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Canada enacts travel restrictions for southern Africa in light of new COVID-19 variant

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This article is more than 2 years old and some information may not be up to date.

The federal government is implementing a travel ban on several south African countries after a new COVID-19 variant was discovered there.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced Friday the government will impose five measures in an effort to limit the spread of the new variant.

Foreign nationals who have travelled through southern Africa in the past 14 days won’t be allowed into the country, he said. Those countries include South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

All those who’ve arrived in Canada in the last 14 days will have to quarantine and get tested for the virus. They will have to stay in isolation until they receive a negative test result.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents coming from those countries must take a COVID-19 test before they return, and will need to quarantine at a designated hotel until they receive a negative result.

After that, they’ll be able to quarantine at home until they test negative 10 days after arrival.

Global Affairs Canada will also issue an advisory against travel to southern Africa, and Canadians returning from that region who travel through another country must be tested in that country before they can come home.

“We really want to make sure we’re doing all we can to protect the health and safety of Canadians,” Duclos said.

The latest variant of concern: Omicron

The new variant, called Omicron , was dubbed a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on Friday afternoon . It has spooked countries around the world since the announcement of its discovery on Thursday.

Great Britain, India, Japan, Israel and European Union nations are among those imposing travel bans Friday on several southern African nations where the mutation was discovered.

The variant, also known as B.1.1.529, has so far been detected in South Africa and Botswana, as well as in Israel, Belgium and Hong Kong.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said Friday that Omicron is “unusual” in that it has multiple mutations in two key areas of the virus’ spike protein.

“One area of mutations is in the spike receptor binding domain, where the virus attaches itself and invades our cells, which could signify a potential for increased transmissibility of the virus,” she said.

“The other area of mutations is in what is referred to as the antigenic supersite, because it is a target for our body’s defensive or neutralizing antibodies.”

Tam said health officials are concerned about the new variant and are “closely monitoring the evolving situation.”

South Africa spike

While the data on Omicron so far is considered preliminary, scientists are not sure whether the mutation is more deadly, if it will be more dominant than the highly contagious Delta variant, and if it is capable of evading current COVID-19 vaccines in circulation.

In South Africa, data shows COVID-19 cases rising. More than 1,200 were reported on Wednesday and 2,465 on Thursday. This comes after weeks of the country seeing a much smaller daily case rate – around 200, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa said Thursday.

South Africa has a full vaccination rate of roughly 35 per cent.

On Friday morning, the WHO met to discuss the variant. The organization said the first known Omicron infection was detected in a specimen collected on Nov. 9. It was informed about the strain by South African officials on Wednesday.

The WHO said it would take weeks to determine how effective vaccines are against the variant and how transmissible it is. However, preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, it said.

WHO calls fall on deaf ears

The WHO also came out against travel restrictions in light of the new variant on Friday, though many countries have done so anyway.

“At this point, implementing travel measures is being cautioned against,” WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told a U.N. briefing. “The WHO recommends that countries continue to apply a risk-based and scientific approach when implementing (curbs).”

The United States is the latest to join the growing group of countries banning travel from South Africa and other African nations by non-U.S. citizens. The ban is set to begin Monday.

Too little, too late?

As several countries react to the discovery, one epidemiologist in Hong Kong told Reuters it may be too late to tighten travel curbs.

“Most likely this virus is already in other places. And so if we shut the door now, it’s going to be probably too late,” said Ben Cowling of the University of Hong Kong.

During the news conference, Tam told reporters it wouldn’t be surprising if Omicron was already in Canada.

“It’s very difficult to keep a virus like this out entirely,” she said. “I don’t think people should be surprised if we did get a detection.”

COVID-19 has swept the world in the almost two years since it was first identified in central China, infecting almost 260 million people and killing 5.4 million, Reuters reports.

— with files from Reuters and The Associated Press

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Latest border and travel measures

This news release may not reflect the current border and travel measures. Check COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for the latest requirements to enter Canada.

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Note that information and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19) are available on Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Government of Canada introduces new measures to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern  

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

News release

The Government of Canada is implementing enhanced border measures for all travellers who have been in the Southern Africa region — including South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia— within the last 14 days before arriving in Canada.

November 26, 2021    Ottawa

Public health authorities in South Africa have confirmed that a new COVID-19 variant of concern (B.1.1.529) has been detected in that country. Over the past 24 hours, this variant – named Omicron by the World Health Organization — has also been detected in other countries. At this time, the variant has not been detected in Canada.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has put measures in place at our border to reduce the risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada related to international travel. Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra and the Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, announced new border measures to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

As a precautionary measure, until January 31, 2022, the Government of Canada is implementing enhanced border measures for all travellers who have been in the Southern Africa region — including South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia— within the last 14 days before arriving in Canada.

Foreign nationals who have travelled in any of these countries within the previous 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people with status under the Indian Act, regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, who have been in these countries in the previous 14 days will be subject to enhanced testing, screening, and quarantine measures.

These individuals will be required to obtain, within 72 hours of departure, a valid negative COVID-19 molecular test in a third country before continuing their journey to Canada. Upon arrival to Canada, regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, they will subject to immediate arrival testing. All travellers will also be required to complete a test on day 8 after arrival and quarantine for 14 days

All travellers will be referred to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) officials to ensure they have a suitable quarantine plan. Those arriving by air will be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility while they await their arrival test result. They will not be permitted onward travel until their quarantine plan has been approved and they have received a negative arrival test result.

Those arriving by land may be allowed to proceed directly to their suitable isolation location. If they do not have a suitable plan — where they will not have contact with anyone they haven’t travelled with — or do not have private transportation to their place of quarantine, they will be directed to stay at a designated quarantine facility

There will be increased scrutiny of quarantine plans for travellers from these countries and rigorous monitoring to ensure travellers are complying with quarantine measures. Further, travellers , regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, who have entered Canada from these countries in the past 14 days will be contacted and directed to be tested and to quarantine while they wait for the results of those tests. There are no exemptions specifically provided for in these new requirements.

