South Africa

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South African High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

South African-British dual nationals

If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over, you must use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa. It is illegal to use another country’s passport. See the South African Department of Home Affairs for further information. 

Visa requirements

You can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism.

Check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure you do not overstay.

For more information on visas, contact the South African High Commission.

The Department of Home Affairs also has information on South Africa visas and immigration regulations. 

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

Vaccine requirements

To enter South Africa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. 

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s South Africa guide. 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Africa. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.

Taking money into South Africa

When you enter South Africa, you must declare cash if you are bringing:   

• more than 25,000 South African rand per person 

• other currencies  worth more than 10,000 US dollars combined

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in South Africa

All emergencies from mobiles: 112

Ambulance and fire: 10177

Police: 10111

National Sea and Rescue Institute: 112 or +27 87 094 9774

Wilderness Search and Rescue: +27 21 937 0300

There may be other regional emergency numbers available, check locally.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO provides guidance on how to help yourself stay safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in South Africa
• dealing with a death in South Africa
• being arrested in South Africa
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Find more support for British nationals abroad.

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in South Africa on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.