South Africa
Country Specific Information
On this page »
October 07, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: South Africa is a parliamentary democracy and is in many respects a developed country, although much of its population lives in poverty. All major urban areas have modern, world-class hotels and tourist facilities. Game parks and areas most often visited by tourists have a wide range of facilities. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available. The capital is Pretoria, while the seat of parliament is located in Cape Town. Johannesburg is the financial capital and largest city in South Africa. Durban is home to Africa’s busiest port and is the number one tourist destination for South Africans. Read the Department of State Background Notes on South Africa for additional information.

Back to Top

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live or visit South Africa, please take the time to tell our embassy and consulates about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Local Embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of Embassies and Consulates.  

U.S. Embassy Pretoria
877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Telephone: (27-12) 431-4000 (from South Africa 012-431-4000)
Fax: (27-12) 431-5504 (from South Africa 012-431-5504)

U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
1 Sandton Drive (opposite Sandton City Mall just west of the intersection of Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road), Johannesburg
Telephone: (27-11) 290-3000 (from South Africa 011-290-3000)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 079-111-1684 (outside South Africa: 27 79-111-1684)
Fax: (27-11) 884-0396 (from South Africa (011-884-0396)
Consular jurisdiction: the Pretoria area and Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Free State provinces.
 

U.S. Consulate General Cape Town
2 Reddam Avenue, West Lake 7945, Cape Town
Telephone: (27-21) 702-7300 (from South Africa 021-702-7300)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 021-702-7300 (outside of Africa 27 702-7300)
Fax (27-21) 702-7493 (from South Africa 021-702-7493)
Consular jurisdiction: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.

U.S. Consulate General Durban
Located at: The Old Mutual Building, 31st floor, 303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street, Durban 4001
Telephone: (27-31) 305-7600 (from South Africa 031-305-7600)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 079-111-1445 (outside South Africa: 27 079-111-1445)
Fax: (27-31) 305-7691 (from South Africa 031-305-7691)
Consular jurisdiction: KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Back to Top

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS:

PLEASE NOTE: South African law requires travelers to have one (1) blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport to enter the country. In practice, however, travelers may need more than one page as there have been instances in the past of South African immigration officers requiring travelers to have two (2) blank pages. You are advised to have at least two blank pages; one for the South African temporary residence permit sticker that is issued upon entry to the country, and an additional page to allow for entry and exit stamps for South Africa and other countries to be visited en route to South Africa or elsewhere in the region.

Travelers without the requisite blank visa pages in their passports may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at their own expense. South African authorities have denied diplomatic missions access to assist in these cases.

As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.

Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. In the event a traveler overstays that period without a permit issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs, he or she may be subject to a fine of up to 3,000 rand (approximately 400 U.S. dollars). All others, including academics, students on educational trips, and volunteers, may need visas. U.S. citizens who intend to work in South Africa must apply for work permits before arrival; otherwise you risk being refused admission and returned to your point of origin. It is strongly suggested that all travelers check the latest requirements with the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

Travelers entering South Africa from WHO-designated yellow fever countries are required to present their current and valid “International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO)” (commonly called a “yellow card”) or statement of medical exemption (also located on the same yellow card). Additionally, South Africa treats Zambia and Tanzania as yellow fever countries. This requirement is imposed on travelers flying to South Africa via yellow fever countries, even when transiting passengers are required to stay on board the plane (e.g., flights stopping in Dakar, Senegal or Accra, Ghana or Nairobi, Kenya), or if the plane makes an unscheduled landing in a yellow fever country. As a precaution, all travelers to South Africa should carry their original yellow card. Letters, scans, copies, or faxes regarding prior yellow fever vaccination will not be accepted. While this requirement may not be consistently applied, travelers who cannot present an original and currently valid yellow card when asked will be refused entry into South Africa. Yellow fever vaccinations are not administered at South African ports of entry for the purpose of entry into South Africa. Travelers are reminded that they are required to obtain a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to their arrival in South Africa in accordance with WHO regulations. South Africa may apply these requirements on people traveling from or through both high-risk yellow fever countries and low-risk yellow fever countries.

