## Can I Travel to South Africa in January 2021?
As of October 2020, South Africa has reopened its borders to international tourism. However, there are still some restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
### Visa Requirements
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter South Africa for tourism purposes:
* **Visa-free for 90 days:** Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China (excluding special territories), Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Zambia
Citizens of all other countries need to apply for a visa in advance.
### Travel Restrictions
The following travel restrictions are currently in place for South Africa:
* All travelers must wear a face mask in public places.
* Travelers must maintain a social distance of at least 1.5 meters from others.
* Travelers must wash their hands frequently.
* Travelers are advised to avoid crowded areas.
### COVID-19 Testing
All travelers arriving in South Africa must present a negative COVID-19 test result that is not older than 72 hours. The test must be a PCR test or a rapid antigen test.
### Quarantine
Travelers who do not present a negative COVID-19 test result will be required to quarantine for 10 days.
### Travel Insurance
It is recommended that all travelers purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses.
### What to Do in South Africa in January
January is a great time to visit South Africa. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Here are a few ideas:
* **Visit the Kruger National Park:** This is one of the largest and most famous game reserves in the world. You can see a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos.
* **Go on a safari:** There are many different safari operators in South Africa. You can choose from a variety of options, including guided tours, self-drive safaris, and walking safaris.
* **Visit the Cape Town Winelands:** This is a beautiful region with rolling hills and vineyards. You can visit wineries, taste wine, and enjoy the scenery.
* **Go hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains:** This is a stunning mountain range with hiking trails for all levels of fitness.
* **Visit the Garden Route:** This is a scenic coastal drive that offers beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and forests.
### Planning Your Trip
If you are planning to travel to South Africa in January, it is important to book your flights and accommodation in advance. You should also make sure that you have all of the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visa (if required), and negative COVID-19 test result.
### Safety
South Africa is generally a safe country to travel to. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid crime. Here are a few tips:
* Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
* Keep your valuables out of sight.
* Don’t flash your cash or jewelry.
* Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas.
* If you are a victim of crime, report it to the police immediately.
### Conclusion
South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country with something to offer everyone. If you are planning to travel to South Africa in January, it is important to be aware of the travel restrictions and safety precautions in place. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Redactor