The Government of Canada advises Canadians to avoid travelling to countries in this region and will continue to monitor the situation to inform current or future actions.

Canada continues to maintain pre-entry molecular testing for vaccinated and unvaccinated international travellers arriving from any country to reduce the risk of importation of COVID-19 including variants. PHAC has also been monitoring case data, through mandatory randomized testing upon entry into Canada.

The Government of Canada will continue to assess the evolving situation and adjust border measures as required. While the impact of all variants continues to be monitored in Canada, vaccination, in combination with public health and individual measures, is working to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.

“Our government continues to take unprecedented and decisive action to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Today's measures, including new requirements for third-country pre-departure testing for travellers coming to Canada from certain southern African countries, are being put in place to prevent new variants of the COVID-19 virus from being introduced and spread in Canada.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport

“Canada’s stringent testing and quarantine measures are in place to reduce the risk of importation and spread of COVID-19 and variants. These have proven effective in identifying imported cases of COVID-19 and preventing community spread. These new measures are being put in place out of an abundance of caution. We will continue to do what is necessary to protect the health of Canadians.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Health

Quick Facts

• There are no direct flights between Canada and southern African countries.
• The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories and the Canadian COVID Genomics Network to detect known and potentially emerging COVID-19 virus variants including this new variant from South Africa.
• In February 2021, the Government of Canada increased its capacity to find and track variants of concern in Canada by investing $53 million in an integrated Variants of Concern Strategy. The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories and the Canadian COVID Genomics Network and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on surveillance, sequencing and scientific efforts to detect known and potentially emerging COVID-19 virus variants of concern.
• The United Kingdom, European Union and United States have put similar restrictions to mitigate the risk of introducing this variant from the Southern African region.

Associated Link

• Travel Information

Marie-France Proulx Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Health 613-957-0200

Allison St-Jean Press Secretary & Senior Communications Advisor Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport [email protected]

Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983 [email protected]

Media Relations Transport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055 [email protected]

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Canada updates travel rules for Canadians flying in from South Africa

Canada has temporarily tweaked its travel rules to allow Canadians to return home from South Africa without having to do a COVID-19 test in a third country.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be able to get a pre-departure test in South Africa, provided they meet all of the following eligibility requirements on the government website :

• Get a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test from an accredited laboratory in South Africa no more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure, or a positive test result from between 14 and 180 days before departure.
• Fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Frankfurt, Germany on a Lufthansa flight that departs on or before December 13, 2021.
• Transit through Frankfurt airport to travel on a direct Lufthansa or Air Canada flight to Canada.

Discover if You’re Eligible for Canadian Immigration

The Canadian government made the amendment on Saturday evening, after Canadians spoke out against the new travel rules . Many said the requirement to get tested in a third country prevented them from returning home.

Canada implemented the rules following the emergence of the Omicron variant. So far, travellers from 10 countries are restricted from coming to Canada:

• Mozambique;
• South Africa; and

On Friday, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra tweeted four flow charts that offer visual guidance on the new travel measures.

Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is our priority. We have measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19, including Omicron. In addition to the test to be taken 72 hours before coming to Canada, here are the different scenarios after arriving at the border: pic.twitter.com/ItAQhghPby — Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) December 4, 2021

Regardless of vaccination status, if you are a Canadian coming home from one of the 10 prohibited countries, you have to go into isolation after you arrive. You also have to do COVID-19 tests upon arriving to the airport, and on day 8 of your quarantine.

Vaccinated travellers from all countries other than the U.S. will need to do an on-arrival test and quarantine until they receive a negative result. If the result is positive, they must remain in isolation for 10 days.

Unvaccinated travellers from all countries other than the U.S. who are allowed to come to Canada, will need to quarantine at home for 14 days.

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

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South Africa Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Canada to South Africa

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

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Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to South Africa from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Africa.

Can I travel to South Africa if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter South Africa without restrictions.

Can I travel to South Africa without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter South Africa without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter South Africa?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Africa.

Can I travel to South Africa without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in South Africa?

Mask usage in South Africa is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in South Africa?

Restaurants in South Africa are open. Bars in South Africa are .

Canadians stuck in South Africa amid Omicron scramble to find flights home

Canadians currently stuck in South Africa are running out of options as they navigate confusing travel rules to come home.

Richard Maisel arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 24, just as the world first learned of the B.1.1.259 variant -- later named “Omicron” – and is now looking at another two weeks in the country as airlines and governments restrict travel from southern Africa.

“This has been incredibly frustrating and stressful,” he told CTV News Channel on Monday.

Maisel said he is running low on options as most airlines will not accept Canadian travellers, while the federal government requires an in-transit PCR test for entry into Canada, which rules out several connecting airports.

“Most of the European airlines are only taking EU citizens back, not allowing Canadians to board the flights,” he said. “The American airlines -- Delta and United -- are only allowed American citizens to come back.”

Maisel said he’s only been able to find a flight to Germany that accepts Canadians and provides in-transit PCR testing, but the next flight isn’t for one or two weeks.

“Luckily for me… I have my parents to stay with,” he said. “Most Canadians on the chat group are staying in hotels or Airbnbs and they have no where to go.”

Jonathan and Rene Goldman are in a similar situation. They flew to Cape Town for a family member’s 90th birthday and are now stuck in South Africa with few flight options to return home.

“Because we don’t have a direct (flight) to Canada, on one really wants to help us,” Rene told CTV News.

Twenty members on Team Canada’s under-21 field hockey team do not have a clear path back to Canada after the team had travelled to the country in advance of the Junior World Cup.

