Is it safe to travel to South Africa right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South African High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

South African-British dual nationals

If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over, you must use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa. It is illegal to use another country’s passport. See the South African Department of Home Affairs for further information.

Visa requirements

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.

For more information on visas, contact the South African High Commission.

The Department of Home Affairs also has information on South Africa visas and immigration regulations.

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

Vaccine requirements

To enter South Africa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s South Africa guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Africa. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.

Taking money into South Africa

When you enter South Africa, you must declare cash if you are bringing:

• more than 25,000 South African rand per person

• other currencies worth more than 10,000 US dollars combined

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date you expect to leave South Africa. Your passport must contain at least 2 empty visa pages for the necessary South African entry stamp and/or visa. Without it, you will be denied entry into the country.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Volunteer visa: required
Student visa: required
Employment visa: required

Canadians do not need a tourist visa to enter South Africa. Immigration officials will stamp your passport upon arrival and grant you a specific number of days to stay in South Africa, to a maximum of 90 days. Make sure the duration indicated on your entry stamp matches your travel plans, as permission for a full 90-day stay is not automatically granted.

Information on South African visas – South African Department of Home Affairs

Changing or extending your visa

If you need to change your visa or extend your stay while in South Africa, you must schedule an appointment through VFS Global, the official service provider authorized by the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Overstaying without proper authorization may result in a ban from re-entering South Africa for up to 5 years.

If you leave and re-enter South Africa, even for a short time, you will not automatically be given permission to stay for an additional 90 days. Immigration officials can deny you re-entry into South Africa or grant you a stay of less than 90 days.

Visa platform – VFS Global

Work, volunteer or study

If you intend to work, volunteer or study in South Africa, you must apply for the relevant visas prior to your arrival; otherwise, you risk being refused entry and may be returned to your point of origin.

Online traveller declaration

You must complete and submit an online traveller declaration before entering or leaving South Africa.

Customs Online Traveller Declaration – South African Revenue Service

Other entry requirements

You must be in possession of a return or an onward ticket. Without one, you may be required to deposit the equivalent of a fare home with customs. The money will be refunded after departure from South Africa.

Residence permit

If you reside in South Africa, you must have valid residence permit in your passport each time you enter or exit the country.

Entry and exit requirements for dual citizens

Dual citizens must enter or depart South Africa using their South African passport only.

This requirement applies to individuals who lost their South African citizenship between October 1995 and May 2025 by acquiring another nationality, as the Constitutional Court has ruled that they are now deemed to have retained their South African citizenship.

For further information on dual citizenship, contact the High Commission for the Republic of South Africa in Ottawa or the Consulate General in Toronto.

Children and travel

Unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 traveling to and from South Africa are subject to additional requirements.

All minors holding South African citizenship, including dual citizens, are also subject to additional requirements. Visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website or contact the nearest South African mission, before travelling, to verify the latest requirements.

Useful links

• Entry regulations when travelling with children - South African Department of Home Affairs
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).