The reopening of South African borders on 1 October was welcomed by many, but it also saw the onset of many questions raised around the travel regulations in relation to Level 1.

SATSA has since compiled an online FAQ to answer your most pressing questions around the Level 1 travel regulations, where possible. These questions are updated continuously as and when more information becomes available. The FAQs can be accessed here.

To assist further, SATSA members are invited to join Tourism Specialist and TBCSA Consultant, Gillian Saunders, as part of the #SouthAfricaIsTraveReady Campaign, for a discussion on 6 October at 17h00, unpacking Level 1 International Travel FAQs.

To RSVP for the discussion, please click on the invitation below:

The Department of Home Affairs has issued a letter to airlines, reinstating the visa exemption status of the citizens of the following countries which had been revoked at the commencement of the COVID-19 lockdown in March:

– South Korea
– Spain
– Italy
– Germany
– Hong Kong
– Singapore
– USA
– UK
– France
– Portugal
– Iran

The visa-free status of citizens of these countries was temporarily suspended at the start of the lockdown period. This means that nationals of these countries are free to visit South Africa, subject to complying with the applicable regulations and health protocols. Airlines may board passport holders of these countries without a visa in line with their visa exemption status before the lockdown period.

Transit travellers through South Africa by air will be allowed to connect to their destinations, subject to them complying with applicable health protocols.

Important to note that this does not change the entry requirements for international travellers visiting South Africa, outlined within the Gazette which can be downloaded here. Leisure travellers from high-risk countries will not be permitted to visit South Africa. It is important to note that this list will be updated every two weeks.

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Welcome back folks – the next reason you should have comprehensive T&C is interest – If I want to add a claim for interest to my main claim, what rate will apply and for what period?

The Prescribed Rate of Interest Act determines that figure which is currently 10% (Ten percent). If your claim arose in 2015, the court will apply the rate which was in force at the commencement of the action e.g. 2020, not the varied rates over the period (which is  amended from time to time). The interest will start running from the date summons is served or the date upon which a letter of demand is served on the party in breach. However BOTH of these can be changed to the benefit of the plaintiff in its T&C: (1) The T&C can specify a much higher rate and (2) can also indicate that interest will run from the date of default i.e. the date the contract was breached which may be long before summons or a letter of demand is served.

More about the alternative dispute resolution (‘ADR’) next time.                 

Copyright Adv Louis Nel t/a louis-THE-lawyer

DISCLAIMER – Each case depends on its own facts & merits – the above does not constitute advice – independent advice should be obtained in all instances

LEGAL ADVICE CLUB (‘LAC’) – You can obtain specialized tourism advice from Louis (38 years in tourism) on an ad-hoc basis via the COVID SPECIALS for SATSA members (1) 10 minutes of pro bono (Free) advice via a phone call or e-mail and/or (2) by joining his LAC for which the joining fee & hourly rates have been reduced by 30% AND you can pay the joining fee over 3 (three) months! The fee for the 1st hour is now only R500.

CONTACT – louis@louisthelawyer.co.za or 083 679 4556