“We’re playing a waiting game right now,” said Danielle Husar, a player on the team. “We’ve got a big team of people back home working, as well as the government.”

• READ MORE: 'Everyone is safe': B.C. junior athletes stranded in South Africa due to COVID-19 variant

Canada had been set to play against Uruguay, England and Belgium in the first two weeks of December, but the tournament has been cancelled.

"Everyone is safe and well – the team will remain in [sic] situ while the flight home is arranged," said Kevin Underhill, spokesperson for Field Hockey Canada, in a statement to CTV News Vancouver Island.

"(Sports Canada and Global Affairs) understand this is a junior national team which is only in South Africa to represent Canada at the world level," said Underhill. "Field Hockey Canada feels fortunate to have the highest levels of government working on this on our behalf."

On Friday, the Canadian government banned travellers from the southern African countries of South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. Anyone who had travelled through those counties in the previous 14 days is asked to quarantine until they can provide a negative test result.

Health officials have confirmed three cases of the Omicron variant in Canada: two in Ottawa and one in Quebec. There are also four more suspected Omicron cases in Ontario.

• READ MORE: First cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Canada: What we know

It is still unclear how transmissible and dangerous this new variant may be. Researchers have said more information is needed to make those conclusions.

With files from CTVNews.ca Writers Nicole Bogart and Hannah Jackson, CTV News Montreal Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin and CTV News Vancouver Island

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South Africa Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for South Africa.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in South Africa. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. The following areas do not have active cholera transmission: Cape Town, Durban, Kruger National Park, and Port Elizabeth.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to South Africa.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to South Africa. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to South Africa.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of South Africa take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for South Africa.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in South Africa. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in South Africa, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to South Africa. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock
• Mosquito bite

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in South Africa, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in South Africa. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in South Africa include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in South Africa. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call South Africa’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of South Africa may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in South Africa, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in South Africa, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for South Africa .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in South Africa.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for South Africa for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Africa

South Africa provides a diverse experience for travellers with a variety of landscapes and cultures.

There are nine official ethnic groups in South Africa. The largest communities include people with European, Asian and multiracial descent.

Due to this large number of different ethnicities, there are 11 official languages. This is the most official languages of any country in the world. There are also many different religions practiced throughout the country.

South Africa hold three major capital cities including Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.

Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. The PHAC 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 and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need the vaccine.

Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa. Use mosquito repellents, netting and antimalarials if you are travelling to these areas.

Medical facilities are common and in good condition in urban areas and near game parks. But, facilities are limited in rural areas. Most facilities only accept cash payments before a procedure is done. Medicare does not cover these expenses.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

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Passport health – travel vaccines for south africa, do i need a visa or passport for south africa.

For all tourist and business stays under 90 days, Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter South Africa. If you are going to require a visa, you will be required to attend an interview in person with valid documents and may be subjected to a biometric scan. This can be done at either the High Commission or Consulate-General for South Africa.

Sources: Embassy of South Africa and Canadian Travel and Tourism

If travelling from a country that has yellow fever, you must have proof of immunization.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate Like in South Africa?

Due to its size, the climate of South Africa is different depending on the region.

The Southwestern corner of South Africa has a Mediterranean climate.

The interior of South Africa has a temperate climate.

The Northeastern part of South Africa has a subtropical climate.

A small part of the northwest has a desert climate.

Although there is a range of different climates in South Africa, temperatures stay in the mid-30’s in summer and around zero in winter.

The majority of the country experiences warm days and cool nights. There is a rainy season from November to March.

How Safe is South Africa?

Stay away from strikes and political demonstrations for they may often turn violent.

You should be extremely cautious of petty crime including theft and muggings in central business districts, especially at night.

If you are going to a game park in South Africa, do not leave your vehicle out of risk of being attacked by wild animals.

Do not swim alone or at isolated beaches, for riptides can be sudden and dangerous. Be mindful of sharks.

Wine in South Africa

Although many tourists come to South Africa to experience safaris and wildlife, South African wineries are not to be missed.

The best area to experience the wine culture of South Africa is called the Boland.

Towns in this area include Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh. Among these towns, some of the most popular wineries to visit include KWV, Diemersfontein Wine Farm, and Spier.

The best time of year to visit the Boland region is during April. During this time, wildflowers bloom on the mountainsides.

This area is also perfect for photographers and nature-lovers for its picturesque views.

What Should I Take To South Africa?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to South Africa:

• Bug Spray — Although the risk of malaria is relatively low, it is a wise idea to bring insect repellent.
• Sunscreen and Hat — The sun can get hot, especially in the summer months. Protect your skin.
• Light-Colored and Lightweight Clothing — Light clothing wards off wild animals such as mosquitoes.
• Fleece or Jacket for the Night-Time – Although it may be hot during the day, South Africa can reach below freezing at night.

Canadian Embassy in South Africa

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in South Africa, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:

Canadian Embassy in Johannesburg 1103 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa Tel.: 27 (12) 422-3000

If you have any questions about travelling to South Africa or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Africa? What is the Climate Like in South Africa? How Safe is South Africa? Wine in South Africa What Should I Take To South Africa? U.S. Consulate in South Africa

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South Africa

Travel Advisory February 5, 2024

South africa - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect safety consideration when using GPS navigation. 

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to  crime  and  civil unrest . 

Country Summary:   Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Using GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. GPS navigation may suggest shortcuts through townships as the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime.

There have been incidents in which tourists traveling in Cape Town while using GPS navigation apps have been routed through residential areas with high rates of violent crime. The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd ( exit 16 ). Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent. 

Please see our  Alerts  for up-to-date information. 

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Africa. 

 If you decide to travel to South Africa: 

• Research your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. 
• Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area. 
• Do not display cash or valuables. 
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed. 
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Africa. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . 
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa..

2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry (not including endorsement pages).

