UPDATE: Canada extends exemption for stranded South African travellers

Certain South African travellers may return home from Canada. Photo: Flickr

It has been announced this past weekend that certain South African travellers who are still stuck in Canada under the recent travel ban, may now return home. In turn, Canadians who have an indirect flight from South Africa back to Canada don’t have to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test until 7 January 2022.

Although Canadian travellers do not have to provide a negative test from SA laboratories, it is required that flights to Canada depart within 18 hours of their transit.

Although many African countries have been listed in the travel ban, South Africa is the only one that has been granted exemption from the Canadian government. Close one!

Canadian travellers do not need a PCR COVID-19 test to return home from South Africa. Photo: Pixabay

Are you South African? Here’s how the new rules work

South African travellers are now only expected to receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test from an accredited laboratory within 48 hours of their departure, instead of having them provide a third negative test.

Furthermore, a positive test can be provided if the results have come within 14 to 180 hours before departure. This must come as a relief to those travellers who were worried about coming back home.

Also Read: Derailed? Structural railway reforms on its way to SA says finance minister

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