South Africa Drops Testing for Vaccinated Travelers

South Africa joins a growing number of countries relaxing their COVID-19 restrictions. Effective as of March 23, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers arriving in South Africa need only to present proof of vaccination. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the change in requirements in a March 22 address regarding the status of COVID-19 in the country.

Unvaccinated travelers must continue presenting a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. Other relaxed restrictions in South Africa include increasing the limits on gatherings and dropping mask requirements when outdoors. Masks are still required in all indoor public spaces.

Ramaphosa says that 60 to 80% of South Africans have some form of immunity to the virus, either from previous infection or vaccination. About 48 percent of adults have received at least one vaccine dose. Further easing of the remaining restrictions will require more South Africans to be vaccinated.