No, if visiting 90 days or less.

Yellow fever at least 10 days before arrival is required for travelers originating from or transiting through WHO-designated yellow fever countries.

ZAR 25,000; Foreign currency unlimited if declared; No Kruger coins.

ZAR 25,000; Foreign currency unlimited if amount was declared on entry; Up to 15 Kruger coins if proof purchased with foreign currency.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Pretoria 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia Pretoria 0083 South Africa Telephone: +(27)(12) 431-4000 / 012-431-4000 Fax: +(27)(12) 431-5504 / 012-431-5504 The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria does not provide consular services to the public. Facebook Twitter Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg 1 Sandton Drive (opposite Sandton City Mall) Johannesburg 2196 South Africa Telephone: +(27)(11) 290-3000 / 011-290-3000 (Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(27) 79-111-1684 / 079-111-1684 (from within South Africa) Fax: +(27)(11) 884-0396 / 011-884-0396 Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Cape Town 2 Reddam Avenue, West Lake 7945, Cape Town, South Africa Telephone: +(27)(21) 702-7300 / 021-702-7300 (from within South Africa) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(27) 702-7300 / 079-111-0391 (from within South Africa) Fax: +(27)(21) 702-7493 / 021-702-7493 (from within South Africa) Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Durban 303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street (formerly West Street) 31st Floor Delta Towers Durban 4001 South Africa Telephone:  +(27) (31) 305-7600/031-305-7600 (from within South Africa) Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(27) (31) 305-7600 or +(27) 079-111-1445 / (031) 305-7600 or 079-111-1445 (from within South Africa) Fax: (+27)(31) 305-7691 / 031-305-7691 (from within South Africa) Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on South Africa for information on U.S.-South Africa relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

South Africa strictly enforces entry and exit requirements and other immigration laws. Failure to observe these requirements may result in the traveler being denied entry, detained, deported, or deemed inadmissible to enter South Africa in the future.

Please visit the  Department of Home Affairs website  for the most up to date entry and exit requirements.

The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa is located at 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 232-4400. Visit the  Embassy of South Africa  for the most current visa information.

Two Consecutive Blank Visa Pages:  South Africa requires travelers to have two consecutive completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa.  YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRY  if you do not have two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport. This does not include the endorsement pages.

Traveling with minors:  There are special requirements for minors traveling through South African ports of entry. Visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website for the most up-to-date requirements for traveling with minors to or from South Africa.

Immunizations:  Travelers entering South Africa from WHO-designated countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission must present their current and valid International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) (“yellow card”). See the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s South Africa page .

The U.S. Department of State is not aware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of South Africa. However, South Africa has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence.

Other:  Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Alerts regarding important safety and security information such as demonstrations, road security, and weather events are posted on the  Embassy’s website .

In South Africa the equivalent to the “911” emergency line is 10111.

The following paragraphs provide a summary, but please read the Department of State’s most recent Overseas Security Advisory Council  Country Security Report  on South Africa, which provides detailed information about safety and security concerns for travelers to South Africa.

Civil Unrest: Strikes and demonstrations occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification and occasionally turn violent, and may include the burning of vehicles, buildings, or tires – which may serve as roadblocks; throwing rocks or other objects; or physical attacks. Strikes and demonstrations can also interrupt traffic and the provision of electricity, water, public transportation, fuel, and other goods and services. Periodic incidents of mob violence directed against refugees and immigrants from other African countries occur in South Africa. During labor protests, strike breakers or those perceived to be strike breakers have been violently attacked. Protests involving taxis and ride hailing services can turn violent. See Travel and Transportation section below for guidance.

Precautions:

• Avoid demonstrations and use vigilance during your movements around the country. Even events intended to be peaceful can become violent.
• Maintain caution in areas frequented by foreigners.
• Monitor news and  Alerts .

Crime: Crime in South Africa is very high. Violent crimes happen in places where people live, work, travel, or go out. This includes armed home invasions by criminal groups, which lead to assaults, rapes, and murder. Popular tourist spots and big hotels have their own security to prevent these incidents. But visitors and residents are still affected by armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles. It's important to be extra careful at traffic lights and on/off ramps where cars slow down or stop. To avoid being robbed when buying jewelry or electronics outside high-end stores, many vendors offer to deliver your purchase to your home or hotel for a fee. Crime can happen anywhere and at any time, even in and around Kruger National Park. U.S. government staff and visitors have been robbed near our diplomatic facilities. It's especially important to be cautious in the central business districts (CBDs) of major cities, especially after dark. Crime victims have also been followed from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and then robbed when they reach their home or hotel. 

Theft can be bold and in broad daylight. Travelers and U.S. diplomats report having cell phones stolen from their hands, as well as purses or wallets taken off counters while paying for goods at stores. Car theft and hijacking continues to plague the country, particularly in large cities. Travelers should choose secure parking options and double check locked doors before leaving a parked car.

Throughout South Africa, U.S. citizens should:

•  Avoid walking alone especially after dark.
• Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area. Please note that U.S. mission staff are required to use fully armored vehicles when visiting many townships in and around the Cape Town area and visiting hours are restricted to between 0700-1500 hours.
• Do not display cash and valuables.
• Avoid cash-in-transit vehicles both on the road, as well as ATMs when being refilled. Armed criminal gangs frequently target cash-in-transit vehicles while stopped at customer sites, but also ambush cash-in-transit vehicles while on the road. Such violent armed attacks involve automatic weapons, explosives, and gangs of criminals. Criminals frequently use remote jamming and signal interceptors with success.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Avoid driving during periods of load shedding (rolling blackouts) as the roads can become extremely congested due to a lack of traffic signals. These traffic jams and slow-moving traffic can provide opportunities for smash and grab robberies.