Visit the Embassy of South Africa website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of South Africa. 

Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Cell Phones: We recommend you carry a mobile phone while in South Africa. You may find it useful to have an “unlocked” cell phone with international roaming capability to use while in South Africa. The Independent Communication Authority of South Africa has established new rules that require all new cell phones and SIM cards to be registered. Information on how to register may be found on its website.

You may buy an inexpensive SIM card to use with your "unlocked" cell phone and airtime once you arrive in South Africa. SIM cards and airtime may be purchased at many retail outlets, including Woolworths, Pick ‘n Pay, Spar, Checkers, and most grocery stores and cellular retail stores such as Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, etc.

Rental mobile phones are widely available and may be rented from kiosks at major airports. The nationwide emergency number for the police is 10111, and the nationwide number for ambulance service is 10177. It is not necessary to dial an area code when calling these numbers.

Back to Top

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY:

Terrorism: Anti-American violence is not typical in South Africa, although in the past there have been isolated incidents perpetrated by parties unhappy about U.S. foreign policy. Nevertheless, the Department of State remains concerned about the continued worldwide threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. You are encouraged to review the most recent Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State.

Xenophobic Attacks: South Africa has seen a number of attacks directed at refugees or immigrants from other African nations in the last two years. Many of the attacks were centered in Johannesburg and the province of Gauteng in low income neighborhoods and informal settlements, but other incidents have taken place throughout the country. Many individuals have been killed in these incidents and others, both targeted victims and bystanders, were injured. While there have been no reports of U.S. citizens or other non-African visitors being targeted, these incidents of mob violence have sprung up quickly and proven difficult for local authorities to control. U.S. citizen residents and visitors are advised to listen to local media for reports of such incidents and to avoid areas (primarily - but not limited to - townships) where they may be likely to occur.

Public Disturbances and Strikes: Organized or wildcat labor actions and protests in poorer communities against shortfalls in public services occur regularly throughout South Africa. While localized and normally well away from typical tourist destinations, these disturbances can develop quickly and unpredictably, and they sometimes turn violent. Use caution and steer clear of any area where protests, demonstrations or other public disturbances are taking place. During strikes by public workers, access to government offices and public hospitals and schools may be difficult due to pickets, and should be avoided if possible. For medical care, use private facilities/services that are not impacted by public-service strikes.

Public Transportation: In recent months, South Africa has seen a number of public transportation accidents involving trains, buses and minibus taxis that resulted in death or serious injury. Often the safety standards on public transportation systems in South Africa are not on par with what travelers would expect in the United States. We recommend you use individual metered taxis from established taxi companies and tour buses wherever possible.

Game Park/Safari Safety: While visiting game parks and reserves, it is dangerous to leave your vehicle or otherwise be on foot, even in the presence of a guide. Several incidents of wild animal attacks on tourists in the region have resulted in deaths or serious injuries. 

Ocean Safety:If visiting South Africa’s expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming or engaging in water sports. In 2010, at the Fish Hoek beach, and in 2005 and 2006 in the False Bay area of the Western Cape, several people were attacked by sharks; some of the attacks were fatal. When a shark is spotted close to the shore, local authorities will sound a warning siren to notify swimmers.

Tragic accidents can occur when swimming in the ocean or walking/climbing on shore areas that are not designated beaches. Visitors from the United States and elsewhere have drowned when swimming in coastal waters, where tides and wave patterns can change unexpectedly and overwhelm even excellent swimmers. Do not swim alone in isolated beach areas. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

Stay up to date by:

Back to Top

CRIME: The vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without problems; however, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, often violent, is prevalent throughout the country. The government has in place a number of strong anti-crime initiatives, but violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, and other incidents are still common and do affect visitors and resident U.S. citizens.

