SA allows essential travel abroad

South Africa has approved essential travel for its nationals who want to return to countries where they are based.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi made the announcement on Saturday following consultations with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Coronavirus Command Council. 

South Africans who wish to leave the country are permitted to depart only for one of the following reasons: work, study, family reunion, taking up permanent residency, and receiving medical attention, Mr Motsoaledi said.

South Africa imposed travel restrictions in mid-March as part of the measures to fight Covid-19, only allowing travel between countries under special circumstances. Under the new policy, South Africans wishing to return to countries where they reside are required to provide the necessary documentation. Moreover, if returning by road or connecting via flights, they need to submit permission from each transiting country.