Traveling To
South Africa: Health Guide
If you’re traveling directly from the US, South Africa does not require any vaccines to enter.
This changes if your itinerary includes a visit to or a 12+ hour layover in another country before you make it to South Africa. A Yellow Fever vaccine and proof of vaccination may be required to enter. Check here to see if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic area.
Always recommended:
Excluding COVID-19, these vaccines are all recommended during childhood. If you received them as a child, you are all set.
Conditionally recommended:
South Africa has too many adventures and places to explore for sickness to ruin your plans. Runway can prescribe these trip-saving medications in minutes:
Malaria Medication
is recommended if you are traveling to transmission areas, such as Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves (including Sabi Sands Reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve and more).
Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics
help alleviate an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Traveler’s Diarrhea is common, so it’s a good idea to pack medication just in case.
Motion Sickness Medication
is recommended for all the bumps and curves along your journey. Whether traveling by land or sea, your road trip, boat cruise, safari excursion, or train ride will be more enjoyable without nausea and dizziness tagging along.
Sleep Aid
is a great addition to your packing list if you struggle with jet lag or sleeplessness due to travel stress.
Add medication to your treatment plan in the section below.
(Required to enter country)
If you’re traveling directly from the US, South Africa does not require any vaccines to enter.
This changes if your itinerary includes a visit to or a 12+ hour layover in another country before you make it to South Africa. A Yellow Fever vaccine and proof of vaccination may be required to enter. Check here to see if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic area.
South Africa has too many adventures and places to explore for sickness to ruin your plans. Runway can prescribe these trip-saving medications in minutes:
Malaria Medication
is recommended if you are traveling to transmission areas, such as Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves (including Sabi Sands Reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve and more).
Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics
help alleviate an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Traveler’s Diarrhea is common, so it’s a good idea to pack medication just in case.
Motion Sickness Medication
is recommended for all the bumps and curves along your journey. Whether traveling by land or sea, your road trip, boat cruise, safari excursion, or train ride will be more enjoyable without nausea and dizziness tagging along.
Sleep Aid
is a great addition to your packing list if you struggle with jet lag or sleeplessness due to travel stress.
Add medication to your treatment plan in the section below.
Always recommended:
Excluding COVID-19, these vaccines are all recommended during childhood. If you received them as a child, you are all set.
Conditionally recommended:
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From vaccination requirements to best health practices, all your South Africa travel questions answered.
South Africa does not currently require any vaccines for travel from the United States.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is required at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if traveling (including passing through an airport for greater than 12 hours) from a Yellow Fever risk country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO):
Travel with your proof of vaccination card to enter South Africa.
There are several common health conditions to consider when traveling to South Africa. Runway can help you prepare by prescribing the medication you need before you depart, so you can worry less and explore more while you’re away.
Can I carry medicines on international flights?
Medications in pill or solid form are approved for international flights. Keep them in your carry-on for convenient access. For liquid medications that exceed 3.4 ounces, you’ll want to pack them in your checked bags.
Medications you procure in South Africa may not always be manufactured in an FDA approved facility. Planning in advance with Runway allows you peace of mind of having the medications you need so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Make sure you’re up to date on any routine and recommended vaccinations weeks in advance of your trip to South Africa.
What shots should I have when traveling to South Africa?
While there are no required vaccines for South Africa for those traveling from the US, the lists below include recommended vaccines that you might need based on your personal history and trip activities.
Recommended Vaccines for Traveling to South Africa
The list below includes the routine childhood vaccinations that are recommended for traveling to South Africa. If you received vaccines as a child, you likely received the following and are ready to go:
Other Vaccine Considerations for Travel To South Africa
Here is a list of additional vaccines for preventable diseases that you may want to consider based on your trip itinerary:
Yellow Fever: Only required if traveling from a country considered high risk for yellow fever in South Africa as designated by WHO. This includes airport layovers greater than 12 hours in the listed areas throughout Africa and Central and South America. Check here.
COVID-19: Highly recommended for all travelers over the age of 5 headed to South Africa.
Rabies: Recommended for travelers planning to be around dogs or wildlife–as rabid dogs are common in South Africa and local rabies treatment may be limited. Most travelers will not need a Rabies vaccination unless they plan to do any of the following: wild camping, cave exploring, handling animals (veterinary work, field biology, handling specimens in a lab), and visiting rural areas.
Typhoid: Recommended for travelers visiting rural or remote areas, enjoying an extended stay with loved ones, or traveling extensively in the interior of South Africa (e.g. hikers or trekkers). Travelers who use antacid therapy should also consider Typhoid vaccination.
Proper preventative and proactive care can reduce the need to find healthcare in South Africa. However, we recommend making a list of local doctors and hospitals near the destination you’re staying, in advance of your trip.
It’s also strongly advised to purchase travel health insurance, as most traditional healthcare coverage doesn’t extend internationally. Fill all prescriptions prior to embarking on your trip to ensure you have enough with you for the duration of your travels plus a few extra days in case of delays.
How do I search for South Africa hospitals? Large cities in the country boast high standards of healthcare, making it easier to research and find accredited South Africa hospitals. Also, check with where you’re staying in South Africa as they often have hospital recommendations and information already in place. The Joint Commission International website and the U.S. Embassy can also be resources to locate healthcare organizations in or near the city where you’re staying.
What should I know about South Africa healthcare for tourists? Travel health insurance is highly recommended and can provide you with additional information and support about costs of services, coverage, and areas of available care.
What is the average cost of hospital stay in South Africa? A hospital stay in South Africa can vary in costs, especially as economic environments change. At one point, an average inpatient stay per day was under $100 USD. However, there is no set intake fee, so it’s best to confirm costs in advance to avoid unexpected expenses. Keep in mind, there are several factors that will contribute to the hospital cost, such as emergency services, x-rays, hospital location, and the duration of the stay.
Prevention is key. Be aware of certain high-risk areas and environments and take proper precautions for each. Take heed of destination updates with regards to weather, vaccination recommendations, and other safety advisories. If you are prone to jet lag, motion sickness, or traveler’s diarrhea get preventative medication from Runway to help keep symptoms at bay.
Are there common conditions I’m susceptible to when traveling to South Africa?
Drastic weather changes, time zone differences, and varying levels of activity can all result in health conditions when traveling to South Africa. Here are common ones to be aware of and prepare for to ensure an optimal trip experience.
Here are a few other things to be mindful of as you plan your trip.
Runway offers travelers like you, the medications you may need before you go.