Note: Visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and U.S. Consulates General in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg should be aware of the risk of muggings, several of which have occurrednear U.S. diplomatic facilities. While measures have been taken to address concerns about potential muggings, visitors approaching U.S. government facilities should be aware of their personal security and carry as little money and valuables as possible.

Visitors and residents are advised of ongoing criminal activity involving organized crime gangs targeting individuals and commercial businesses at shopping centers and other public places. Once a victim has been identified, he/she is followed back to his/her residence and robbed. Robberies are usually at gunpoint, although the use of force is generally reserved for those offering some form of resistance. These gangs tend to target people appearing to be affluent, including those driving expensive cars, wearing eye-catching jewelry, flashing large amounts of cash, and/or making high-value purchases. Criminals also gravitate towards “soft” targets – people who appear preoccupied and do not pay attention to their immediate surroundings. Visitors who believe they are being followed should travel directly to a police station or other public location. Cash-in-transit (armored vehicles) robberies remain popular; tourists should try to avoid these vehicles and personnel during a cash delivery or pick-up, particularly at shopping centers or other public locations. Crimes against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by violent acts, including murder, when victims resist or are slow to respond to attackers’ demands. South Africa also has the highest reported incidence of rape in the world. Foreigners are not specifically targeted, but several have been the victims of rape. Victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention, including antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS. Questions about how to receive such treatment should be directed to the nearest U.S. consulate.

Criminal activity, such as assault, armed robbery, and theft, is particularly high in areas surrounding certain hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Theft of passports and other valuables is most likely to occur at airports, bus terminals, and train stations. A number of U.S. citizens have been mugged or violently attacked on commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang conflicts and vigilante violence in the low income areas and informal settlements in Cape Town. People who are unfamiliar with the Cape Flats area, surrounding townships and squatter camps should not visit these areas. Additionally, travelers should be aware that muggings have become common along many popular routes on Table Mountain, a prime tourist destination in Cape Town. Visitors to Table Mountain should be vigilant, hike in groups, and not carry valuables.  

Crime in Durban remains high. Visitors should avoid travelling in the city center after dark as well as all travel to the surrounding townships. The suburbs north and west of the city are generally considered to be safer than the city center, but all visitors should remain vigilant and exercise caution at all times.

Should you be confronted by an armed individual - immediately comply, avoid making sudden movements, and do not offer any form of resistance. Any hesitation on your part could be perceived as a threat and may result in unnecessary violence. Criminals do not discriminate. 

ATMs: Criminals often loiter near ATMs, targeting persons withdrawing cash. A common scheme is the “Good Samaritan” fraud, where a criminal attempts to help out with a particular ATM transaction. As this is a prevalent crime, do not accept "assistance" from anyone, or agree to assist others with ATM transactions. Travelers should also try to avoid using ATMs after business hours or in remote locations. 

Criminals have used commercial explosives to blow up ATMs in South Africa. ATM bombings have taken place in the early hours of the morning in remote or isolated areas, although some attacks have taken place at gas stations and shopping complexes. 

Based on these threats, the following security precautions are recommended: 

  • Avoid using ATMs in dark, remote, or isolated areas.
  • Never allow someone to assist you at the ATM, and never assist anyone else at the ATM either.
  • ATMs located inside shopping malls, hotels, and banks are preferred since they are normally high-traffic areas, and monitored by security guards and cameras. 
  • Avoid using an ATM with a cord or other foreign object attached to it. Should you notice a suspicious device on an ATM, immediately leave the area; take cover, and notify the police. Shrapnel and debris from an explosion can travel long distances and cause serious injury or death. 
  • Before withdrawing money, scan the area for any suspicious persons or activity. Should anyone approach you while you are withdrawing money, immediately cancel the transaction and leave the area. 

Incidents of credit card fraud, counterfeit U.S. currency, and various check-cashing scams have also been reported. When giving your credit card to a store or restaurant employee for processing, do not let the card out of your sight. Most South African restaurants have portable credit card machines that can be brought to your table. 

