South Africa
Country Specific Information
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March 25, 2010

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: South Africa map South Africa is a parliamentary democracy and is in many respects a developed country, although much of its population lives in poverty. All major urban areas have modern, world-class hotels and tourist facilities. Game parks and areas most often visited by tourists have a wide range of facilities. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available. The capital is Pretoria, while the seat of parliament is located in Cape Town. Johannesburg is the financial capital and largest city in South Africa. Durban is home to Africa’s busiest port and is the number one tourist destination for South Africans. Read the Department of State Background Notes on South Africa for additional information.

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REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in South Africa are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency. 

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Pretoria
877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Telephone: (27-12) 431-4000 (from South Africa 012-431-4000)
Fax: (27-12) 431-5504 (from South Africa 012-431-5504)

U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
1 Sandton Drive (opposite Sandton City Mall just west of the intersection of Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road), Johannesburg
Telephone: (27-11) 290-3000 (from South Africa 011-290-3000)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 079-111-1684 (outside South Africa: +27 79-111-1684)
Fax: (27-11) 884-0396 (from South Africa 011-884-0396)
Consular jurisdiction: the Pretoria area and the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Free State provinces.

U.S. Consulate General Cape Town
2 Reddam Avenue, West Lake 7945, Cape Town
Telephone: (27-21) 702-7300 (from South Africa 021-702-7300)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 021-702-7300 (outside of Africa +27 702-7300)
Fax (27-21) 702-7493 (from South Africa 021-702-7493)
Consular jurisdiction: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.

U.S. Consulate General Durban
Located at: The Old Mutual Building, 31st floor, 303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street, Durban 4001
Telephone: (27-31) 305-7600 (from South Africa 031-305-7600)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 079-111-1445 (outside South Africa: +27 079-111-1445)
Fax: (27-31) 305-7691 (from South Africa 031-305-7691)
Consular jurisdiction: KwaZulu-Natal Province.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS:

PLEASE NOTE:  South African law requires travelers to have one (1) blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport to enter the country. In practice, however, travelers may need more than one page as there have been instances in the past of South African immigration officers requiring travelers to have two (2) blank pages.  Travelers are advised to have two blank pages; one for the South African temporary residence permit sticker that is issued upon entry to the country, and an additional page to allow for entry and exit stamps for South Africa and other countries to be visited en route to South Africa or elsewhere in the region.

Travelers without the requisite blank visa pages in their passports may be refused entry into South Africa, fined and returned to their point of origin at their own expense. South African authorities have denied diplomatic missions access to assist in these cases.

As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.

Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. In the event a traveler overstays that period without a permit issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs, he or she may be subject to a fine of up to 3,000 rand (approximately 400 US dollars). All others, including academics, students on educational trips, and volunteers, may need visas. Americans who intend to work in South Africa must apply for work permits before arrival; otherwise they risk being refused admission and returned to their point of origin. It is strongly suggested that all travelers check the latest requirements with the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

Travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. If they are unable to do so, they must be inoculated at the airport in order to be permitted.  Click here a list of yellow fever countries.

Visit the Embassy of South Africa web site for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of South Africa. 

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

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FIFA WORLD CUP 2010*: South Africa will host the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) soccer World Cup June 11- July 11, 2010.  The World Cup matches will be played in nine South African cities, including: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria (a/k/a Tshwane), Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth and Rustenburg.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodations during the World Cup will be scarce. Many hotels are already fully booked and few, if any, hotels in the World Cup stadium site cities will have rooms available.  Travelers are urged to secure accommodation reservations before arriving in South Africa.

MATCH Hospitality is FIFA's worldwide exclusive rights holder of the Official Hospitality Program for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.  MATCH Hospitality has three sanctioned tour operators in the United States. They are: Cartan Tours, Great Atlantic Travel, Destination Southern Africa.

