaccinated. 

Here’s everything you need to know about international travel right now. 

Picture: Supplied

Ensure smooth, stress-free international travel  

First and foremost, it’s vital to consult with a travel expert when considering various destinations and before booking your flights.  

“A knowledgeable travel expert will be able to provide up-to-the-minute information regarding travel restrictions and requirements for maximum peace of mind across the booking process, leading up to departure, and throughout your holiday,” says Sue Garrett, General Manager, Supply, Pricing and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group. “Destination entry regulations are still rapidly changing so you’re going to need someone with their finger on the pulse.” 

Of course, travel experts will also be able to point travellers in the right direction when it comes to finding sufficient and affordable travel insurance – an absolute essential nowadays for obvious reasons.  

How safe is air travel right now?  

Considering the nature of air travel and how it’s difficult to ensure optimal social distancing throughout the journey, some people may feel hesitant about hopping aboard a plane. However, the reality is that due to the presence of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters on an aircraft and the common requirement for all passengers to undergo a COVID test before boarding, the chances of coming into contact with the virus during a flight are extremely low – around 1 in 4,300 even on a packed flight.  

Here are the countries South Africans can visit, and there’s something across the globe for everyone no matter what your dream vacation trip looks like.

Culture 

Canals of Annecy, Switzerland.

Europe is well-known for being a hub for those interested in exploring culture and historical sites. The good news is that there are many European countries that are slowly opening their borders to fully vaccinated South Africans. These countries include, but are not limited to Germany, Austria, France, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Lithuania, Romania, Moldova and more.  

While for most, there’s no quarantine required, it’s important to note that countries may still insist upon proof of a negative COVID-19 test, undertaken no more than 48 – 72 hours before the time of departure from South Africa.   

As for unvaccinated South Africans, it’s not all doom and gloom. Currently, it’s possible for both vaccinated and unvaccinated South Africans to pay a visit to the Ukraine, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, as long as they are prepared to undergo additional COVID-19 testing and can provide adequate proof of travel insurance.  

Islands 

Zanzibar. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.

If a tropical island getaway is calling your name, you’re in luck. A number of the Indian Ocean islands are welcoming both vaccinated and unvaccinated South Africans to revel in their warm waters and year-round sunshine. Zanzibar and the Maldives are both allowing entry to South Africans with minimal restrictions in place. While COVID tests are required, quarantine is not applicable.  

Mauritius is another sought-after island destination, set to fully open their borders to welcome South Africans from October 2021. 

“We have seen huge interest in Mauritius with a spike in enquiries,” says Bianca Mazur, Flight Centre General Manager. “Once the border is officially open and there is more commitment on the airlift side of things, I think the floodgates will open as all South Africans love Mauritius. 

Currently, vaccinated South Africans can enter Mauritius but in order to do so they have to prove that they have been outside of South Africa for a minimum of 14 days before boarding their flight.  

Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line's docuseries 'EMBARK - The Series' now live

Picture: Getaway gallery

There are countless locals who are dreaming about returning to the seas on a peaceful, yet entertaining cruise adventure. Unfortunately, with so many international travel limitations in place, it’s proving to be extremely difficult to turn those dreams into reality – but there is a solution!  

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has recently announced that it will be bringing its Norwegian Jade to South Africa for the summer. South Africans can look forward to three separate 12-night sailings spanning across South Africa and Namibia between December 2021 – January 2022, and savings of up to 30%! 

Right now, the vast majority of cruise lines are only allowing fully vaccinated passengers onboard. However, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Harry Sommer, recently stated: 

“Given the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, the accelerating rollout of the vaccine, and the speed of scientific learnings, it is premature to make decisions about our health and safety protocols for cruises with embarkation dates beginning Nov. 1, 2021. We will continue to evaluate our health and safety protocols and rely on science and our expert council as we make decisions and evolve our policies and procedures.”  

So, watch this space! 

Off the beaten track 

Montenegro is yet another European country welcoming vaccinated South Africans with open arms, and it’s also probably a destination that you might never have really considered visiting up until now. Well, since social distancing is key during these times, there has never been a better time to venture slightly off the beaten track. 

“It’s a blissful destination choice for nature lovers, boasting beautiful beaches and breath-taking mountains perfect for refreshing hikes. It’s also a foodies’ paradise, well-known for being the place to go to sample some of the most delicious food on the Mediterranean,” comments Garrett.   

Adventure 

An ancient pyramid in Mexico.

Those in search of a good dose of adrenalin and adventure can start planning ahead for a trip to either Namibia or Mexico – two firm favourite destinations for thrill-seekers. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated South Africans are allowed to pop in for a visit.  

Note that when visiting Mexico, while no proof of a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry, it may still be required by your airline prior to boarding. In order to enter Namibia, proof of a negative COVID test, conducted no more than 72 hours before boarding, will be required. In both cases, quarantine does not apply.  

The bottom line is that fully vaccinated South Africans are certain to be able to resume ‘normal’ international travel a lot sooner than those who have yet to receive their jab. However, since the vaccine rollout is constantly gaining momentum, there’s nothing stopping unvaccinated South Africans who intend to get vaccinated as soon as possible from booking an international getaway in advance. You’ll benefit from hearty discounts and savings, as well as flexible cancellation policies.  

Pictures: Pixabay

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