Travel requirements for South Africa
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting South Africa — passport and visa rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Entry requirements for South Africa
Passport validity
Your passport must be 2 blank pages.
Visas
British passport holders do not normally need a visa for short tourist stays.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice — South Africa. Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to South Africa
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
-
2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.
-
Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
-
2 weeks before travelTyphoid Recommended
Recommended for most travellers, particularly those visiting friends/relatives, young children, and long-stay travellers.
-
7 days before travelCholera Consider
For humanitarian workers and those in active outbreak areas with limited access to safe water.
-
3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Intermediate/high prevalence. Recommended for those with sexual risk, healthcare workers, and long-stay travellers.
-
4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for those with high-risk activities, animal workers, and remote area travellers.
-
Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
Driving in South Africa
To drive in South Africa with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) — find an issuing store.
Plan your South Africa trip in Trek Ready
Free, private, no account needed. Log the vaccines you already have and see what's left.
Start planning →