To make the most of your trip to South Africa while staying safe, follow local health and safety guidelines.
This guide covers everything you need to prepare for a smooth journey, including essential information on health insurance and entry vaccination requirements for South Africa.
South African health requirements
It's important to stay informed about any health-related entry requirements for your trip to South Africa. Rules for visitors are often subject to change.
To make sure you have all the necessary documentation before travelling, check our site regularly for updates.
South African health declaration for visitors
In recent years, South African authorities introduced a health questionnaire for visitors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health questionnaire is no longer required.
However, the South African Travel Declaration is now mandatory for all passengers. It does not contain specific questions on health status. Instead, it’s used to speed up customs and entry processing.
Vaccine rules for South Africa
South Africa does not have vaccination requirements for the majority of visitors. The only exception is for passengers travelling from countries with a yellow fever risk.
Areas with a transmission risk include certain regions of Central and South America, as well as various African countries. South Africa itself does not have a risk of yellow fever transmission.
If you’re travelling from an affected country, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. It must be issued at least 10 days before you arrive in South Africa.
All passengers over one year of age need the vaccine certificate. If you arrive without it, you may have to quarantine or be denied entry to South Africa.
Recommended vaccinations
Visitors are advised to be up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before travelling to South Africa.
The following vaccines are not mandatory, but may be recommended depending on the areas of the country you wish to visit, and what you plan to do while there.
| Vaccination | Recommended for |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A and B |
Protection against food and water-borne infections Protection against blood or bodily fluid-transmitted infections |
| Typhoid | Visiting rural areas where sanitation may be an issue |
| Rabies |
Travellers who may come into contact with animals, particularly stray or wild animals Hiking in remote areas |
| Tetanus-Diphtheria | Preventing infections from general wounds or cuts |
Visit your doctor for personalised advice on the most suitable course of vaccinations for your trip. Make sure to provide the details of your itinerary and the activities you’ll be taking part in.
Health insurance requirements for visitors to South Africa
Health insurance is not mandatory for travel to South Africa. However, it’s highly recommended for all foreign visitors.
Comprehensive insurance can help cover unexpected medical expenses, including hospital stays and emergency treatment. It’s advisable to opt for a policy that covers all your potential health needs for your time in South Africa.
Health and safety advice for travellers to South Africa
To make sure you enjoy a safe trip to South Africa, taking the following precautions is advised.
Mosquito protection
Certain regions in South Africa, such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, have a risk of malaria.
Apply insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin and clothing, and wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitos. You should also use bed nets or window screens in your accommodation.
If you’re planning to visit high-risk areas, consult a doctor about anti-malarial medication before you travel.
Food and water safety
To prevent gastrointestinal illnesses, you’re recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water.
It’s also best to request no ice in your drinks if you’re visiting areas with uncertain water quality. You should also wash and peel fruits before eating them, and avoid unpasteurized dairy and raw foods.
Stay healthy in South Africa’s climate
South Africa’s climate varies widely, from warm coastal regions to cool, dry inland areas. Prepare for strong sun exposure by wearing high-factor sun cream, sunglasses, and a hat, especially in summer, or if you plan to spend long periods outdoors.
In cooler seasons, bring layers, especially if you’re visiting mountainous areas, as temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings.
Animal awareness
You’re advised to avoid direct contact with wildlife, and to keep a distance from stray animals.
If you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal or insect, seek immediate medical attention, especially in remote areas.
Following these tips will help ensure your trip to South Africa is safe, comfortable, and healthy.