Student Groups:  There have been instances of student groups being robbed while conducting outreach and service visits in townships. On these occasions, student groups coordinated with officials to conduct service visits and upon arrival were held and then robbed by armed perpetrators.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Internet romance and financial scams  are prevalent in South Africa. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags such as individuals who say they live in a remote location, a profile that was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or requests for money.

• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If the individual asking for help claims to be a U.S. citizen, rather than helping them, you should refer them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist them.

Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad include keeping all software (for operating systems and apps) updated and using virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS navigation apps . Prior to using the GPS navigation apps, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Dating apps and websites . Be careful when using dating apps and online dating websites in foreign countries as scammers may target U.S. citizens. Let your friends and family know where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid eating or drinking anything suspicious. Don't go to bars or nightclubs alone. 

Credit cards and ATMs. Travelers need not surrender their credit card to any vendor. They will bring a credit card machine to customers.

Be cautious when using ATMs outside of banks and reputable hotels because ATM and Credit Card skimming is common. Thieves may pretend to help you use a malfunctioning ATM and steal your ATM cards. Skimmers have also been found on machines used to pay parking tickets at shopping malls and office buildings. To avoid this risk, pay parking fees with cash. 

See the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime:

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence should report crimes to the local police at 10111. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The U.S. Consulates General in South Africa can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Terrorism Threat:  Extremists with ties to international terrorist organizations, such as al-Qai’ida, al-Shabaab, and ISIS, historically have used South Africa as a logistical hub to conduct recruitment and financial facilitation. There has been increased activity by ISIS sympathizers and supporters locally, including the placement of incendiary devices and kidnapping for ransom operations. South African authorities have periodically arrested individuals and charged them with terrorism related crimes. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has publicly designated ISIS members operating in South Africa who have provided technical, financial, or material support to the terrorist group. Check the  Mission’s website  to review Alerts to U.S. citizens, and  register  with the U.S. Mission to South Africa to receive new Alerts by email during your travels.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Game parks and outdoor safety:  Visitors have been injured and killed by wild animals in South Africa. It is dangerous to leave your vehicle in game parks outside of designated areas. Observe all park regulations and follow the instructions of guides. Be mindful of sharks when swimming. Rip tides are common and very dangerous. Do not swim alone in isolated areas or dive into unfamiliar waters.

Hikers must be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and ensure they have proper clothing and supplies. Many areas, especially in the Western Cape province, experience brush fires during the summer months (December-February). These fires can burn for several days. Monitor local media and follow fire crew instructions regarding road closures and evacuations.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is regulated. Rules for best practices and safety inspections are enforced. Hazardous areas are marked with signs and professional staff are available for organized activities. If you get hurt, there is medical treatment available. Outside of big cities, it might take longer for help to come. It's a good idea for U.S. citizens to get medical evacuation insurance. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Infrastructure:  In the country, there are often scheduled blackouts called "Load Shedding". These blackouts are meant to protect the electrical grid, but they cause the whole country to lose power for up to six hours every day. This is bad for businesses that don't have another way to get power, like hotels. Load shedding also causes traffic lights to stop working, which leads to traffic jams and more crime. It can also affect access to water, cell phone signal, fuel availability, and safety features in rural areas.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  If you break local laws, even if you don't know, you can be deported, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or do a job that needs special permission, you should ask the local authorities for information before you start.

Some crimes can also be punished in the United States, even if they are not against local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice website .

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or held, ask police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. Consulate in South Africa  immediately . See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries and may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  
• Human Rights Report  
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in South Africa.

See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  South Africa law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but these laws are rarely enforced. Some tourist attractions, and restaurants near tourist attractions, are equipped with ramps and other options to facilitate access. Conditions vary significantly across the country.

The law in South Africa prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual and mental disabilities, and the law is enforced unevenly. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual assault and gender-based violence in the world. Women travelers should take special care to follow safety and security precautions listed on this page when traveling in South Africa  

See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Special Circumstances: Parts of South Africa may face drought conditions, water scarcity, and rainfall patterns that may be erratic. Water supplies in some areas may be affected. Water-use restrictions may be in place in the affected municipalities.

For emergency services in South Africa, dial  10111 . Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards;
• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in major cities and may;  
• not be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for South Africa.

• Select your destination in the Travelers’ Health webpage .
• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• and General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks but limited elsewhere. Private medical facilities require a deposit before admitting patients. Pharmacies are well-stocked, but you should carry an adequate supply of prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. HIV and AIDS is a major public health concern.

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Private medical facilities will require payment before care is administered. See  insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

If your health insurance plan does not provide coverage overseas, we strongly recommend your Health Abroad .

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  Embassy of South Africa  to ensure the medication is legal in South Africa. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Schistosomiasis
• African Tick-bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
• Rift River Valley
• Avian/Bird Flu
• Tuberculosis (TB)

Vaccinations:  Be up to date on  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  Air Now Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in South Africa. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the Winter (Southern Hemisphere). People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors
• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of  doctors and hospitals.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Adequate health facilities are available major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to South Africa.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in South Africa.

Although South Africa has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in South Africa, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Pharmaceuticals

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescriptions, are often readily available for purchase with minimal regulation. Counterfeit medication is common and may be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Water Quality & Food Safety

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Johannesburg is at high altitude (5,751 feet). Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes .

Adventure Travel

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions are generally good in South Africa, but the road traffic death rate is nearly three times higher in South Africa than in the United States. The high incidence of road traffic mortality is due to a combination of poor driving, limited enforcement of traffic laws, road rage, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Use extreme caution driving at night. U.S. government employees are discouraged from driving after dark outside of major metropolitan areas, except for highway travel between Pretoria and Johannesburg. Traffic lights are frequently out of order.

Traffic Laws:  Traffic in South Africa moves on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car. Under South African law, all occupants of motor vehicles equipped with seatbelts are required to wear them while the vehicle is in operation. Texting or talking on a cell phone without a hands-free unit while driving is illegal. Treat all intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights as a four-way stop.

