South Africa visa guide and travel medical insurance

January 03, 2019

South Africa is one of the world’s best safari destinations, a place where you can fully experience the diversity of the animal kingdom in its most natural habitat. Aside from exploring the primitive wilderness, South Africa also offers adrenaline infusing activities like rock climbing, abseiling and surfing as well as dramatic landscapes, delicious cuisine and enlightening museums on the history and culture of South Africa There’s a lot to get excited about when organizing your visit. To fully enjoy your trip, make sure you give yourself peace of mind and organize your travel insurance policy, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you have got all your bases covered.
 
Aside from finding the right cover for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:

Visa Information for South Africa

Do I Need to Get a Visa to Visit South Africa?    

No

If you are an American Citizen with a valid U.S. passport, visiting South Africa for up to 90 days, then you don’t need a visa.

Travel Documents You Will Need:

A valid U.S. passport.

All passports must have a minimum of 6 months before expiration. That is 6 months from the date of your travel departure, and your passport should also have at least two consecutive blank pages for stamping.

Health and Medical Advice

Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any health risks, required vaccinations and any epidemic breakouts occurring in South Africa. It’s also a good idea to find out where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.

Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to South Africa?

Most travellers get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. You should also make sure your routine vaccinations are updated. The standard vaccines are:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
• Influenza
• Polio
• Chickenpox

Book an appointment at your local practitioner or find your local Passport health clinic. You should book your appointment four to six weeks before your trip, giving enough time for the vaccinations to take effect.

Travel Health Updates in South Africa

Currently, there are no reported epidemics occurring in South Africa.

To keep up to date on any breakouts, visit the CDC website.

Emergency Contact Information in South Africa

No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services while they’re on vacation, but unfortunately accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.

• The number for contacted the South African Police is 10111 on landlines and 112 on cell phones
• Emergency ambulance contact number is 10177

South African Local Laws and Customs

• Always carry a form of identification with you as South African officials can ask you for this information.
• Possession of drugs, trafficking and smuggling drugs is considered a serious offence.

Safety and Security

Crime

South Africa’s crime levels are extremely high and include offences in rape, murder, kidnap and vehicle hi-jacking. However, the risks of such violent crimes to tourists in the popular tourist destinations is significantly lower and authorities have put stricter security measures in place in order to protect its visitors. To keep yourself safe it is advised that you avoid isolated areas, or urban districts, keep to main roads when driving and don’t have valuables on display.
 
Petty Theft

Popular tourist destinations and cities are subject to street crimes like thefts from unattended vehicles or pickpocketing. Be alert and keep your belongings with you at all times, especially in crowded areas, on public transport and popular tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to keep valuable belongings or extra spending money in a hotel safe, if you have one.


U.S. Embassy in South Africa
U.S. Embassy Pretoria
877 Pretorius St
Arcadia
Pretoria
South Africa
Telephone: +27 (12) 431-4000

Useful Tips for South Africa

Official Languages: South Africa has 11 official languages including English which is one of the predominant languages.

Currency: South African rand
Before your trip, make sure to exchange enough rand for your spending requirements and to get the best exchange rates.

South African Plug Sockets: Types D, M and N
The standard voltage and frequency is 230 V and 50 Hz. You will need a plug adapter for your appliances as well as a voltage converter as the standard South African voltage is higher than in the U.S (120 V).

© 2018 UnitedHealth Group Incorporated. For informational purposes, UHG does not guarantee the correctness or completeness of the information.