South Africa has plenty to offer Australian citizens.
From seeing the big five on safari to hiking Table Top Mountain, surfing Seal Point and sipping wine in Stellenbosch, there’s so much to see and do in this wonderful country.
But, as with any trip, before you jet off to your destination, you need to do some research.
This article will cover some essential South African travel tips, including VISAs, travel vaccinations, safety advice, and destinations you can’t afford to miss.
Visa Requirements for South Africa
You don’t need a VISA to enter South Africa as long as you’re staying for less than 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you must arrange a VISA in advance.
You should be aware that entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You might need supporting documentation to enter the country, such as proof of an onward flight. You should be prepared to show this additional information to the airline, in your home airport, before boarding the plane.
If you’re travelling from Namibia:
If you’re moving from Namibia to South Africa, you will need two blank pages in your passport.
Travel Vaccinations for South Africa
Recommendations for vaccinations vary from person to person. But as a general guide, some of the commonly advised vaccinations for South Africa include:
Typhoid
Typhoid is a highly contagious disease caused by the Salmonella bacteria. It’s spread via contaminated food and water.
Hep B
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening condition that’s spread through sexual contact, piercings and tattoos.
Rabies
While the prevalence of rabies is low, there have been some cases. Your doctor may suggest a rabies vaccination if you are going to be working with animals.
Yellow Fever
There is no yellow fever vaccination requirement for South Africa. However, when travelling (including stopovers/transit for longer than 12 hours) from high-risk countries (like Nigeria, Uganda or South Sudan), you might be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering South Africa.
To arrange your South Africa travel vaccinations, book an appointment at our clinic.
Personal Safety Recommendations
Crime and violence are very serious issues in South Africa, so travellers should always be mindful of their safety.
If you visit our travel health clinic, we can chat with you about safety recommendations, but as a general guide:
- Stick to main paths in public spaces like parks, as criminals wait in isolated pockets waiting for tourists who have wandered off.
- Always stick to the main street, whether you are walking or driving. Be wary of road closures that force you down a different route.
- Some criminals pose as the ‘Tourism Police’ to stop travellers unlawfully, be aware that the South African Government has no dedicated ‘Tourism Police Force’.
- Express kidnappings are prevalent in South Africa. Criminals may steal your telephone and password details to enter your banking app. Kidnappings can happen anywhere at any time, but to protect yourself, try to stick to busy areas and only go out in daylight.
For further information, the Australian High Commission website is a reliable source of guidance and information. If you need help in South Africa, you can visit the Australian Embassy in Pretoria.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Laws
Before visiting any country, it’s good to research local laws and customs to ensure you don’t offend anyone or worse, land yourself in trouble with the authorities.
Here are some pointers for you to be aware of:
- You should always carry identification or a copy of your Australian passport. You must be able to show this if local officials request it.
- Other than a couple of designated beaches, nude sunbathing is illegal.
- Restaurants are generally casual unless otherwise stated. Johannesburg is the most dressiest city.
- A 10% tip is standard in most restaurants and bars. For bigger groups, this may be added automatically.
Must-See Attractions
Before you go, we wanted to end on some of our location recommendations for this brilliant country.
- Kruger National Park: One of the largest game reserves in the world, you can see the big five here, as well as more than 500 species of bird and 150 other mammals.
- Boulders Beach: See the protected colony of African penguins that call this beach their home. There’s also a great place to swim nearby.
- Stellenbosch: A brilliant town for wine tasting, Dutch architecture and an exciting student vibe.
Just remember to research and plan your travel vaccinations in advance, and you’re sure to have a beautiful time in this magical country.
