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UK removes South Africa from travel red list

On October 14, 2021 / by Andrew Wicks / Leave a comment

South Africans travelling to the United Kingdom will no longer have to endure an expensive 10-day hotel quarantine, as Covid-related entry rules have been eased.

The UK government noted that South Africa has been added to the list of countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination, as of 04h00 Monday 11 October. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the rules for people who are not fully vaccinated. If you arrive after that, you can use a vaccine certificate to prove your vaccination status.

Eligible full-vaccinated passengers and eligible under 18s returning can enter the UK with just a day 2 test. Before you arrive in the UK, you must book a travel test that takes place on or before day 2 after your arrival. The tests cost between R850 and R1,000.

You do not have to quarantine when you arrive in the UK, provided you have proof of your vaccination status. Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test. Typically you’ll have to wait 24 to 36 hours to get your test result. Check with providers what their turnaround time is before you book your test.

Approved vaccines

You must have had a complete course of one of the following vaccines at least 14 days before you arrive in England:

  • Oxford/AstraZeneca
  • Pfizer BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

However, minister of health, Dr Joe Phaahla said Friday that the country’s newly launched digital vaccine passport, will be accepted by the UK as proof of vaccination.

South African travel agencies are reporting a surge in reservations for travel to and from Britain, Bloomberg said. Some companies said they were being overwhelmed by the number of people looking to travel since the UK announced on Thursday it would lift restrictions on arrivals from 47 countries, including South Africa.

SA Tourism estimates that 87% of those employed in tourism are from a disadvantaged background. So, it is vitally important we do everything possible to get it back on its feet and eventually back to being a major driver of growth in employment.”

Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, David Maynier pointed out that the UK is a key source market for tourism in the Western Cape. In 2019, approximately 194,900 UK tourists visited the Western Cape, spending on average R24,200 per tourist.

“The decision couldn’t have come at a better time allowing long-separated friends and families to reunite and the many tourists who regularly visit the Western Cape to enjoy our affordable and unique attractions over the summer season.

“Of course, this will also provide much-needed relief for the tourism and hospitality sector supporting our economic recovery in the Western Cape.”

Maynier said that the first British Airways flight between London Heathrow and Cape Town International Airport is scheduled to resume from 1 November 2021

If you’re looking to use an Immigration Consultant for all your immigration needs, make sure you get in touch with us today!

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Andrew Wicks

Andrew Wicks

Over the past 11 years, Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit, as well as his business acumen, has led to the establishment of small to medium enterprises worldwide. Promising opportunities in the fields of IT, mobile distribution and advertising (amongst others) have been converted into successful business units in a variety of global markets. Andrew returned to South Africa after seven years in Europe to found Initiate International. He remains totally hands-on and has expanded the company across three continents.

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