Foreign travel advice

South Africa

Warnings and insurance

• Still current at: 3 July 2025
• Updated: 23 June 2025
• Latest update: Updated information on visa requirements (‘Entry Requirements’ page); nightlife and dating, airport crime, vehicle crime, illegal drugs and cannabis laws and driving rules and standards ('Safety and security' page).

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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View a printable version of the whole guide