South Africa Coronavirus (COVID-19)
travel
Follow current COVID-19 rules where you live: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To prevent new COVID variants from entering the UK, you should
not travel to amber or red list
countries.
To understand the risks in a country follow FCDO Travel Advice.
When you return, follow the rules to enter the UK from abroad
(except from Ireland).
Contents
- Summary
-
Coronavirus
-
Safety and security
-
Local laws and
customs
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Terrorism
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Entry requirements
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Health
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Money
-
Travel advice help and
support
Summary
Still current at:
4 June 2021
Updated:
4 June 2021
Latest update:
Updated information on travel restrictions between the UK and
South Africa (‘Coronavirus’ page).
The FCDO
advises against all but essential travel to the whole of South
Africa based on the current assessment of COVID-19
risks.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for South Africa
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry
requirements’ section for South Africa’s current entry
restrictions and requirements. These may change with little
warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in
contact with your travel provider.
Preparing for your return journey to the UK
South Africa is on the red list for entering
England. Check what you must do to enter England, Scotland, Wales
or Northern Ireland.
Check our advice on foreign travel
during the coronavirus pandemic and sign up for email
alerts for this travel advice.
If you’re travelling to South Africa during coronavirus, see the
Coronavirus page for
more information.
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is more important than ever to
get travel insurance and check your cover. See the FCDO’s
guidance on foreign travel
insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
The South African government allows international travel to and
from South Africa for any purpose, including tourism. However,
the FCDO
advises against all but essential travel to South Africa based on
the assessment of COVID-19 risks. There are strict health
protocols including curfews in place. If you choose to travel,
you should ensure you understand and comply with these protocols
before travelling. You should read Entry requirements in
full before planning your travel.
The British and Irish Lions are due to tour South Africa in July
and August 2021. Under current South African regulations, British
fans will be allowed to travel to South Africa, but will not be
allowed to attend or watch any matches live as all matches will
be played behind closed doors. See Coronavirus page for
more information.
Over 430,000 British tourists visited South Africa in 2019. Most
visits are trouble-free, but a small number of British people
encounter problems. You should take sensible precautions to
protect your safety.
There is a high level of crime including rape and murder in South
Africa. Most violent crimes tend to occur in townships, isolated
areas and away from the normal tourist destinations. However,
armed robberies have taken place in other places, for example one
leading to the death of a tourist on Table Mountain in Cape Town
in recent years. See Crime
There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa
with children under the age of 18. See Travelling with
children
There are regular protest marches, demonstrations, and periodic
incidents of public disorder across South Africa, which can
become violent. See Protests and
demonstrations
Beach conditions and local safety provisions vary considerably
throughout the South African coastline and every year several
people drown due to the strong sea currents. See Water safety
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South
Africa. See Terrorism
British nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam
artists. See Fraud and scams
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK
government, contact the nearest British embassy,
consulate or high commission.
