South African Travel Information

Visas

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport and certain foreign nationals have to apply for a visa before they are admitted to the country. Visas can be obtained from South African diplomatic representatives overseas or from the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria.

There are a range of visas available to our guests including a tourist visa, a temporary residence permit and visas for working and studying in South Africa.  Please be warned that visas are not available at any of the ports of entry and have to be applied for at least four weeks prior to your departure. For all the in-depth information regarding visas please log on to the dedicated website for the Department of Home Affairs.

All visitors will have to prove to immigration officials they are able to sustain themselves financially for the period they are in the country, are in possession of an onward or return air ticket and have a valid international health certificate.

Health

No international immunisation against disease is necessary for entry into South Africa but you will need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are visiting South Africa within 6 days of leaving any infected country.

Although South Africa does have its fair share of Malaria, the disease is largely under control and is only prevalent in the Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Northern Kwazulu Natal and Zululand.

Malaria is spread by the mosquito and if you follow the suggested precautionary methods, there is little to no risk of contracting the disease. Mosquitoes are particularly active at night and are prevalent near fresh water, so in the evenings it is advisable to:

• wear long sleeves
• long trousers
• thick socks
• apply the lotions and creams freely available in most supermarkets and at all pharmacies.

Mosquito nets are generally widely available at the game lodges, hotels and bed and breakfasts in the affected areas but an added precautionary measure is to take a course of Malaria pills before and during your visit to the affected areas of Southern Africa.

Currency

South Africa’s currency is the Rand and 100 cents is equivalent to R1. The currency is divided into R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes and R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c coins. Daily currency exchange rates are published in all newspapers and at all the banks and currency exchange service providers.