South Africa
International Air Services Act, 1993
International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel) Regulations, 2020
General Notice 175 of 2020
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[Repealed by International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel) Regulations, 2020: Repealed (General Notice 218 of 2020) on 26 March 2020]
The Minister of Transport under section 43(1) (h) of the International Air Services Act, 1993. (Act No. 60 of 1993) makes the regulations set out in the Schedule. These Regulations commence on the date of publication of this Notice.1. Definitions
(1)In these Regulations, any other word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Act shall have that meaning assigned to it in the Act, and unless the context requires otherwise -"the Act" means the International Air Services Act, 1993 (Act No. 60 of 1993);"COVID -19 ", means a global pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization, on 11 March 2020;"international airports Designated as Ports of Entry ", means the International Airports that have the Ports Health capability,"high and medium risk countries" are countries that are listed in regulation 6.2. Purpose of regulations
(1)The purpose of the regulations is to provide for the: -(a)prohibition of embarkation and disembarkation of foreign nationals at international airports designated as ports of entry;(b)improved hygiene control and disinfection facilities on international airports designated as ports of entry operated by licensed airport operator, cargo handling facility, airports repair facilities, provider of airports maintenance or services, airport terminals, terminal operations and in licensed airports operations;(c)implementation of a tracking, tracing and monitoring system at airports and reporting; and(d)prohibition of holding of mass gatherings in and around airports.3. Application of the regulations
This regulation is applicable to all foreigner nationals and travellers from High and Medium Risk Countries as well as South African citizens and permanent resi dents.4. Embarkation and disembarkation of foreign nationals at international airports designated as ports of entry
(1)Crew from high risk countries shall be subjected to medical screening and quarantined up to 21 days.(2)Disembarkation of foreign nationals from high risk countries is suspended on all airports until further notice.(3)Embarkation and disembarkation is permissible under the following circumstances: -(a)disembarkation of a returning South African citizen and permanent residents.(b)embarkation of a departing foreign national.(c)disembarkation of a declared medical emergency of foreign nationals must be approved by the Port Health Services.(4)South African citizens and permanent residents are advised to refrain from all use of air travel until further notice.(5)The loading and off -loading of cargo in and out of airports is permitted.5. Charter operators
(1)All Charter Operators for the duration of this regulations, are required to operate in the International Airports that have the Ports Health capability and be subjected to Health assessment.(2)The following International Airports have the necessary capacity and will be ready to handle the Charter flights:a) O R Tambob) Lanseriac) King Shakad) Upingtone) Polokwanef) Bram Fischerg) Kruger Mpumalangah) Pilanesbergi) Port Elizabeth; andj) Cape Town6. Countries impacted by South Africa's travel restrictions.
(1)South Africa has restriction access to foreign nationals and travellers from (High Risk Countries)a) Chinab) Germanyc) Italyd) Irane) South Koreaf) Spaing) United Kingdomh) United States of Americai) France(2)South Africa has imposed extra screening measures on people from places such as: (Medium Risk)a) Hong Kongb) Portugalc) Singapore(3)This list is subject to change in line with risk rating of World Health Organization (WHO).7. Provision of improved access and hygiene, disinfection control on international airports designated as ports of entry.
(1)The licensed international airports, must provide adequate facilities for washing of hands and disinfection equipment for visitors, airport personnel and management for the duration of the regulations.(2)The aircraft operator must provide disinfection facilities and procedures.(3)Biometric screening airports shall be suspended and replaced with a card system until further notice.(4)Airport personnel shall be provided with appropriate safety gear and equipment by their respective employers.8. Oversight responsibilities by South African Civil Aviation Authority
(1)The South African Civil Aviation Authority shall continue to monitor implementation of this regulations and issue guidelines.(2)The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Port Health shall support the national tracing and monitoring system.(3)The SACAA shall ensure that the aircraft operators keep records of passenger manifest and upon request release those records within 30 minutes to relevant Authorities mandated to give effect to the international air services act and Regulations.9. Prohibition of mass gatherings in airport precinct
(1)No gathering of more than 100 people may be held in airport precinct from the date of the publication of these regulations until further notice.10. Offences
(1)A person is guilty of an offence, if that person contravenes the provision of these regulations,(2)A person is guilty of an offence, if that person fails to cooperate with any measures.(3)A person who contravenes a provision of this regulations shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction be liable to a fine, or imprisonment.11. Short title and commencement
(1)These Regulations are called the International Air Services (COVID -19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel Regulations, 2020, and take effect on the date of publication in the Gazette by the Minister.
