Southern Africa · ZA · JNB · CPT · DUR
South Africa entry requirements
What you need to enter South Africa: visa rules by passport, vaccines, arrival airports and practical details for your trip.
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the embassy before you book.
Visa rules by passport
| Passports | Entry | Fee | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| All 14 passports we cover | Visa-free | — | Up to 90 days |
Most EU passports: Your passport needs at least two blank pages, or you may be refused entry.
Detailed guide for your passport
Health and vaccines
Yellow fever. A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Malaria. Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
Routine vaccines should be up to date. Travel clinics commonly also discuss hepatitis A, typhoid and, for longer rural stays, rabies. Book 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Practical details
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
- Languages
- English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
- Plug types
- M, N, C
- Best time
- May to September for safari, November to March for the Cape
- Main airports
- Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DUR)
Plan your trip
Kruger · best months
Cape Town and the Winelands · best months
Highlights of South Africa
- Table Mountain
- Kruger National Park
- Garden Route
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No. EU passport holders can visit South Africa visa-free (up to 90 days).
Is a yellow fever vaccination required for South Africa?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Is there malaria in South Africa?
Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
What is the best time to visit South Africa?
May to September for safari, November to March for the Cape is generally the best time to visit.
What currency is used in South Africa?
The currency is the South African rand (ZAR). Cards work in cities and larger hotels; carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Sources
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.