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Before you go to South Africa: what to know

Must know

  • Visa-free business or tourism visits up to 90 days. Check special document requirements when travelling with children and verify your permitted stay at the border.
  • Major cards are widely accepted. Keep a modest cash backup for roadside purchases and small rural businesses.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Visa-free business or tourism visits up to 90 days. Check special document requirements when travelling with children and verify your permitted stay at the border. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: At least 30 days after departure; 2 blank pages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Major cards are widely accepted. Keep a modest cash backup for roadside purchases and small rural businesses.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: southafrica.net ↗, saspecialist.southafrica.net ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Importing or exporting illegal drugs.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

Weather varies strongly by region; storms and flooding can occur at different times of year. Use forecasts for the specific coast, city or interior route.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • February: Feb: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • March: Mar: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • April: Apr: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • May: May: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • June: Jun: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • July: Jul: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • August: Aug: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • September: Sep: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • October: Oct: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • November: Nov: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.
  • December: Dec: Regional seasons differ; use a destination-specific forecast.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.