Travel Insights
We keep our fingers on the pulse and ensure you’re up-to-date
South Africans unite amid the COVID-19 outbreak
As the country faces its first lockdown in history, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we see SA unite as never before.
Situation Update: Coronavirus
FCBT is closely monitoring the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the impact on business travellers - keep up-to-date with the latest news during this active situation.
Travel Alert: SAA Suspends Flights
South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it will immediately suspend all regional flights until 31 May 2020, in addition to all international flights suspended last week.
Travel Ban: France and Switzerland
The countries were added to a list in a travel advisory issued by the Department of International Relations & Co-operation on Tuesday (March 18).
Travel Ban: Mauritius closes borders
Effective 19 March 2020, Mauritius will close its borders to all foreign nationals. Three people in the country have tested positive for COVID-19. All passengers, including transits, will not be permitted to enter the country for a period of 14 days.
Travel Ban: Australia closes borders
Australia has taken the decision to close their borders to all foreign travellers as of 21:00pm AEDT on 20 March 2020 (13:00pm RSA time). The travel ban comes into effect for non-citizens and non-residents.
New visa requirements for high-risk countries
Six high-risk countries – which, to date have enjoyed visa-free entry into South Africa – will now be required to apply for visas. They are Italy, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Travel Alert: New Measures
Batswana and residents returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine as per protocol. Issuance of Visa at Ports of entry and at all Embassies for any person from high-risk areas is suspended with immediate effect.
Travel Alert: Travel Ban
We understand that these are challenging times and we are here to support you in any way possible. We are proactively contacting our customers to assist with changes to their immediate travel. Should you have any questions, please contact your dedicated Travel Expert.
UAE and Qatar suspends the issuance of visas
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have announced restrictions on visas, as part of measures to contain the new coronavirus outbreak. The UAE will suspend visa issuance starting March 17
Situation Update: Mitigate Economic Impact
Covid-19 update: Travel bans, schools and border posts shut down as SA ramps up virus response