South African law does not require an international driver’s license. A valid driver’s license from any U.S. state or territory that has the signature and photo of the driver is valid to drive in South Africa for stays of less than six months.

Please refer to the  Road Safety page  for more information. Also, visit the websites of  South African Tourism  and the  South African National Roads Agency  for more information regarding local transportation trends and laws.

Public Transportation:

Taxis:  The use of individual metered taxis dispatched from established taxi companies, hotel taxis, and tour buses is recommended. U.S. government personnel are not allowed to use minibus taxis or hail taxis on the street or use a taxi stand. Minibus taxi drivers are often unlicensed and drive erratically.

Transportation Network Companies:  Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber, also operate in South Africa. U.S. government personnel may only use TNCs with a dispatch application that provides vehicle description, license plate number, and the driver’s name, picture, user rating, and the ability to share trip information. The user should verify the information provided by the company, such as the vehicle make/model, license plate number, and driver’s name/picture, prior to entering the vehicle. TNCs should not be used to travel outside major metropolitan areas. Pick up and drop off should not be done near a traditional taxi stand due to tensions between rideshare and taxi drivers that have resulted in altercations.

Rail Service:  The long-distance rail service, Shosholoza Meyl; the rapid rail Gautrain in Gauteng Province; and luxury rail services, such as Shosholoza Meyl Premier Classe, Blue Train, and Rovos Rail are generally safe and reliable, though mechanical problems and criminal incidents do sometimes occur. U.S. government personnel are not allowed to use the Metrorail commuter rail service because of safety and crime concerns. There have been recent reports of fires being set on Metrorail train cars.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of South Africa’s Road Safety authority and Traffic Management Corporation. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of South Africa’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Africa should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories  and  alerts  on the Maritime Administration website. Information may also be posted to the websites of the  U.S. Coast Guard  and the  National Geospace Intelligence Agency  (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in South Africa . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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South Africa Travel Advisory

• Southern Africa
• South Africa Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to South Africa

Local situation: 3.4 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to South Africa. We detected travel advisories from 7 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.0 / 5

South Africa shares a land border with 6 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including South Africa), the Advisory Index is 3 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Zimbabwe (3.2), Botswana (3), Lesotho (3), Mozambique (3), Namibia with 3 and Swaziland with 2.7 (of 5).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in South Africa

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in South Africa. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in South Africa.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for South Africa

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for South Africa.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination South Africa from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.4 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/south-africa

Advisory issued by: United States

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-africa-travel-advisory.html

Advisory issued by: Canada

The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution.

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta särskild försiktighet - Brottslighet och våld är stora problem i Sydafrika. Var ständigt på din vakt när du rör dig ute. Undvik besök i förorter (township). Även trafikkulturen är farlig.

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/ZA

Individual rating changes for South Africa

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of South Africa. Most recent events first.

Changes from December 30th 2021

The total rating for South Africa changed from 4.3 to 4.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Finnish government decreased their existing warning for South Africa to 3.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 5.0 (by -2.0).

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for South Africa changed from 3.6 to 3.9 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for South Africa to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 2.0 (by +2.0).

Changes from April 5th 2020

The total rating for South Africa changed from 3.4 to 3.6 . Here are the influencing details:

The Austrian government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 5.0.

Changes from March 23rd 2020

The total rating for South Africa changed from 3.3 to 3.4 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government increased their existing warning for South Africa to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for South Africa changed from 3.0 to 3.3 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for South Africa to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

The Irish government increased their existing warning for South Africa to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 14th 2020

The total rating for South Africa changed from 2.7 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 4.0.

The Danish government increased their existing warning for South Africa to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for South Africa changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 2.0.

The Canadian government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 3.0.

The New Zealand government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 3.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 3.0.

The Danish government issued a new warning for South Africa with a rating of 3.0.

About South Africa

South Africa with its capital Pretoria is a country in Africa (Southern Africa), slightly less than twice the size of Texas (1,219,912 km²). The country is located Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The climate can be described as mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights. The landscape is vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain. With a population of about 43.79 million citizens.

South African flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems South Africa is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• air pollution resulting in acid rain
• desertification
• growth in water usage outpacing supply
• lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures
• pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge
• soil erosion

Natural hazzards

• prolonged droughts
• the volcano forming Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands, which last erupted in 2004, is South Africa's only active volcano

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of South Africa. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• automobile assembly
• commercial ship repair
• metalworking

Agriculture products

• dairy products

South African Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from South Africa.

Export products

• other metals

Import products

• petroleum products
• scientific instruments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for south africa.

South Africa is currently rated at 3,4 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 7 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to South Africa.

Is it safe to travel South Africa in 2024?

Visiting the country South Africa is usually fine. The score is at 3,4 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for South Africa?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 7 individual sources for South Africa.

What is the current Corona virus situation in South Africa?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in South Africa. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in South Africa.

What is the size of South Africa?

South Africa has a size of 1,219,912 km² or 471,010 mi² which is slightly less than twice the size of Texas.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for South Africa and bordering countries.

If you want to embed South Africa travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is South Africa safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in South Africa?
• Are there security warnings for South Africa?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

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South Africa

Risk / health info for south africa, do i need vaccinations for south africa.

Before you leave for South Africa, consult our advisers about making sure your shots are up to date. Hepatitis A  and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, especially as they are spread by unsafe water and food. Avoid “ traveller’s diarrhea ”: practise good food and water precautions. Use only commercially bottled or sterilized water, and do not eat food that has not been boiled or cooked or that you have not peeled.

Which travellers need a hepatitis B vaccine?

