South Africa

EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 1,221,037 sq km (471,445 sq mi) Capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial) Religion: Majority Christian (Protestant, Catholic), with traditional African and other world religions represented Population: ~60 million  Language: 11 official languages — including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–3:30 pm; some banks open on Saturday mornings Telephone/Communication: The country code is +27; major SIM card providers are Vodacom, MTN, Telkom Climate: Mediterranean in the southwest, subtropical in the northeast, semi-arid interior   VAT in South Africa South Africa charges a 15% VAT (Value-Added Tax) on most goods and services. Can Tourists Get a VAT Refund? Yes! A non-resident foreign visitor may qualify for a VAT refund on goods purchased and taken from South Africa. How to qualify for a VAT Refund: Minimum Purchase: The total value (including VAT) must be at least ZAR 250 per tax invoice. Valid Tax Invoice: Ask for a full tax invoice at the point of purchase — it must include: The words “Tax Invoice” Seller’s VAT registration number Your full name and passport number (some stores may ask for ID) You must export the goods by taking them with you when you depart South Africa no later than 90 days after the purchase date. Claim at the Airport: Present goods, receipts, and your passport at the VAT Refund Administrator (VRA) office before check-in. Refunds may be paid in cash, by check, or via credit card (sometimes mailed). Not Refundable: Services (like hotels, tours, and meals) Goods used or consumed in South Africa Items not presented for inspection at departure Travel Requirements   Visa-Free Entry Holders of U.S. passports can enter South Africa without a visa for tourism or business stays lasting up to 90 days. Passport Validity & Blank Pages Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least two consecutive blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Additional Entry Requirements Proof of Onward Travel: Carry a return or onward ticket to demonstrate your intent to leave South Africa within the permitted timeframe. Sufficient Funds: Be prepared to show evidence of adequate financial means to support your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards Health & Vaccination Requirements Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if you’re arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. You must administer the vaccination at least 10 days prior to your arrival. Recommended Vaccinations: While not mandatory, it’s advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies, especially if you plan to visit rural areas Customs & Currency Currency Limits: Entry: You may bring up to ZAR 25,000 in South African Rand. Foreign currency is unlimited if declared upon entry. Exit: You may take out up to ZAR 25,000. You can declare foreign currency upon entry. Travel Declaration All travelers are required to complete a South African Travel Declaration online before departure. The practice facilitates smoother customs clearance upon arrival. Getting there from the US Major U.S. airlines offer direct and connecting flights to South Africa’s primary international airports: Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport – JNB) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) While there are no direct flights from the U.S. to South Africa, travelers typically connect through European or Middle Eastern hubs such as London, Frankfurt, or Doha. Airlines like Delta, United, and Qatar Airways provide these connecting services. It is advisable to check with the airlines for the most current routes and schedules.   Travel Safety Tips Before You Go:   Stay Alert in Urban Areas Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, especially in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Avoid publicly displaying valuables (phones, jewelry, large cameras). Use Reputable Transportation Avoid informal minibus taxis, which are often unsafe. Use registered ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, especially at night. For car rentals, keep windows up and doors locked, especially at traffic lights. Be Cautious When Driving Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar or rural areas. Carjackings and smash-and-grab thefts can occur—be especially alert when stopped at intersections. Stick to well-traveled roads and avoid stopping when people flag you in remote areas. Secure Your Accommodation Choose hotels or guesthouses with excellent security reviews and gated access. Use safes for passports and valuables. Always lock doors and windows, even during the day. Limit Night Travel Don’t walk alone after dark, especially in city centers, beach areas, or townships, unless on a guided tour. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Respect Local Guidance If visiting townships, go with a registered guide or tour company — not only for safety but also for cultural understanding. Listen to locals and hotel staff for advice on safe and unsafe areas. ATMs & Cash Safety Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls rather than on the street. Shield your PIN and avoid accepting help from strangers at ATMs. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy Police emergency: 10111 Medical emergency: 10177 Consider downloading apps like Namola (a South African safety app). Travel Insurance Always have comprehensive travel insurance that covers theft, accidents, and medical emergencies. Register with the U.S. Embassy Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get updates and help in emergencies. Health Safety Tips for South Africa    Recommended Vaccinations Before traveling, consult your doctor about the following vaccinations: Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu, etc.) Hepatitis A—recommended for most travelers Hepatitis B—especially if you might need medical care or have intimate contact Typhoid—if you plan to visit smaller towns or eat street food Rabies—if you’ll be in remote areas, doing wildlife activities, or around animals Yellow Fever—required only if you’re arriving from or transiting through a country with a yellow fever risk Food & Water Safety Tap water is generally safe in significant cities, but in rural areas, bottled or filtered water should be used. Avoid ice in drinks unless