Travellers do not need a visa for Business or Tourism stays up to 90 days. Travellers need a visa for longer stays.

Travellers under 18 years travelling to South Africa with one or both parents, or with an adult who is not their biological parent, need only present a valid passport. However, unaccompanied travellers must provide: birth certificate, parental consent letters from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) cited on the birth certificate, copies of parents' or legal guardians' passports or identity documents, parents' or legal guardians' contact details, a letter from the receiving person with their address and contact details, and a copy of the receiving person's identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit.

The parental consent letter must not be older than 6 months when presented.

Additional documents may be required if applicable, such as death certificates, court orders, or adoption orders. School groups with a principal's letter confirming all consents are held by the school are exempt from individual documentation requirements. This applies to schools registered with the South African Department of Basic Education and equivalent institutions abroad.

Travellers must complete an Online Travel Declaration form before travel to South Africa. The declaration covers goods and currency in their possession.

Travellers must complete the online declaration within 24 hours of their final departure for South Africa. Travellers who have connecting flights, submit it within 24 hours before the last flight to South Africa.

A parent, legal guardian, caretaker, or other assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or a traveller who is unable to complete it themselves.

Travellers can complete the declaration via the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration Portal, the SATMS mobile application, or a Scan-to-Declare QR code.

Travellers who have not completed the declaration before arriving in South Africa can still enter the country and submit it on-site, using self-service terminals or with assistance from SARS Customs officials at the port of entry. Completing the declaration before travel is recommended to speed up border processing, but doing so at the port is an accepted alternative.

Travellers must still ensure the declaration is submitted and accurate. Failing to declare goods or currency altogether, or providing false information, may result in processing delays, financial penalties, or the detention and forfeiture of goods.

Travellers need a valid passport to enter South Africa. The traveller's passport must remain valid for at least 30 days after the traveller departs from South Africa. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages.

Travellers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from South Africa.

Travellers should consider:

• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines
• Typhoid vaccine for visits to smaller cities or rural areas
• Routine vaccines including Measles.

Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.

• Health screening: While not always required, officials might ask for a health certificate or a medical exam upon arrival. This is more likely if you're coming from an area with a health outbreak or if you show signs of illness.