Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 30 days after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. Currently South Africa requires that children travel with birth certificates, valid passports, and (if not traveling with both parents on the birth certificate), a parental consent letter from both parents.
US Embassy/Consulate
[27] (12) 431-4000; US Embassy Pretoria, 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; ACSJohannesburg@state.gov; https://za.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
27
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 10177; Fire: 10177; Police: 10111
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
Currency (Code)
Rand (ZAR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, M, N
Major Languages
IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, English, Sesotho, Xitsonga, siSwati, Tshivenda, isiNdebele
Major Religions
Christian, African traditional, Muslim, Hindu
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Kruger National Park; Cape Town; Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park; Stellenbosch; Drakensberg; Garden Route; iSimangaliso Wetland Park; Cape of Good Hope; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison); Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Major Sports
Rugby, cricket, soccer, boxing
Cultural Practices
It is polite to cover your mouth when you yawn. It is rude to spit in public. Show heightened respect to anyone older than you in all situations.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to tip 10-15% for good service in restaurants. For private drivers, 100 rand per person per day is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Zulu spoons, Zulu beaded items, seshweshwe fabric, Rooibos tea, wine and liqueur
Traditional Cuisine
Bobotie — minced meat simmered with spices, especially curry powder, herbs, and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
