South Africa
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South African High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages.
Dual nationals
If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over, you must use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa. It is illegal to use another country’s passport. See the South African Department of Home Affairs for further information.
Visa requirements
You can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism.
For more information on visas, contact the South African High Commission.
Check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure you do not overstay.
The Department of Home Affairs also has information on South Africa visas and immigration regulations.
Travelling with children
There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.
Vaccine requirements
To enter South Africa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s South Africa guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Africa. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into South Africa
When you enter South Africa, you must declare cash:
- in South African rand if you are bringing more than 25,000 rand per person
- in other currencies if together they are worth more than 10,000 US dollars