Hotel Security: Thefts from hotel rooms throughout the country remain a concern. Travelers are reminded to make use of hotel provided room safes or lock boxes at the front desk for all valuables.

Financial Scams:Visitors should also beware of telephone, internet, or email schemes, which attempt to win the confidence of unsuspecting persons who are persuaded either to provide financial information or money, or to travel to South Africa and assist in a supposedly lucrative business venture. Since 2008, there have been several cases of U.S. citizens losing thousands of dollars and putting themselves in danger by responding to financial scams (also known as “419 scams”). Some scam victims have traveled to South Africa only to lose more money, and, in a few cases, be physically attacked or kidnapped for ransom. Click to view the State Department’s financial scam web page. If you have lost money in a financial scam, please file a report with your local police and with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Victims can also report Internet fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

To check on a business’s legitimacy while in the United States, contact the International Trade Administration, Room 3317, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, telephone: 1-800-USA-TRADE or 202-482-5149, fax: 202-482-5198. If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Car Thefts and Carjackings: Carjacking and thefts of property from cars remain serious problems. Doors should remain locked and windows rolled up at all times. Motorists are urged to hide bags, cell phones, and other valuables from view at all times and to be extremely cautious when approaching intersections. “Smash-and-grab” robberies are common throughout South Africa, particularly in urban areas, at traffic lights and on highway off-ramps. A criminal, sometimes posing as a vendor or beggar, will walk between lines of vehicles waiting at an intersection, surveying the contents for valuables. Once an item of value is identified, the perpetrator will quickly smash the window and grab the item off the seat before fleeing, often before the driver can determine what happened. In another scenario an individual (or two working in tandem) may indicate to a driver an apparent flat tire or other problem and wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. You should avoid carrying anything of value inside the car (e.g., briefcases, purses, cell phones, etc.) that could attract potential assailants.

Criminals, often in groups, have placed large and sharp objects in the road (rocks, bricks, shards of metal, etc.) in an effort to puncture a vehicle’s tires. Another less frequently used tactic is for thieves to throw rocks and bricks from freeway overpasses onto moving vehicles to damage cars and disorient drivers. The thieves then rob the driver once he has pulled over to inspect the damage.

Airport Safety: Although infrequent, travelers leaving the airport have been targeted by criminals for robbery, while enroute to their hotels or places of residence. As such, all travelers should be extremely vigilant when leaving the airport and ensure that a reliable mode of transportation is used (such as arranging pick-up directly with a hotel, or using airport approved modes of transport). 

There is a serious problem with theft from baggage at O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International airports. Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, use an airport plastic wrapping service and avoid placing any items of value in checked luggage. Make an inventory of items in checked baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur.

Criminals are known to also target travelers at ATMs in airports. Travelers should refer to the above section (“ATM Scams”) for security precautions at ATMs.

Firearms: Travelers to South Africa may not import or take in-transit any firearms or ammunition without a temporary import or in-transit permit issued by the South African Police Service. Information on how to obtain a permit for firearms for personal protection and hunting can be found at the South African Police Service’s Firearms website.

Back to Top

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape,
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in South Africa is 10111.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Back to Top

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in South Africa you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. If you violate South Africa’s laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South Africa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties. 

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if U.S. citizens are arrested in South Africa, they should request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Notification by local authorities of U.S. citizens arrested in South Africa is rare. As such, U.S. citizens should request consular notification in the event that they are arrested. 

Back to Top

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: HIV and AIDS remain major public health concerns in the Republic of South Africa. According to the South African Department of Health, about 5.54 million people were estimated to be living with HIV in South Africa in 2005, with 18.8 percent of the adult population (15-49) affected.

Women are disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately 55 percent of HIV positive people. Women in the age group 25-29 are the worst affected with prevalence rates of up to 40 percent. For men, the peak is reached at older ages, with an estimated 10 percent prevalence among men older than 50 years. Public awareness in the country as to how to protect against infection is increasing. However, we recommend you exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in sexual activity, or if you are exposed to a blood source other than that supplied by a hospital for transfusion purposes.

