Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[27] (12) 431-4000; US Embassy Pretoria, 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; ACSJohannesburg@state.gov; https://za.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
27
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 10177; Fire: 10177; Police: 10111
Vaccinations
The CDC 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, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
Currency (Code)
Rand (ZAR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, M, N
Major Languages
IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, English, Sesotho, Xitsonga, siSwati, Tshivenda, isiNdebele
Major Religions
Christian, African traditional, Muslim, Hindu
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Kruger National Park; Cape Town; Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park; Stellenbosch; Drakensberg; Garden Route; iSimangaliso Wetland Park; Cape of Good Hope; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison); Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Major Sports
Rugby, cricket, soccer, boxing
Cultural Practices
It is polite to receive items with both hands together, held out as a cup.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to tip 10-15% for good service in restaurants. For private drivers, 100 rand per person per day is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Zulu spoons, Zulu beaded items, seshweshwe fabric, Rooibos tea, wine and liqueur
Traditional Cuisine
Bobotie — minced meat simmered with spices, especially curry powder, herbs, and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024
