Travel Information

Entry requirements

South Africa strictly enforces entry and exit requirements and other immigration laws. Failure to observe these requirements may result in the traveller being denied entry, detained, deported, or deemed inadmissible to enter South Africa in the future.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up to date entry and exit requirements.

Two consecutive blank passport pages: South Africa requires travellers to have two consecutive completely blank  pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. You will be denied entry if you do not have two consecutive blank pages.

Six month’s passport validity: Travellers will not be permitted to enter South African borders unless their passport has a minimum expiration date of at least six months after the final day of travel. 

Travelling with minors: There are special requirements for minors travelling through South African ports of entry. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date requirements for travelling with minors to or from South Africa.

Immunisations and prophylaxis

Travellers entering South Africa from WHO-designated countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission must present their current and valid International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) (yellow card).

Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but if you are visiting the Kruger National Park or low-lying parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, be aware that you are entering malarial areas and should take precautions in the form of prophylactic medication.

Health

South Africa has been well known for its medical skill since Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant in the country in 1967. There are many world-class private hospitals and medical centres around the country, especially in the urban areas, additionally many state hospitals also offer excellent care, among them Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

Security

Use common sense and take basic safety precautions. Keep valuables locked away and don’t wear expensive watches or jewellery, flash expensive cameras, or walk in deserted areas. Keep car doors and windows locked at all times. If in doubt, ask a guide or at your accommodation for safety guidelines.

Communications

South Africa has a well-developed communications infrastructure. A number of cellphone providers offer national coverage and there are well-established landline phone networks. Internet and Wi-Fi are easily accessible in most urban areas.