WEATHER: Due to its location in the Southern hemisphere, South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of the seasons in the United States and other Northern Hemisphere countries – summer in the U.S. is winter in South Africa.  While the weather in June and July is typically dry with daytime highs often reaching the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, nights can be cold, often down to the low 30s at higher elevations (for example, in Johannesburg).  Rainy weather is also possible at all World Cup venues.  Travelers are advised to dress in layers and be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

CELL PHONES: Travelers are advised to carry mobile phones. Travelers may find it useful to have an “unlocked” cell phone with international roaming capability to use while in South Africa.  The Independent Communication Authority of South Africa has established new rules that require all new cell phones and SIM cards to be registered.  Information on how to register may be found at their web site.

Travelers may buy an inexpensive SIM card and airtime once they arrive in South Africa.  SIM cards and airtime may be purchased at many retail outlets, including Woolworths, Pick and Pay, Spar, Checkers, and most grocery stores and cellular retail stores such as Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, etc.

Rental mobile phones are widely available and may be rented from kiosks at major airports. The nationwide emergency number for the police is 10111, and the nationwide number for ambulance service is 10177. It is not necessary to dial an area code when calling these numbers.

***New World Cup information will be provided as it becomes available.  The Department of State has also launched a dedicated World Cup South Africa web site.  Stay tuned!***

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SAFETY AND SECURITY: Anti-American violence is not typical in South Africa, although in the past there have been isolated incidents perpetrated by parties unhappy about U.S. foreign policy.  Nevertheless, the Department of State remains concerned about the continued worldwide threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Travelers are encouraged to review the most recent Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State.  In particular, visitors to South Africa during the World Cup should be vigilant and avoid protests and demonstrations.

South Africa has seen a number of attacks directed at refugees or immigrants from other African nations in the last two years. Many of the attacks were centered in Johannesburg and the province of Gauteng in low income neighborhoods and informal settlements, but other incidents have taken place throughout the country. Many individuals were killed in these incidents and others, both targeted victims and bystanders, were injured. While there have been no reports of Americans or other non-African visitors being targeted, these incidents of mob violence have sprung up quickly and proven difficult for local authorities to control. American residents and visitors are advised to listen to local media for reports of such incidents and to avoid areas (primarily but not only in townships) where they may be likely to occur.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.

Game Park/Safari Safety - While visiting game parks and reserves, it is dangerous to leave one's vehicle or otherwise be on foot, even in the presence of a guide. Several incidents of wild animal attacks on tourists in the region have resulted in death or serious injury.

Ocean Safety - If visiting South Africa’s expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming or engaging in water sports. In 2010, at the Fish Hoek beach and in 2005 and 2006 in the False Bay area of the Western Cape, several people were attacked by sharks; some of the attacks were fatal. When a shark is spotted close to the shore, local authorities will sound a warning siren to notify swimmers.

Tragic accidents can occur when swimming in the ocean or walking/climbing on shore areas that are not designated beaches. Visitors from the United States and elsewhere have drowned when swimming in coastal waters, where tides and wave patterns can change unexpectedly and overwhelm even excellent swimmers. Do not swim alone in isolated beach areas. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water, because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

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CRIME:  The vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without problems; however, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, often violent, is prevalent throughout the country. The government has in place a number of strong anti-crime initiatives, but violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, and other incidents are still common and do affect  visitors and resident Americans.

Visitors and residents are advised of ongoing criminal activity involving organized crime gangs targeting individuals at shopping centers and other public places. Once a victim has been identified, he/she is followed back to his/her residence and robbed, usually at gunpoint, although the use of force is generally reserved for those offering some form of resistance. These gangs tend to target people appearing to be affluent, including those driving expensive cars, wearing eye-catching jewelry, flashing large amounts of cash and/or making high-value purchases. Criminals also gravitate towards “soft” targets – people who appear preoccupied and do not pay attention to their immediate surroundings. Visitors who believe they are being followed should travel directly to a police station or other public location.

Crimes against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by violent acts, including murder, when victims resist or are slow to respond to attackers’ demands. South Africa also has the highest incidence of reported rape in the world. Foreigners are not specifically targeted, but several have been the victims of rape. Victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention, including antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS. Questions about how to receive such treatment should be directed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Criminal activity, such as assault, armed robbery, and theft, is particularly high in areas surrounding certain hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Theft of passports and other valuables is most likely to occur at airports, bus terminals, and train stations. A number of Americans have been mugged or violently attacked on commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang conflicts and vigilante violence in the low income areas and informal settlements in Cape Town. People who are unfamiliar with the Cape Flats area, surrounding townships and squatter camps should not visit these areas. Additionally, travelers should be aware that muggings have become common along many popular routes on Table Mountain, a prime tourist destination in Cape Town. Visitors to Table Mountain should be vigilant, hike in groups, and not carry valuables.

