International destinations vaccinated South African travellers can visit

SOUTH Africans can finally take their much-anticipated holiday as many international destinations have opened their borders.

You will need to be fully vaccinated, and air routes will need to recommence from South Africa, but this move is a step in the right direction for global travel. As South Africa’s vaccination roll-out moves swiftly, more of its citizens have the opportunity to travel abroad without much restrictions. However, planning a vaccinated holiday does come with Ts & Cs. According to Travel Savvy owner Jennifer Morris, travellers require the necessary visas, proof of vaccination, and in some cases, a negative PCR test is required on arrival. She said internationally recognised vaccines, like Pfizer and J&J, were permitted in most countries.

“It is likely that the vast majority of countries will require vaccination certificates from travellers when restrictions are relaxed. International travel without having the Covid-19 vaccine will become very difficult indeed,” she said.

Where to go

Sherpa, an independent resource, allows travellers to see which destinations they can travel to if they are vaccinated. The destinations highlighted in green shows places open for South African travellers. These include: France

Travellers from South Africa do not require a Covid-19 test for entry. Besides strolling through the streets of Paris, travellers should also add Nice, Marseille and Lyon to their bucket list. Norway

Vaccinated travellers do not require quarantine upon arrival in Norway. The country only accepts vaccination certificates issued in specific countries. Norway boasts stunning landscapes, including Geirangerfjord, Pulpit Rock and Lofoten.

Estonia

South African travellers will require a valid Schengen visa to enter, but no negative PCR test is required.

"Travellers who are fully vaccinated must present an immunisation passport, a copy of the immunisation passport, or a relevant certificate, in Latin or Slavic alphabet, in Estonian, Russian, or English. A certificate will show proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Travellers may present proof via EU Digital Certificate," Sherpa says. They will also need to fill a mandatory health declaration form. Masks are mandatory in some places. Top sights to visit include Lahemaa National Park, Toompea Castle and Jägala waterfall. Ukraine

South African travellers require health insurance with Covid-19 coverage purchased from a company registered in Ukraine or a foreign company with a representative office or an insurance partner in Ukraine. The country is famed for its Kiev's churches, the port of Odessa and the Carpathian Mountains. Romania

Travellers need to provide a mandatory travel declaration, proof of vaccination and a health declaration form. Once there, masks are mandatory in public. Romania's castles, architecture and history are enough to keep travellers' occupied. If not, there's always the Bâlea Lake. Other European destinations open include Belarus, Albania and Switzerland.

Egypt

Most travellers from South Africa can visit Egypt, and if they are vaccinated, they do not require a negative Covid-19 test. However, a mandatory vaccination certificate and health declaration form is required. Masks are mandatory in public. Egypt offers many unbelievable experiences that go beyond the pyramids. Cairo is ideal for those who want to see history and world-famous sites like the sphinx while Sharm El-sheikh boasts sandy beaches and coral reefs.

Mexico

South African travellers can enter Mexico by air without a negative Covid-19 test required. They will need to fill a health declaration form before arrival. Visit Mexico for its history, beaches and cuisine.

Colombia

South African travellers need to fill a pre-registration form 48 hours before departure, and masks are mandatory in public. Include Rosario Islands, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona and Cocora Valley to your bucket list. Please note:

Travellers need to check the documentation, quarantine and/or testing requirements before travelling as governments can change the regulations at any time.

The countries may be open to vaccinated South Africans, but flights may be restricted to and from the country.

Most African countries are permitting South African travellers with a negative PCR test.