Sarah Bennett
As of June 22, 2022, the South African government has repealed all remaining COVID-19 regulations, meaning travelers entering South Africa are no longer required to provide vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests. However, it is still recommended that travelers ensure their primary courses and boosters are up to date, including the COVID-19 vaccine. While a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for entry into South Africa, it is mandatory for travelers over one year old arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Other recommended vaccinations for South Africa include typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirements to enter South Africa | No longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests |
| Vaccination recommendations for South Africa | Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Polio, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Rabies, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Chickenpox, Shingles, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) |
| Malaria risk in South Africa | High risk in border areas near Mozambique and Zimbabwe, including Kruger National Park |
| Other health risks in South Africa | Tuberculosis, parasitic infections (bilharzia), rabies in Cape fur seals in Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, including Cape Town |
| Safety risks in South Africa | Crime, including theft, muggings, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks; wildlife attacks; riptides and sharks; air pollution |
| Travel insurance recommendations | Yes, with coverage for evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation |
| Visa requirements for South Africa | Not required for stays less than 90 days |
| Yellow fever vaccination requirements | Required for travelers from designated countries by the WHO, with proof of vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival |
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What You'll Learn
- As of June 2022, South Africa has repealed all COVID-19 regulations
- Travellers from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must show a valid vaccination certificate
- The CDC recommends several vaccinations for South Africa, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, and rabies
- Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa, particularly near the border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
- There is a rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals in the Western and Northern Cape provinces, including Cape Town
As of June 2022, South Africa has repealed all COVID-19 regulations
As of June 22, 2022, South Africa has repealed all COVID-19 regulations. This means that travellers entering South Africa are no longer required to provide vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests. However, it is still recommended that travellers get vaccinated against certain diseases before entering the country. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). Many of the countries surrounding South Africa, such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe, require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. It is important to consult with a travel health specialist or doctor at least a month before your trip to ensure you have the necessary vaccines and medicines.
In addition to the aforementioned vaccines, it is important to be aware of other health risks in South Africa. For example, there is currently a rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, including Cape Town. Travellers should avoid approaching or touching seals, regardless of their behaviour. Additionally, bugs such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can spread diseases, some of which cannot be prevented by vaccines or medicine. Taking precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, and using insect repellent can help reduce the risk of bug bites.
It is also worth noting that South Africa has experienced issues with petty crime, including theft and muggings, especially in central business districts at night. Travellers should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. When visiting game parks, it is important not to leave your vehicle to avoid potential attacks by wild animals. Swimming alone or at isolated beaches is not recommended due to the risk of sudden riptides. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can be dangerous, so staying hydrated, wearing loose and lightweight clothing, and limiting physical activity during high temperatures is essential.
While the COVID-19 regulations have been lifted in South Africa, it is still important to stay informed about the latest health and safety guidelines when travelling to the country.
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Travellers from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must show a valid vaccination certificate
As of June 22, 2022, the South African government has lifted all COVID-19 entry requirements, including the need for vaccination certificates and negative PCR tests. However, travellers to South Africa are advised to be vaccinated against a range of diseases, including yellow fever.
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily by the bite of infected Aedes or Haemagogus species mosquitoes. The virus is maintained in the environment between mosquitoes and non-human primates, such as monkeys. While South Africa is not considered an endemic area for yellow fever, the disease is present in some surrounding countries. Therefore, travellers from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must show a valid vaccination certificate upon entry into South Africa.
The yellow fever virus has three transmission cycles: jungle (sylvatic), intermediate (savannah), and urban. The jungle cycle involves the transmission of the virus between non-human primates and mosquito species found in the forest canopy. The virus is transmitted to humans when they venture into the jungle or work in jungle areas. The intermediate cycle occurs in Africa and involves the transmission of the virus from mosquitoes to humans living or working in jungle border areas.
It is important to note that, in addition to yellow fever, there are other recommended vaccinations for travellers to South Africa. These include typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Taking these precautionary measures can help ensure a safe and healthy trip to South Africa.