While crime has decreased slightly in Durban and the surrounding areas, it remains high.  Visitors should avoid travelling in the city center after dark as well as all travel to the surrounding townships.  As cash-in-transit robberies remain popular, tourists should also stay away from armored cars making cash deliveries to banks and other businesses.  The suburbs north and west of the city are generally considered to be safer than the city center, but all visitors should remain vigilant and exercise caution at all times.

ATMs - Criminals in South Africa have targeted Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).  Incidents of credit card fraud, counterfeit U.S. currency, and various check-cashing scams have also been reported. Do not accept "assistance" from anyone, or agree to assist others with ATM transactions. Travelers should try to avoid using ATMs after business hours or in remote locations. When giving your credit card to a store or restaurant employee for processing, do not let the card out of your sight.  Most South African restaurants have portable credit card machines that can be brought to your table.

Criminals also loiter near ATM machines and target persons withdrawing cash. Based on these threats, the following security precautions are recommended:

  • Avoid using ATMs in dark, remote, or isolated areas.
  • ATMs located inside shopping malls, hotels, and banks are preferred since they are normally high-traffic areas, and monitored by security guards and cameras.
  • Avoid using an ATM with a cord or other foreign object attached to it. Should you notice a suspicious device on an ATM, immediately leave the area; take cover, and notify the police. Shrapnel and debris from an explosion can travel long distances and cause serious injury or death.
  • Before withdrawing money, scan the area for any suspicious persons or activity. Should anyone approach you while you are withdrawing money, immediately cancel the transaction and leave the area.

Should you be confronted by an armed individual - immediately comply, avoid making sudden movements, and do not offer any form of resistance. Any hesitation on your part could be perceived as a threat and may result in unnecessary violence. Criminals do not discriminate. Members of the international diplomatic community have also been targets of crime.

Criminals have used commercial explosives to blow up ATMs in South Africa. ATM bombings have taken place in the early hours of the morning in remote or isolated areas although some attacks have taken place at gas stations and shopping complexes.

Financial Scams - Visitors should also beware of telephone, internet or email schemes, which attempt to win the confidence of an unsuspecting American who is persuaded either to provide financial information or money or to travel to South Africa to assist in a supposedly lucrative business venture.  In 2009, there were several cases of Americans losing thousands of dollars and putting themselves in danger by responding to financial scams (also known as “419 scams”).  Some have traveled to South Africa only to lose more money and sometimes be physically attacked.  Click to view the State Department’s financial scam web page.  If you have lost money in a financial scam, please file a report with your local police and with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.  Victims can also report Internet fraud to the FTC online or by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

To check on a business’s legitimacy while in the U.S., contact the International Trade Administration, Room 3317, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, telephone: 1-800-USA-TRADE or 202-482-5149, fax: 202-482-5198. If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Car Thefts And Carjackings - Carjacking and thefts of property from cars remain serious problems. Doors should be kept locked and windows rolled up at all times.  Motorists are urged to hide bags, cell phones, and other valuables from view at all times and to be extremely cautious when approaching intersections. “Smash-and-grab” robberies are common throughout South Africa, particularly in urban areas, at traffic lights and on highway off-ramps. A criminal, sometimes posing as a vendor or beggar, will walk between lines of vehicles waiting at an intersection, surveying the contents for valuables.  Once an item of value is identified, the perpetrator will quickly smash the window and grab the item off the seat before fleeing, often before the driver can determine what happened. In another scenario an individual (or two working in tandem) may indicate to a driver an apparent flat tire or other problem and wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. Drivers should avoid carrying anything of value (e.g., briefcases, purses, cell phones, etc.) inside the car that could attract potential assailants.

