Country Information

  Airport taxes

  Security

• South Africa has a high crime rate, including armed robbery, carjacking, and opportunistic theft. Visitors need to be alert, plan properly, and consult tour operators, hotels, and local contacts for safety advice.
• Keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items when out.
• Be particularly alert when leaving airports; criminals have followed visitors from airports. Do not leave luggage unattended.
• Exercise vigilance at ATMs and beware of credit card fraud.
• Do not stop your car if someone signals a problem or appears to need help; drive to the nearest petrol station or police station instead.
• Be vigilant when driving at night, especially at intersections.
• Avoid secluded areas after dark and travel in groups where possible.
• Drug-related offences carry severe penalties; avoid any involvement.
• Obey rules in game parks and wildlife areas.
• Emergency numbers: Police 10111, Ambulance 10177, Fire 10177.

Note to LGBT travellers: Same-sex relations are legal, and South Africa has strong anti-discrimination laws, but attitudes can vary in rural areas. Discretion is advised outside major cities.

Note to women travellers: Gender-based violence is a risk. Follow standard safety precautions at all times, avoid isolated areas, and use trusted transport options.

  Health Precautions

Vaccinations

Compulsory:
None

Recommended:
• Routine vaccines (including MMR and diphtheria–tetanus–polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID‑19 (up to date)
• Rabies (consider for long stays, rural travel, or animal exposure)
• Cholera (consider for high‑risk areas or during outbreaks)

Additional Health Considerations
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, any country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Malaria: Present in certain regions (notably parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu‑Natal near Mozambique). Antimalarial medication and mosquito‑bite precautions are recommended when visiting affected areas.
• Dengue: Occasional imported cases; general bite‑avoidance measures are sensible.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Moderate risk; maintain good food and water hygiene.
• Air quality: Pollution may affect sensitive travellers in major cities.
• Extreme weather: Heatwaves, storms, and regional flooding may affect travel.
• Healthcare quality: High standard in major cities; more limited in rural regions. Upfront payment may be required.
• Medical evacuation: Recommended if travelling to remote or wildlife‑focused regions.
• Medication availability: Generally good, but travellers should bring essential prescriptions.

  Currency

1 South African Rand (ZAR) = 100 cents.
Latest exchange rate: ZAR1 = ZAR1 (25 Feb 2026 05:00). 

Major credit cards can be used in most establishments in urban areas and ATMs are widespread. Cash may be needed in smaller, rural areas and for tips. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at some banks in major centres.

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-15:30; Saturday 08:30-11:00.
 

  Language

There are 11 official languages: English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans. English is widely spoken.
 

  Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are European 2-pin round, South African 3-pin round, Indian 3-pin round, and Brazilian 3-pin round.

  Telecoms/Internet

Mobile phone coverage is extensive and easy to access. WiFi is available in hotels, malls, restaurants and most guesthouses and B&Bs. Reception and internet speeds are great in major cities and towns, but less so in more remote areas. A local SIM card from one of the key telecommunications companies, Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, or Telkom, can be bought at the airport on arrival. Don’t buy a SIM card from a street seller. Always buy one in store at a kiosk, supermarket or one of the official outlets.

  Public Holidays

2026: New Year’s Day (01 Jan); Human Rights Day (21 Mar); Good Friday (03 Apr); Family Day (06 Apr); Freedom Day (27 Apr); Workers’ Day (01 May); Youth Day (16 Jun); National Women’s Day (09 Aug); Public Holiday (10 Aug); Heritage Day (24 Sep); Day of Reconciliation (16 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Day of Goodwill (26 Dec).

  Customs

Duty-free allowances:

• 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco
• 2 bottles (2 litres) of wine
• 1 bottle (1 litre) of spirits or liquor
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
• Other goods up to a value of ZAR5 000
• Goods imported from Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho and Namibia, up to a value of ZAR25 000, are exempt from VAT
• ​25kg of handmade articles for commercial purposes, made of glass, plastic, leather, stone or wood, for travellers arriving from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Prohibited goods:

• Drugs
• Flick knives and explosives
• Obscene material containing minors and bestiality
• firewood
• electric blankets
• coins
• revolvers and pistols.

Special notes:

