South Africa lifted the corona-related national emergency on April 5 after more than two years. This ends many restrictions, but some measures will remain in effect for 30 days as part of a transition period.

This ends the national emergency status, which was introduced on March 15, 2020, after 750 days. According to the President, the low utilization of hospitals and the reduced number of corona-related deaths allow many restrictions to be lifted. The regulations on isolation, schools and access to retirement homes and public transport are to be abolished. In addition, masks are no longer compulsory outdoors.

However, several measures will remain in force after April 5 for a transitional phase, which are intended to help restore everyday life. They expire automatically after 30 days in early May. The restrictions that are currently still in force include the obligation to wear masks in public indoor spaces and the regulations for meetings. These may use up to 50 percent of their capacity without an absolute maximum number of people if proof of vaccination or a corona test no more than 72 hours old is required for access. If no such access restriction is applied, a maximum of 1.000 people may gather indoors and a maximum of 2.000 people outdoors, both while complying with the capacity limit of 50 percent.

Entry rules are left out

The entry requirements for South Africa also remain unaffected by the easing. They also stipulate that travelers must present either a full corona vaccination or a negative PCR test that is no more than 72 hours old. Certificates of recovery are not accepted. According to information from the Federal Foreign Office, anyone who enters the country without vaccination protection will be offered a corona vaccination.