South Africa
Southern Africa • ZAF
Last updated: June 4, 2026
South Africa is a breathtakingly diverse nation known for its stunning landscapes, world-class wildlife safaris, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town to the rugged beauty of the Garden Route and the iconic Kruger National Park, it offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Visa Requirements
Passport holders from many countries, including the US, UK, and EU, are granted visa-free entry for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport with at least two blank pages
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Yellow fever certificate if traveling from a high-risk country
Popular Attractions
Kruger National Park: One of the largest game reserves in Africa, it offers unparalleled opportunities to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Table Mountain: This iconic flat-topped mountain in Cape Town provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, accessible by cable car or hiking.
The Garden Route: A scenic stretch of the southeastern coast, this route offers dramatic cliffs, lush forests, lagoons, and charming coastal towns.
Robben Island: A significant historical site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, it serves as a poignant reminder of the country's journey toward democracy.
Boulders Beach: Located near Simon's Town, this beach is famous for its colony of endangered African penguins that roam freely on the sand.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Tipping is customary in restaurants, usually around 10 to 15 percent of the bill, as waitstaff often rely on these tips.
Respect the local diversity by being mindful of the country's complex history and multiple official languages.
It is polite to greet people with a smile and a friendly 'hello' before initiating a request or conversation.
When visiting rural areas or traditional villages, always ask for permission before taking photographs of residents.
Punctuality is generally appreciated for business meetings, though social gatherings may have a more relaxed attitude toward time.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas or city centers, and prefer using ride-sharing services or organized taxis.
Keep your belongings, such as cameras and phones, out of sight and avoid wearing flashy jewelry in public spaces.
Stick to well-lit, populated tourist areas and always research your destination's safety status before heading out.
When driving, keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up, and never stop for strangers along the road.
Only use ATMs located inside malls or secure bank buildings to prevent potential skimming or theft.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
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 sourceCOVID-19
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
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 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 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 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
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended 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 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 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 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 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 sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for those visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Especially if food/water safety is a concern.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to potential food and water exposure.
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