• Allowances will only be granted once per person in any 30-day period, after an absence of 48 hours or more from South Africa.
• Residents of South Africa must hold TRD 1 and NEP forms accompanying any re-imported goods.
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages limited to those 18 years and older.
• Plant and plant material regulations: Import permit is required for plants and plant materials such as seeds, flowers, fruit, honey, margarine, groundnuts and vegetable oils.
• Meat and dairy product regulations: Restrictions apply and declaration upon arrival is required for meat, processed meat, cheese and other dairy products. An import permit from the director of veterinary services is required prior to the importation of the above.
• Medicine regulations: All medication, except for personal use, is subject to an import permit.
• Arms and ammunition regulations: Arms and ammunition must be packed separately in a locked firearm case, with all ammunition removed from the firearm. They should also not be packed with clothing. Nationals and residents of South Africa require an RSA firearm licence. Visitors require a temporary import permit, which will only be issued for foreign hunters and participants in an organised sport shooting event. Temporary import permit can be obtained either by applying at least 21 days prior to arrival with the Central Firearms Control Register; or by applying on arrival.
• Export regulations: Residents of South Africa can register valuables with customs prior to departure by completing a TC-01 and TRD 1 forms. The TRD 1 form should be retained and shown upon return into South Africa. Goods to be brought back valued at more than ZAR50 000 require an NEP form obtainable from a bank. Free export of household consumables (foodstuff, cleaning materials, etc.) is permitted up to a value of ZAR5 000.
• Pet regulations: An import and transit permit are required 4 weeks before departure. An international health certificate is required and must be issued 10 days before departure. A rabies vaccination is required for pets older than 12 weeks
• Baggage clearance regulations: Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in South Africa. When the passenger is connecting on a domestic flight, baggage can be labelled to the final destination but clearance must be done at the first airport of entry. Exempt – baggage of transit passengers with destination outside South Africa if the passengers do not leave the transit area.
• Currency import regulations: Residents and non-residents are allowed local currency ZAR25 000. Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques amounts are unlimited, but if over USD10 000 must be declared upon arrival. Kruger rands will only be accepted with prior approval of the South African Reserve Bank. There is no currency limit for travel between South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho and Namibia, as these countries belong to the same common monetary area.
• Currency export regulations: Residents are allowed local currency amounting to ZAR25 000. A single discretionary allowance of ZAR1 000 000 per calendar year for those aged 18 years and over (ZAR200 000 for those aged under 18) is permitted when arranged through an authorised dealer. Foreign currencies up to the value of ZAR160 000 per adult and ZAR50 000 per child (aged under 12 years) are allowed per calendar year. Prior clearance from an authorised dealer is required. Amounts reduce to ZAR25 000 per person if prior clearance has not been obtained. Krugerrands will only be accepted with prior approval of the South African Reserve Bank. Non-residents are allowed local currency of ZAR25 000. Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques are allowed up to the amounts imported and declared. Up to 15 Krugerrands can be exported, if the visitor can prove that they were acquired with imported foreign currency. No currency limits for travel between South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho and Namibia, as these countries belong to the same common monetary area.
• Global liquid ban regulations apply. See below.

NB! This is only a brief overview of customs requirements. if you need additional information, please contact Johannesburg International Airport on (011) 425 6091.

GLOBAL LIQUID BAN REGULATIONS
Global security guidelines have been issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation implementing restrictions on liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols that passengers are allowed to carry in their hand luggage.

The following rules will apply throughout most airports worldwide:
Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements.

The new rules apply to liquids such as water, drinks, cream, lotion, oil, perfume, spray, hair gel, bath gel, various types of foam, toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss or any similar substance. Exceptions will be made for baby milk, special dietary foods and medication, for which prescriptions are required.

The following rules apply for liquids in hand baggage:
– Passengers are only allowed to carry liquids and gels in containers with a volume of 100 ml or less.
– These containers may only be carried in a transparent plastic bag.
– Each passenger may only carry one such transparent plastic bag.
– The volume of the transparent plastic bag may not exceed 1 litre.
– The transparent plastic bag must be re-sealable.
– You may bring a transparent plastic bag from home.

Liquids and gels that you purchase after passing through passport control or aboard the aircraft will be packed and sealed for you in the shop or on board, if necessary. The package seal will remain valid for 24 hours. If you have to catch a connecting flight, you will not be allowed to break the seal until you have reached your final destination.

Note: Please consult relevant airline for hand baggage rules regarding liquid ban.

  Doing business

Office hours: Generally, Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 with some offices open on Saturdays.

Dress: Formal meetings require suits, however smart casual is generally acceptable at other meetings.

Communication and etiquette: South Africans are generally relaxed, informal and friendly in business environments. First names are used when greeting and openness is appreciated. English is commonly used to conduct business. Socialising, often over a meal, before and after meetings is common practice, so keep this in mind when planning. It is illegal to smoke in public places. Designated smoking areas are provided.
 

  Getting around

• Driving is on the left; roads are generally good in urban areas and along major routes, but rural roads may be less maintained.
• International driving permits are accepted and often required for car rentals.
• Car rentals are widely available; ideal for exploring national parks and scenic routes like the Garden Route.
• Public transport includes trains, buses, and minibus taxis; safety and reliability vary widely.
• Minibus taxis are common but not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns and informal operations.
• City bus systems like MyCiTi (Cape Town) and Rea Vaya (Johannesburg) are safer and more structured.
• Gautrain is a modern, safe, and efficient rail system linking Johannesburg, Pretoria, and O.R. Tambo International Airport.
• Long-distance buses (e.g. Intercape, Greyhound) connect major cities and towns affordably.
• Domestic flights are frequent and connect all major cities; useful for covering long distances quickly.
• Taxis are available but often unmetered; ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and Wantu are safer and more reliable.
• Ferries operate in limited areas, mostly for tourism (e.g. Robben Island).
• No specific customs or restrictions for women; general safety awareness is advised, especially after dark.

  Accommodation

• There are numerous hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and self-catering options.
• Accommodation is graded on a five-star rating system implemented by the Tourism Grading Council. Grading is done by accommodation category. 
• Top-end hotels provide a variety of facilities, including restaurants, fitness rooms, spas, and swimming pools.
• If you are considering the self-catering route, ensure you speak to the owners of the property ahead of time to be aware of any security issues you may need to know about.

  Useful tips

• Tip about 10% if the bill does not include a service charge. Tip porters, car guards and petrol attendants about ZAR5-10.
• If renting a car be sure to check manually that it is locked when parking anywhere as there have been remote jamming incidents resulting in vehicle theft.
• Pack clothing for a variety of seasons if travelling around the country as some areas can be unpredictable.
• There is much poverty in South Africa so support local suppliers wherever possible.

  Disability awareness

Most hotels in major centres can accommodate those living with disabilities. There are also numerous resorts, lodges, and guesthouses that are well equipped with rooms and bathrooms to accommodate those with disabilities. Malls, tourist attractions and restaurants will generally have disabled-friendly bathrooms, ramps, and lifts where necessary. Contact your accommodation directly for more information on what facilities are available. It is recommended that transport be arranged ahead of time as most public transport does not cater for those with disabilities. Most tour operators can provide wheelchair-friendly transport.