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The CDC recommends several vaccinations for South Africa, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, and rabies
The CDC recommends that travellers to South Africa take certain precautions to protect themselves against diseases prevalent in the region. While some vaccines are recommended or required, it is also important to note that not all diseases in South Africa can be prevented through vaccination. Therefore, travellers should also take other necessary precautions.
The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for South Africa:
- Typhoid: Typhoid is caused by Salmonella Typhi and is transmitted through tainted food and water. The vaccination lasts for 2 years as a shot and 5 years orally, but the oral doses must be kept refrigerated and the patient must be able to swallow pills.
- Hepatitis A: This is a contagious liver infection typically spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention.
- Polio: Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers.
- Rabies: Rabies is a deadly viral infection spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches. Travellers are advised to avoid contact with animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure vaccination is essential after potential exposure.
Other recommended vaccinations include yellow fever, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). It is important to note that the MMR vaccine is given in two doses and is crucial for preventing outbreaks of these highly contagious diseases.
In addition to vaccinations, travellers to South Africa should be aware of other health risks. Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa, particularly near the borders of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, including Kruger National Park. Insect bites can also spread diseases, so it is important to take steps to prevent bug bites, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, and using insect repellent.
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Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa, particularly near the border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
As of June 2022, the South African Government has repealed all COVID-19 regulations, meaning travelers entering South Africa are no longer required to provide vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests. However, it is still recommended that all travelers to South Africa are up to date with routine vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Tdap) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). The CDC and WHO also recommend several other vaccinations for South Africa, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, and rabies.
In addition to malaria, there are other health risks to be aware of when visiting South Africa. For example, African tick-bite fever is common in the country, with campers and hikers in rural areas being especially at risk. To prevent this, it is important to take measures to avoid tick bites. Other insect-borne diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are also present in South Africa, and while many of these cannot be prevented by vaccines or medicine, taking steps to avoid insect bites can reduce your risk of infection. It is recommended to cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, as well as using insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Staying in air-conditioned or screened rooms and using bed nets can also help prevent insect bites.
It is also important to be aware of other potential risks when visiting South Africa, such as petty crime in central business districts, particularly at night, and the presence of wild animals in game parks and beaches. Taking precautions such as staying vigilant, avoiding isolated areas, and not leaving your vehicle in game parks can help keep you safe.
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There is a rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals in the Western and Northern Cape provinces, including Cape Town
As of June 2022, the South African Government has repealed all remaining COVID-19 regulations. This means that travellers entering South Africa are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR tests. However, it is recommended that travellers get certain vaccines before visiting South Africa. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry.
There is currently a rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals in the Western and Northern Cape provinces, including Cape Town. This is the first outbreak of rabies among marine mammals anywhere in the world. While rabies in seals has been historically rare, there have been several reported cases of Cape fur seals testing positive for rabies since May 2024. The only other known case of a seal catching rabies was in Norway in 1980.
Cape fur seals are known to travel long distances along the coast, often coming into close contact with humans. They breed all along the coast of southern Africa between southern Angola and Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. They are often found on beaches and in harbours, and they attract tourists. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks and know how to respond in the case of an encounter with an aggressive seal.
If you encounter an aggressive seal, do not approach it. Keep yourself and others away from it and contact your local state veterinary office. If you are bitten by a seal, wash the bite area with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention, even if you have received pre-exposure vaccinations. Discuss the need for rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis with your healthcare provider, especially if you plan to engage in watersports in the area.
The consequences of this outbreak could be dire if the infection continues to spread. Scientists are concerned about vagrant seals from the subantarctic, especially elephant seals, contracting the disease and taking it back to their home ranges. Vaccination trials are currently underway for itinerant seal species to prevent further spread.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the South African Government has repealed all COVID-19 regulations. Travellers entering South Africa are no longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests. However, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) before travelling to South Africa.
No, you do not need a visa if you are visiting South Africa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Yes, there are several health risks to be aware of when travelling to South Africa, including malaria, rabies, and waterborne and foodborne diseases. It is recommended that you take steps to prevent bug bites and only drink boiled or bottled water.
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