Criminals, often in groups, have placed large and sharp objects in the road (rocks, bricks, shards of metal etc.) in an effort to puncture a vehicle’s tires.  Another, less frequently used tactic is for thieves to throw rocks and bricks from freeway overpasses onto moving vehicles to damage cars and disorient drivers.  The thieves then rob the driver once he has pulled over to inspect the damage.

Airport Safety - People leaving the airport have been targets of crime and there have been attacks on them en route to their hotels.  There is a serious problem with theft from baggage at O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International airports.  Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, use an airport plastic wrapping service and avoid placing any items of value in checked luggage. Make an inventory of items in checked baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur.

Firearms - Travelers to South Africa may not import or take in-transit any firearms or ammunition without a temporary import or in-transit permit issued by the South African Police Service.  Information on how to obtain a permit for firearms for personal protection and hunting can be found at the South African Police Service’s Firearms website.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in South Africa is 10111.

See our information on Victims of Crime.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating South Africa’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South Africa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: HIV and AIDS remain major public health concerns in the Republic of South Africa.  According to the South African Department of Health, about 5.54 million people were estimated to be living with HIV in South Africa in 2005, with 18.8% of the adult population (15-49) affected.

Women are disproportionately affected; accounting for approximately 55% of HIV positive people. Women in the age group 25-29 are the worst affected with prevalence rates of up to 40%. For men the peak is reached at older ages, with an estimated 10% prevalence among men older than 50 years.  Public awareness in the country as to how to protect against infection is increasing. However, travelers are advised to exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in sexual activity, or if they become exposed to a blood source other than that supplied by a hospital for transfusion purposes.

Please see our Customs Information.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but they may be limited elsewhere. Pharmacies are well stocked and equivalents to most American medicines are available.

While most of South Africa is malaria-free, malaria risk exists throughout the year in rural low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including Kruger National Park and neighboring game reserves. Risk also exists in the coastal lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal north of the Tugela River (including in Zululand, but excluding urban areas of Richards Bay). In all risk areas, risk is much lower from June to September. Visitors should prepare accordingly and use malaria prophylaxis. For information on malaria, its prevention, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC malaria web page.  

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in South Africa. For further information, please consult the CDC's Travel Notice on TB. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site. Further general health information for travelers is available from the WHO.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning South Africa is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

South African law does not require an international driver’s license for American tourists who are licensed to drive in the U.S. and who are in South Africa for less than six months.   A valid driver’s license from any U.S. state that is printed in English and has the signature and photo of the driver is valid to drive in South Africa for stays of less than six months.  However, while South African law does not require an international driver’s license, insurance companies for both long-term residents and rental car customers often require proof of a South African or international driver’s license in order to honor an insurance claim, even when such proof was not requested at the time the policy was secured.

Unlike the United States, where traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road, traffic in South Africa moves on the left.

Deaths from road accidents are roughly twice as high in South Africa as they are globally.  According to published reports the high incidence of mortality in these collisions is due to a combination of poor driving, limited enforcement of traffic laws, road rage, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Travelers should use caution at all times when driving, and especially avoid nighttime travel outside major cities. Road conditions are generally good in South Africa. However, excessive speed, poor lighting on rural roads, and insufficient regulatory control of vehicle maintenance and operator licensing have resulted in a high and increasing number of traffic fatalities. Drivers should also take care to avoid pedestrians crossing roads, which occur frequently on major highways.

Traffic lights are frequently out of working order.  Please treat as a four-way stop all intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights.

Travelers are advised to carry mobile phones. U.S. mobile phones may not work in South Africa, but rental mobile phones are widely available and may be rented from kiosks at major airports. The nationwide emergency number for the police is 10111, and the nationwide number for ambulance service is 10177. It is not necessary to dial an area code when calling these numbers.

Pedestrian Safety - Take extreme care when crossing streets.  Collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians are all too common on South African roadways.  Pedestrian deaths occur regularly, including three cases in 2008-09 involving American victims.  Drivers are often aggressive towards pedestrians and fail to yield the right of way even in marked crosswalks.  

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of South Africa’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for South Africa dated February 19, 2010, to update the section on Entry/Exit Requirements, World Cup 2010, Threats To Safety And Security, Traffic Safety And Road Conditions.

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Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

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