If you plan to import and/or export items, please see our Customs Information page. 

Accessibility: While in South Africa, U.S. citizens with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. South African law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but these laws are rarely enforced. Even in government buildings, it is not unusual to encounter elevators that have not been operational for some time, and many private businesses are no different. However, many of the tourist attractions along with restaurants near the tourist attractions are somewhat better equipped with ramps and other options to facilitate access. In spite of this, if you are a tourist with a disability wishing to explore South Africa, you should plan ahead to ensure that your lodgings and all of your planned activities are able to accommodate any special requirements.  

Back to Top

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but they may be limited elsewhere. Pharmacies are well stocked and equivalents to most American medicines are available.

While most of South Africa is malaria-free, malaria risk exists throughout the year in rural low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including Kruger National Park and neighboring game reserves. Risk also exists in the coastal lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal north of the Tugela River (including in Zululand, but excluding urban areas of Richards Bay). In all risk areas, risk is much lower from June to September. Visitors should prepare accordingly and use malaria prophylaxis. For information on malaria, its prevention, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC malaria web page.  

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in South Africa. For further information, please consult the CDC's Travel Notice on TB. Many insect and tick borne illnesses are present. Tick and insect precautions are recommended. Schistosomiasis is present in far northeastern and eastern coastal fresh water bodies, including untreated water around game parks and inland resorts. Travelers should avoid freshwater exposure in these areas. Note the Yellow Fever information under "Entry Requirements".

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website. Further general health information for travelers is available from the WHO.

Back to Top

MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. citizens should not assume that their insurance will cover them when they travel. It is very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. U.S. citizens should ask their insurance providers two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I am out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not go with you when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out a temporary insurance policy for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

Back to Top

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning South Africa is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

South African law does not require an international driver’s license for U.S. citizen tourists who are licensed to drive in the United States and who are in South Africa for less than six months. 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. However, while South African law does not require an international driver’s license, insurance companies for both long-term residents and rental car customers often require proof of a South African or international driver’s license in order to honor an insurance claim, even when such proof was not requested at the time the policy was secured.

Unlike the United States, where traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road, traffic in South Africa moves on the left.

Deaths from road accidents are roughly twice as high in South Africa as they are globally. According to published reports, the high incidence of mortality in these collisions is due to a combination of poor driving, limited enforcement of traffic laws, road rage, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Travelers should use caution at all times when driving, and especially avoid nighttime travel outside major cities. Road conditions are generally good in South Africa. However, excessive speed, poor lighting on rural roads, and insufficient regulatory control of vehicle maintenance and operator licensing have resulted in a high and increasing number of traffic fatalities. Drivers should also take care to avoid pedestrians crossing roads or major highways.

Traffic lights are frequently out of order. Please treat all intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights as a four-way stop.

Travelers are advised to carry mobile phones. U.S. mobile phones may not work in South Africa, but rental mobile phones are widely available and may be rented from kiosks at major airports. The nationwide emergency number for the police is 10111, and the nationwide number for ambulance service is 10177. It is not necessary to dial an area code when calling these numbers.

Pedestrian Safety: Take extreme care when crossing streets. Collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians are all too common on South African roadways. Pedestrian deaths occur regularly, including four cases involving U.S. citizen victims since 2008. Drivers are often aggressive towards pedestrians and fail to yield the right of way even in marked crosswalks. NOTE: The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and Consulates General in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are located on busy city streets, and visitors should exercise caution especially when walking to and from these facilities. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Back to Top

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 (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of South Africa’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Back to Top

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on inter-country adoption and international parental child abduction. 

Back to Top

*  *  *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for South Africa dated January 7, 2011, to update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements concerning vaccinations, Threats to Safety and Security, Special Circumstances, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Hotel Safety, and to remove World Cup 2010 notifications and updates.

Back to Top

Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

US Flag