Consider a hepatitis B vaccination before travelling to South Africa if you are a healthcare worker or plan to have a surgical procedure, tattoo or piercing in South Africa. Hep B is spread by contact with blood and body fluid, so children can catch it through cuts and grazes. It is also spread by unprotected sex or by unsterilized needles.

Do I need a rabies shot for South Africa?

Rabies is present in South Africa, so make sure you are vaccinated especially if you might be around animals. Children are at particular risk of getting bitten, as are runners and cyclists. Always get immediate medical attention for any animal bite or scratch in South Africa, even if you have had your shot. A healthcare professional will do a risk assessment and decide whether you need post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

Can I get medical care in South Africa?

Excellent healthcare is available in South Africa but you will have to pay for it so ensure your travel insurance is up to date. You will also need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Further health advice for South Africa

Nearly 18% of the adult population of South Africa is living with HIV so protect yourself with normal precautions.

Recommended Vaccines for South Africa

Book your travel vaccinations for south africa, select your nearest clinic.

Travel Clinic Calgary Downtown

Travel Clinic Ottawa Downtown

Travel Clinic Toronto Downtown University Ave (Queen/University)

Travel Clinic Vancouver Kitsilano (West Broadway & Yew Street)

Travel Clinic Edmonton Downtown

Travel Clinic Winnipeg Downtown

Travel Clinic Winnipeg South 2 (2770 Pembina Highway)

About south africa.

South Africa has a temperate climate similar to the Mediterranean in places, particularly the southern wine-growing region around Stellenbosch. This multi-ethnic country lies on the southernmost tip of Africa. It has more official languages (11) than any other country.

top Tips for travelling to South Africa

If you are travelling with children, you will need to produce a full birth certificate to enter South Africa and possibly other documentation. See Global Affairs Canada for details.

Wildlife lovers should not miss The Kruger National Park.

Our vaccination and travel health clinics in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto & Vancouver will ensure that you are up-to-date on all the travel immunizations recommended by healthcare professionals. Canadian Travel Clinics will ensure you are protected by all the recommended shots before you leave the country.

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How Canada changed its position on pandemic travel bans

While experts debate whether they work, ottawa has gone from opposing travel bans to imposing them.

Social Sharing

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa chose the perfect venue Tuesday to make the argument that a travel ban imposed on his country is both "unscientific" and "discriminatory."

He made the remarks — which he tweeted out to the world  — on board a government jet about to depart for a tour of Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.

"We have come out in total rejection of these bans that have been imposed on southern Africa, and we are insisting that they be lifted," said Ramaphosa.

"We have advanced as a world to a point where we now know that when people travel they should be tested, like I was tested last night, and I'm happy to be tested when I arrive again. We've got the tools, we've got the means to be able to deal with this."

But even African solidarity was strained by the news of the omicron variant, as Rwanda joined the list of countries that have temporarily banned travellers from southern Africa.

• Ottawa requiring COVID-19 testing for some travellers, consulting experts on booster shots
• No immediate plans to shut border with Canada over omicron variant, U.S. says
• 'They feel like they're being punished': South Africans in London, Ont., frustrated with travel ban

Canada was quick to join that list, prompting complaints from Canadians  with South African ties. On Tuesday, it added Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt to the roster of countries it has placed under travel restrictions.

The U.S., U.K. and EU countries also placed eight African countries under a travel ban — even as some of their leaders congratulated South Africa for its "rapid genomic sequencing and leadership in transparently sharing scientific data".

WATCH | Transport minister joins CBC's Power & Politics to discuss the possibility of new restrictions by U.S. government

U.S. expected to update its omicron response strategy

G7 health ministers also issued a joint statement  that "praised the exemplary work of South Africa in both detecting the variant and alerting others to it." But all seven countries imposed measures that limit the ability of South Africans and others from the region to move around the world.

The measures will undermine the tourism industry in the region. While tourism makes up only 3 per cent of South Africa's GDP, it accounts for more than 10 per cent of national income for Egypt, Botswana and Namibia.

Going from opposing bans to imposing them

The Trudeau government — following the lead of the World Health Organization — publicly opposed travel bans at the beginning of the pandemic. Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam herself denounced the idea of stopping travellers at the time.

"The WHO advises against any kind of travel and trade restrictions, saying that they are inappropriate and could actually cause more harm than good in terms of our global effort to contain," Tam cautioned on Feb. 3, 2020.

"Canadians think we can stop this at the border," Health Minister Patty Hajdu added on March 13, 2020. "But what we see is a global pandemic, which means that border measures are highly ineffective and, in some cases, can create harm."

But as public anger mounted over China's lack of transparency in the early stages of the pandemic, so did suspicions about the WHO's advice — a global health agency accused by some in the West of being too much under Beijing's influence.

China itself loudly opposed travel bans back when it was seen as the epicentre of the pandemic. Beijing has since imposed one of the strictest entry policies in the world — cancelling all visas issued prior to March 28, 2020 and refusing to issue new ones except in very limited cases.

Canada has also changed its attitude.

Experts remain unconvinced

The B.1.1.7 or Kent (U.K.) variant, which was first sequenced in September 2020 and took off in the U.K. population as that year came to an end, weakened the Trudeau government's resolve.

By late December 2020, ten countries in all five continents were reporting at least 20 cases of the variant that would later come to be known as alpha. On December 23, Canada ordered a halt to all flights from the U.K.

Canada has acted faster in response to the omicron variant, imposing a ban on seven southern African countries within days of the first news reports about the variant.

While politicians have reversed course on travel bans, many experts remain unconvinced of their usefulness — for two main reasons.

The first is a belief that travel bans move too slowly to stop variants. Omicron has been detected already in travel-related cases from Canada to Hong Kong and there is growing evidence of community transmission in England ,  Scotland and  Portugal .

