Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Africa
South Africa provides a diverse experience for travelers with a variety of landscapes and cultures.
There are nine official ethnic groups in South Africa. The largest communities include people with European, Asian and multiracial descent.
Due to this large number of different ethnicities, there are 11 official languages. This is the most official languages of any country in the world. There are also many different religions practiced throughout the country.
South Africa hold three major capital cities including Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.
Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. 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 and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for South Africa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Routine Vaccinations for South Africa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need the vaccine.
Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa. Use mosquito repellents, netting and antimalarials if you are traveling to these areas.
Medical facilities are common and in good condition in urban areas and near game parks. But, facilities are limited in rural areas. Most facilities only accept cash payments before a procedure is done. Medicare does not cover these expenses.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for South Africa
“I had a great experience at passport health. I am going to South Africa an am a little worried but I was able to speak my concerns and feel comfortable by the expertise of the staff. He was friendly and very helpful with all of the questions I had.”
“I feel confident that the nurse that I met with was knowledgeable about what was needed for my upcoming trip to South Africa. I would definitely use this clinic again!”
“The nurse was very knowledgable regarding South Africa. Information book is very helpful.”
“After recently going through frustrations with another agency for a trip to South AFrica and waiting for their response as I prepared for this trip, I am very impressed with the efficiency and friedliness of the Passport health office!”
“I had a great experience at Passport Health in August 2015. I was preparing for a trip to South Africa. The nurse was knowledgeable about the immunizations I needed to travel there, and explained everything clearly. This is the second trip for which I have used Passport Health, and I will use it again next time!”
“From the moment I walked in the door, I was greeted by an experienced RN who welcomed me. She had prepared a professionally-bound informational packet that pertained to my upcoming trip to South Africa. It summarized the recommended vaccinations and precautions. She promptly called in my prescriptions to my pharmacy and gave pragmatic advice about dietary precautions, sunscreen recommendations, and insect repellents. I was very impressed with her knowledge and attention to detail. i would highly recommend Passport Heath to others.”
“I recently went to Passport Health in Colorado Springs and received really good service. They recommended what vaccines I should get before taking a trip to South Africa next Saturday. They also gave me a packet with helpful information for my trip. Overall, I am glad that I chose Passport Health for my Vaccination needs.”
“Had a very informative visit with the nurse. She gave us great information about our South Africa trip.”
“I got all my questions answered about my son’s trip to South Africa. Our clinic experience was great!”
“Best Clinic Ever – love the nurse who gave me my shots and set me up to travel to South Africa!”
“I have a trip planned to South Africal coming up. After getting conflicting and confusing information from various sources, I found Passport Health. I received definitive, thorough and helpful info and very fine care in delivery of the immunizations.”
“The nurse was very thorough in explaining what vaccines are needed when traveling to South Africa.”
“I never knew there were such places but was advised to seek out a speciality travel clinic to take care of everything we would need for a South Africa trip. Passport Health prepared a booklet for us with pertinent info on all of the places we would visit & advised on what was required as well as what was recommended. Convenient locations and on time appointments. Good service!”
“I had an appointment yesterday to prepare for my upcoming trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Your staff did an excellent job and your facility was very clean and well organized. Stephanie did a superb job explaining everything and discussing my options. I felt very comfortable with her and appreciated her professionalism. My trip to Africa will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and I am confident that with your help and care, it will be that much better.”
“The staff was wonderful! She gave me a detailed report with the recommendations for my upcoming trip to South Africa, and spend a lot of time with me answering all my questions. Thank you!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Africa?
A visa is not required for US citizens visiting for less than 90 days. You will still need a valid passport and possibly proof of yellow fever immunization.
South Africa Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to South Africa? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of South Africa and U.S. State Department
If traveling from a country that has yellow fever, you must have proof of immunization.
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in South Africa?
Due to its size, the climate of South Africa is different depending on the region.
The Southwestern corner of South Africa has a Mediterranean climate.
The interior of South Africa has a temperate climate.
The Northeastern part of South Africa has a subtropical climate.
A small part of the northwest has a desert climate.
Although there is a range of different climates in South Africa, temperatures stay in the high-90’s in summer and low-30’s in winter.
The majority of the country experiences warm days and cool nights. There is a rainy season from November to March.
How Safe is South Africa?
Stay away from strikes and political demonstrations for they may often turn violent.
You should be extremely cautious of petty crime including theft and muggings in central business districts, especially at night.
If you are going to a game park in South Africa, do not leave your vehicle out of risk of being attacked by wild animals.
Do not swim alone or at isolated beaches, for riptides can be sudden and dangerous. Be mindful of sharks.
Wine in South Africa
Although many tourists come to South Africa to experience safaris and wildlife, South African wineries are not to be missed.
The best area to experience the wine culture of South Africa is called the Boland.
Towns in this area include Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh. Among these towns, some of the most popular wineries to visit include KWV, Diemersfontein Wine Farm, and Spier.
The best time of year to visit the Boland region is during April. During this time, wildflowers bloom on the mountainsides.
This area is also perfect for photographers and nature-lovers for its picturesque views.
What Should I Take To South Africa?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to South Africa:
- Bug Spray — Although the risk of malaria is relatively low, it is a wise idea to bring insect repellent.
- Sunscreen and Hat — The sun can get hot, especially in the summer months. Protect your skin.
- Light-Colored and Lightweight Clothing — Light clothing wards off wild animals such as mosquitoes.
- Fleece or Jacket for the Night-Time – Although it may be hot during the day, South Africa can reach below freezing at night.
U.S. Consulate in South Africa
All Americans visiting South Africa should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in South Africa, the information for the U.S. Consulate is:
U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
1 Sandton Drive (opposite Sandton City Mall)
Johannesburg 2196
South Africa
Telephone:+(27)(11) 290-3000 / 011-290-3000 (from within South Africa)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(27) 79-111-1684 / 079-111-1684 (from within South Africa)
Fax: +(27)(11) 884-0396 / 011-884-0396 (from within South Africa)
Email: consularjohannesburg@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to South Africa or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Africa?
What is the Climate Like in South Africa?
How Safe is South Africa?
Wine in South Africa
What Should I Take To South Africa?
U.S. Consulate in South Africa
