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5,609 mi away
£1 ZAR 21.84
Today
5:03 am
+2h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in South Africa
South Africa
21°
Mainly clear
Wed
9°
21°
Thu
10°
20°
Fri
9°
20°
Sat
8°
16°
Sun
7°
18°
Mon
9°
21°
Tue
12°
21°
SPF level in South Africa
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for South Africa
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 30 days after you leave South Africa and at least 2 blank pages.
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.
You must declare cash if bringing more than 25,000 South African rand or the equivalent of over 10,000 US dollars per person.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering.
Good to know:
There are special requirements for travelling with children aged 17 and under.
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Safety in South Africa
Tips when travelling
South Africa is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid isolated beaches and do not walk alone in remote areas or on deserted beaches, especially after dark.
Carjacking and 'smash and grab' attacks on vehicles are common, so keep windows closed, doors locked, and valuables out of sight, ideally in the boot.
Be wary of drink spiking in nightlife settings, and if you think your drink has been spiked, seek immediate medical help and contact the police.
Only swim between the red and yellow flags on busy tourist beaches and follow the instructions of lifeguards.
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page and your visa or permit page as you may be asked for ID at any time.
Bonus tips:
Be cautious using dating apps, meet in well-lit public places, and always tell someone your plans as criminals use them to rob or assault victims.
When using a taxi app, book through the app, check the vehicle registration and driver ID before entering, and do not wait in the street with your phone or valuables displayed.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in South Africa
A valid UK driving license is accepted for a period. An International Driving Permit can also be useful.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Health in South Africa
As a British tourist, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. While the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and its predecessor, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are not valid in South Africa, travel insurance is crucial to cover any medical costs incurred during your trip.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations before travelling to South Africa. Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa, particularly Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal province. Discuss malaria prevention with your healthcare provider. Be aware of HIV/AIDS prevalence. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, it's always wise to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments, markets, or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in South Africa
Tipping is customary in South Africa for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common practice to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill for table service
Taxi
10% of the fare, or round up
Hotel Porter
10-20 ZAR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ZAR per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in South Africa. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
5GB for 150 ZAR (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in South Africa
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M, Type N
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls in cities and tourist areas. However, the quality and reliability of the connection can vary.
Average speed
35 Mbps
While WiFi is readily available, purchasing a local SIM card may give you better connectivity, especially if you intend to travel to more remote locations. Data speeds may vary depending on location and network congestion.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
10111
Ambulance
10177
Fire
10177
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling South Africa
Country code
+27
To call a South African number 012 345 6789 from the UK, you would dial 00 27 12 345 6789.
South Africa's country code is 27. When calling South African numbers from abroad, remember to drop the first zero of the local area code.
Languages in South Africa
English(primary)
Afrikaans
Zulu
UK Embassy
British High Commission Pretoria
255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
12 days ago
Safety
- There has been an increase in xenophobic and anti-immigration marches and violence, primarily targeting African immigrants and those perceived to be African immigrants.
- The list of higher-risk crime locations now includes 'informal settlements, and other high-density areas'.
Transport risks
- A new separate subsection 'E-hailing and taxis' replaces and expands on 'Taxi app crime'. It adds advice to 'identify a place of safety until the vehicle arrives'.
- It now states tensions between e-hailing and metered taxi drivers 'have led to armed violence and fatalities', rather than 'can lead to armed violence'.
Warnings and insurance
12 days ago
Travel disruption
- The Western Cape travel disruption warning has been removed.
- No current advisories for strong winds, heavy rain, flight delays, cancellations, or diversions at Cape Town.
Airports in South Africa
Beaches in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
While South Africa is a popular tourist destination, it has a high crime rate. Be vigilant, especially in urban areas. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use reputable transportation services. Research areas before visiting, and trust your instincts.
British passport holders generally do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure from South Africa and have at least two blank pages. Always check the latest requirements with the South African High Commission before your trip.
The best time to visit South Africa depends on your interests. For wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, the dry winter months (May to September) are ideal. For pleasant weather in Cape Town, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). Summer (November to March) can be hot, especially inland.
South Africa has diverse climates, so pack accordingly. Lightweight clothing is suitable for summer, while layers are recommended for cooler months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Smart casual attire is appropriate for restaurants and social events. Comfortable shoes are essential for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Be aware of common scams targeting tourists such as fake police officers, ATM scams, and unsolicited help with luggage. Only use ATMs inside banks or well-lit areas. Don't accept help from strangers unless you've requested it. Verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be an official.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, but it may have a different taste due to local treatment processes. In rural areas, it's best to drink bottled water to avoid potential contamination. When in doubt, opt for bottled water or boil tap water before consumption.
Essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit. A universal adapter is necessary for charging electronics. Pack light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and any prescription medications you require. If visiting during winter, bring warm layers as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evenings.
South Africa has a diverse culture with influences from various ethnic groups. Politeness and respect are valued. Greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Bargaining is not common in formal shops but may be acceptable in markets. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting rural areas.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.