South Africa lifts COVID-19 rules including mask mandate and entry requirements

As South Africa witnessed the decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases, the country has decided to lift its COVID-19 rules that earlier made mask-wearing at indoor public places mandatory, along with a limited size of public gathering and various entry requirements at its borders.

According to the department of tourism, doing so would benefit the tourism industry as now South Africa would be easily accessible and visitors will no longer experience less than a comfortable stay in the country.

The decision came after the country noticed a steady decline in the number of cases as well as the mild nature of infection in the fifth wave of COVID-19.

The department of tourism has also shared that COVID-19 is not completely gone yet, but now it is possible to go back to the normal as now the country is moving in a positive direction with respect to vaccines and boosters.

The department also pointed out that even though the rate of infection is low, everyone should still maintain a certain degree of hygiene and wear masks when in public places, but it was no longer a government policy. In public places such as schools, restaurants and malls, it’s still wise to take precautions.

For tourists visiting South Africa, producing the proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer a requirement. This is done in order to make South Africa more accessible and open to tourists.

When in South Africa, you can beat the pandemic blues at the Kruger National Park, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Capetown, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape and Drakensberg at KwaZulu-Natal, and many other interesting places.