South Africa
Southern Africa • ZAF
Last updated: June 4, 2026
South Africa is a breathtaking destination known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines to sprawling savannahs. It offers a unique blend of world-class wildlife safaris, vibrant cultural experiences, and rich historical landmarks that cater to every type of traveler.
Visa Requirements
Many Western nationals can enter South Africa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure
- Two completely blank visa pages for endorsements
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay expenses
Popular Attractions
Table Mountain: This iconic flat-topped mountain overlooks Cape Town and offers stunning panoramic views accessible via a revolving cable car or hiking trails.
Kruger National Park: One of Africa's largest game reserves, it provides unparalleled opportunities to view the 'Big Five' in their natural habitat.
Garden Route: A spectacular stretch of the south-eastern coast that features charming towns, indigenous forests, and dramatic ocean vistas.
Robben Island: A poignant historical site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, now serving as a museum that honors the struggle for democracy.
Cape Winelands: Renowned for its exquisite vineyards and historic Cape Dutch architecture, this region offers world-class wine tasting experiences.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Tipping is customary in restaurants, usually between 10% and 15% of the total bill.
South Africans are generally friendly and appreciate a warm greeting when entering a shop or meeting someone.
When visiting local townships or rural areas, always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals or homes.
Punctuality is appreciated in business settings, but social gatherings may have a more relaxed approach to time known as 'African time'.
It is polite to use your right hand when giving or receiving items to show respect.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit, populated areas at all times.
Do not display expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public spaces.
Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up, especially when stopped at intersections.
Only use registered or recommended taxi services and avoid hailing cabs on the street.
Research your destination thoroughly and stick to reputable tourist areas, avoiding unfamiliar isolated regions.
Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: Canada_Travel
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Canadians can only be vaccinated at designated yellow fever vaccination centres. Carry the original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis while travelling.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: UK_FCDO
Required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to South Africa. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceCOVID-19
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to South Africa. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to South Africa.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: WHO
Travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission must present proof of vaccination upon entry.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: ECDC
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic.
View sourceCore Vaccines
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended before travel.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceChikungunya prevention
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travelling, take precautions against chikungunya virus, which is present in some regions.
Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes; use insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
View sourceDiphtheria vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travelling, ensure that you and your family are up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria, to prevent potential exposure.
Diphtheria cases have been reported in South Africa; vaccination is recommended.
View sourceMeasles vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travelling, ensure that you and your family are up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, to prevent potential exposure.
Measles cases are increasing worldwide; staying current with vaccinations is crucial.
View sourceHIV Prevention Measures
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended due to the high prevalence of HIV in South Africa.
Use of condoms and other preventive measures is advised to reduce risk.
View sourceAltitude Sickness Precautions
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended for travelers to high-altitude areas like Johannesburg to prevent altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
View sourceChikungunya Vaccination
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended due to the risk of chikungunya virus transmission in South Africa.
Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe joint pain.
View sourceCholera Vaccination
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended due to the risk of cholera in certain areas.
Cholera is a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea and dehydration.
View sourceMpox Vaccination
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended due to the risk of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in South Africa.
Mpox is a viral disease with symptoms similar to smallpox.
View sourceMalaria Prophylaxis
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria risk to prevent infection.
Malaria is prevalent in certain regions of South Africa.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
If you plan to surf or engage in other watersports in the area, talk to your provider about the need for rabies pre-exposure vaccination.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by a seal, whether or not you have received pre-exposure vaccinations.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations
Source: WHO
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel to protect against common infectious diseases.
Consult with a healthcare provider to confirm your vaccination status.
View sourceMosquito bite prevention
Source: ECDC
Essential for travelers to malaria-endemic areas to reduce mosquito bites.
Personal protective measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites include the use of mosquito bed nets (preferably insecticide-treated nets), sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms, wearing clothes that cover most of the body, and using mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Consider using insect repellent.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to potential food and water exposure.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for those visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Especially if food/water safety is a concern.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: WHO
Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria risk to prevent infection.
Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes; prophylaxis should be started before, during, and after travel.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: WHO
Recommended for travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas, to prevent typhoid fever.
Typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Malaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
If traveling to areas where malaria is present.
Speak with a healthcare provider for specifics.
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: WHO
Consider for travelers engaging in activities with potential exposure to animals, such as surfing or other watersports in areas with rabies outbreaks.
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an animal, regardless of vaccination status.
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Along the border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe; KwaZulu-Natal Province: uMkhanyakude District; the districts of King Cetshwayo and Zululand (few cases); Limpopo Province: the districts of Mopani and Vhembe; the districts of Capricorn, Greater Sekhukhune, and Waterberg (few cases); Mpumalanga Province: Ehlanzeni District; Kruger National Park
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: Transmission occurs year-round
View source