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GENERAL TRAVELLER'S INFORMATION

The following information will prove useful to international visitors travelling to South Africa:
  • Free Entry Permit Sticker
    Travellers from most overseas countries (Scandinavia, Japan, USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need a visa, but will be given a free entry permit sticker on arrival in South Africa that outlines how long they may stay in the country (usually a maximum of 90 days).

  • Immigration Act Regulations
    All passports must have at least one unused page when presented for endorsements, or entry to South Africa may be refused.

  • Vaccinations
    Visitors who enter South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt.

  • Getting here
    Johannesburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and is the central hub for over 45 international airlines. Direct flights between the USA and OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town International Airports are about 15 hours. Direct flights between London and OR Tambo International take about 10 hours. Flights to and from the Far East take approximately 10 to 12 hours.

  • Time Zone
    South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, which is an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

  • Language
    Although South Africa has 11 official languages, English is widely spoken.

  • Electrical system
    220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

  • Public Holidays

    1 JanuaryNew Year's Day
    21 MarchHuman Rights Day
    6 AprilGood Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
    9 AprilFamily Day (Monday after Easter Sunday)
    27 AprilFreedom Day
    1 MayWorkers Day
    16 JuneYouth Day
    9 AugustNational Women's Day
    24 SeptemberHeritage Day
    16 DecemberDay of Reconciliation
    25 DecemberChristmas Day
    26 DecemberDay of Goodwill


  • Telephone dialling codes
    The international dialling code for South Africa is +27. To make an international call, dial 00 followed by the International access code. Dial the area code of the city (without the 0). Dial the subscriber's telephone number. Example: London 00-44-171-444-4444.

  • Money
    The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards are widely accepted. Most shops, restaurants and accommodation establishments accept the following credit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa Card.

  • Tipping
    Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills. A 10-15% tip is customary if the service warrants it.

  • Tax
    Value-added-tax (VAT) of 14% is charged on most items. Foreign visitors to South Africa can have their VAT refunded at the point of departure, if the value of the items exceeds R250.00 and they are able to produce receipts.

  • Clothing
    In summer (October - March) lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended. A jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler days and evenings. Warmer clothes are needed for winter (April-September), although in many areas summer clothing can be worn on balmy winter days.

  • Hospitals and medical care
    There is a large network of private hospitals countrywide which offer excellent medical services. Travellers must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.

  • Water
    In most regions of South Africa tap water meets international safety standards.

  • Shopping
    Most major shopping centres and malls are open 7 days a week.
HEALTH ADVICE FOR VISITORS TO AFRICA
  • Malaria and Yellow Fever

    Malaria and Yellow Fever are the two most common health risks facing travellers in Africa. Visitors are advised to check with the local tourism office or travel clinic about high risk areas and seasons.

    There are a number of effective precautions to take for malaria. When planning your itinerary, speak to your doctor about the best options for you. Malaria is a serious disease and even if you decide to take anti-malaria medication, you should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are at their most active. Apply an insect repellent to exposed areas, especially ankles and wrists.

    A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required by many African countries.

    Also ensure that you have adequate health insurance.

  • Regional Health Risks

    The information below has been extracted from the World Health Organisation website.

    • BOTSWANA
      Malaria: Exists from November to May/June in the northern parts of the country: Boteti, Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, Tutume districts/subdistricts. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • KENYA
      Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria: Malaria risk - predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in the whole country. There is normally little risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500 m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western provinces. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • MALAWI
      Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. Malaria: Malaria risk - predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in the whole country. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • MOZAMBIQUE
      Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria: Malaria risk - predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in the whole country. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • NAMIBIA
      Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas - or who were in transit through infected areas (unless they remained on board or at the airport) Malaria: From November to May/June in the northern regions and in Omaheke and Otjozondjupa. Also throughout the year along the Kavango and Kunene rivers. Recommended medication: Chloroquine plus Proguanil

    • SOUTH AFRICA
      Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas Malaria: Exists in northern Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park), Northern Province and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela river. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • TANZANIA
      Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required when travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever is common in the more remote areas of Tanzania. Malaria: Occurs year round in all parts of Tanzania and it is recommended befre you travel to get the required dosage of malaria medication. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • UGANDA
      Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from endemic areas. Malaria: Malaria risk - predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in the whole country including the main towns of Fort Portal, Jinja, Kampala, Mbale and parts of Kigezi. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reported. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • ZAMBIA
      Yellow fever: No vaccination requirements for any international traveller. Malaria: Malaria risk - predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in the whole country. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reported. Recommended medication: Mefloquine

    • ZIMBABWE
      Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas Malaria: Exists from November through June in areas below 1200m and throughout the year in the Zambezi valley. Recommended medication: Mefloquine


  • OTHER HEALTH RISKS IN AFRICA:

    • Typhoid:
      A vaccination against typhoid is advisable if staying in Africa for more than a few weeks.

    • Rabies:
      A rabies injection is advisable for those who are travelling Africa for more than 3 months and who are cycling, hiking or handling animals. Pre-travel rabies inoculation involves 3 injections over 28 days before arriving in the country.

    • Hepatitis A and B:
      Travellers who are considering long term travel should consider obtaining the series of Hepatitis B injections.

    • Meningococcal Meningitis:
      Zambia and Malawi are areas affected by this. If extending your stay in these areas it is advisable to have the inoculation, which protects against many forms of it.

    • Diptheria and Tetnus:
      Vaccinations for this are recommended as a preventative measure for everyone.


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