The Ministry of Tourism has urged tourism stakeholders, particularly accommodation owners, to co-operate with governments instructions.
This follows the announcement of a national lockdown by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday.
Also read: Covid-19: The 21-day lockdown in SA and you
The enforcement of a nationwide lockdown imposing restrictions on movement for 21 days with effect from midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16 means that all South Africans and tourists who have elected to stay in South Africa will have to stay at home.
According to the Ministry of Tourism no one will be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances.
These include to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or to collect a social grant.
No business, unless deemed essential will be allowed to operate and this includes restaurants.
Aside from national restrictions, additional measures will be enforced in the tourism sector.
Also read: Covid-19 FAQ – NICD answers your questions
Among these are that South African citizens and residents arriving from high-risk countries will automatically be placed under quarantine for 14 days.
Foreign nationals arriving on flights from high-risk countries will be turned back.
International flights to Lanseria Airport have been temporarily suspended.
Additionally, all tourist attractions will be closed.
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Owners of accommodation establishments including AirBnB’s received a letter to provide details of tourists who are still accommodated within in their establishments, their activity and movement and itinerary as well as the date of their arrival in the country.
Last week, visas for tourists from high-risk countries were revoked following the State of Disaster declaration by the President.
Along with these restrictions the Presidents also issued travel bans for people travelling from high-risk countries including China, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States.
Further information and related details have been provided to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and all travel and tourism associations.
Information about this process also can also be accessed through the Department of Tourism website (www.tourism.gov.za).
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