But stopping the international spread of a new variant is not an all-or-nothing effort. Even though the variant has escaped southern Africa, stopping flights from the region could still reduce the number of new lines of transmission being seeded abroad. That could buy local health authorities more time to test, trace and contain.

'Punishing' countries for virus vigilance

The second argument against travel bans is the most compelling, said epidemiologist Dr Prabhat Jha of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.

"We need to stop running from one crisis to another," he told CBC News.

"You don't want to be in the position of punishing South Africa for sharing evidence. We want countries to do more sequencing and share that information freely, without fear that if they report it, they're going to get a travel ban."

Omicron is the second variant of concern to be detected by South African health authorities. That doesn't mean either variant emerged in South Africa. It could just be the result of South Africa having the best disease surveillance and reporting system in sub-Saharan Africa.

But praise is of little use to South Africans who now must bear the economic cost of being declared persona non grata  among nations.

WHO's Africa director Matshidiso Moeti issued a statement supporting South Africa. "With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world," she said, "putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity."

Some countries agreed. Colombia's health minister tweeted that his country would fight the omicron variant with vaccination, testing and tracing, and called for "no discrimination against nations that invest in vigilance and reporting."

Bans can work — for a while

Adam St. John is co-founder of Sitata Inc., a global health surveillance company that first notified its subscribers of the emergence of a new respiratory virus on January 2, 2020, when COVID-19 was still just a mysterious local outbreak in one part of China.

St. John was in Hong Kong when the pandemic began; he spent part of it in Germany and is now in the U.K.

"There's definitely differences in how countries react," he said. "In Hong Kong, when there were only about ten cases, they were already taking my temperature and disinfecting elevator buttons and generally taking things very seriously. A big part of that was their previous experience with SARS.

"I think Australia and New Zealand certainly took a page from their book. They've been very restrictive throughout the whole period, and to be honest, a lot of that behaviour works."

St. John said no nation can really freeze out the outside world.

"Modern economies can't cope with that," he said. "That's why you see this tightening and loosening of restrictions. There's a balance. Certainly we don't want to punish other nations for reporting, because that could make the situation a whole lot worse." 

A study in the journal Science that looked at bans in the earliest stages of the pandemic found that "the travel quarantine introduced in Wuhan on 23 January 2020 only delayed epidemic progression by 3 to 5 days within China, but international travel restrictions did help to slow spread elsewhere in the world until mid-February."

The study concluded that a travel ban can help a country when it's combined with strong internal measures, but not when it's seen as a substitute for domestic responses.

Buying time

The arrival of the omicron variant has given new urgency for calls for more equitable distribution of vaccines worldwide. 

"There's only one way out of this pandemic, and that's worldwide vaccination," said Dr. Jha.

"Politicians try to grab the easiest solutions, even the ones that may not be so effective, and sometimes at the expense of ignoring what would work. And what would work is a global strategy to make sure we have very few unvaccinated people.

"They're the ones, be they in Florida or be they in South Africa, that are the variant factories. This is where the variants are occurring."

• Unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 barred from planes and trains as of today
• Hundreds have tried to enter Canada with fake COVID-19 test results, proof-of-vaccine documents: CBSA
• Analysis As omicron piles on economic fears, Canadian outlook offers glimmer of bland optimism

St. John said that travel bans have failed if they're judged by their effectiveness in keeping variants out permanently. But bans can slow the entry of new variants into a country, he said, which can give local health authorities more time to understand the threat and prepare for it.

"They are buying time," he said. "They don't know what's in store with a new strain. The reactions by these nations are somewhat warranted as they figure out the response."

Restrictions around the world

Canada has imposed a ban on the entry of foreign travellers who have been in one of ten African countries in the past 14 days. The countries are: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Egypt, Nigeria and Malawi.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents arriving here from these countries will be required to obtain a negative PCR test and undergo a 14-day quarantine, including an arrival test and a Day 8 test. The measures are to stay in place until January 31, 2022. 

U.S. President Joe Biden recently issued a presidential proclamation that imposes a ban similar to Canada's. It took effect Tuesday morning and runs for 30 days.

The United Kingdom's flight ban affects the same countries targeted by Canada's ban, plus Angola and Zambia but not including Egypt.

The European Union said that it will not restrict the free movement of EU citizens between member states and did move to stop flights between Europe and southern Africa. Some EU countries, such as Poland, introduced their own restrictions. Others, including Germany, hinted they might do so shortly.

After keeping the country open to foreign travellers during the Olympics and being blamed for a subsequent spike in COVID cases, Japanese authorities wasted no time in responding to omicron with a complete ban on the entry of foreigners, including foreign students.

Israel also opted for extreme measures after two cases of omicron were confirmed there. As of Sunday, Israel has a ban on the entry of foreigners. The move comes just one month after Israel re-opened its borders.

Several Caribbean nations, including  Jamaica and Trinidad , banned travel from the eight African nations identified in President Biden's decree.

The Philippines was planning to open itself again to tourism on December 1, allowing vaccinated foreigners to enter the country without undergoing quarantine. That re-opening has now been postponed.

Spain's approach differs from that of some European countries: it permits travellers from southern Africa to enter the country but subjects them to a 10-day quarantine . Spain also implemented a month-long ban on the entry of all unvaccinated travellers from the U.K., beginning December 1. Previously, Spain had permitted unvaccinated British visitors to show proof of a negative PCR test.

Australia banned the entry of foreigners who've recently been in any of eight African countries. It also delayed a partial re-opening, scheduled for December 1, that would have permitted the entry of qualified and vaccinated foreign workers and students without the need for special travel exemptions. That has now been postponed to December 15.

Several other countries have barred the entry of people who have been in southern Africa recently. They include Brazil, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior Reporter

Evan Dyer has been a journalist with CBC for 25 years, after an early career as a freelancer in Argentina. He works in the Parliamentary Bureau and can be reached at [email protected].

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