The Minister of the Interior, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, after discussions with his counterpart at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Coronavirus Command Council, approved essential trips for South Africans who want to leave the country to countries where they are based.
They may now leave the country for:
- Work purposes
- Studies
- Family reunions
- Permanent accommodation elsewhere
- Medical treatment
“South Africa, like many other countries around the world, has implemented a travel ban as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. Travel between countries is allowed under special circumstances, ”the department said in a statement on Saturday.
Those who wish to travel must have a valid South African passport. They must also have a letter from the embassy or a diplomatic representative that they will be allowed in the country they want to travel to. Permission must be obtained from each country through which such a person wishes to travel. Finally, they must have a travel voucher, such as a bus or air ticket with the intended date of departure.
South Africans who meet these requirements can email [email protected] .
Those who comply will then receive an email that will allow them to finalize their travel arrangements. As a group, people can send one e-mail with all the supporting documents for each member to the e-mail address, the department said.