Visiting South Africa

South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by northern neighbours Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east – giving the country its spectacular range of biodiversity.

South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, so their Summer runs from November to February, when most of the country is characterised by warm to hot weather.

South Africa is a year-round destination so when you visit depends on what you intend and prefer to do. The best time for game viewing is in early spring (August to October). The southern right whales can be seen off our coasts from June to the end of October, and the humpback whales from August to December. Holiday-makers stream out of the cities from mid-December to late January and resorts and national parks are heavily booked during these times (so we advise you book your accommodation in South Africa for these holiday periods early, to avoid disappointment).

The People and Languages

South Africans have been referred to as the ‘rainbow nation’, a title which illuminates the country’s cultural diversity. The population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. Of the 45 million South Africans, nearly 31 million are Black, 5 million White, 3 million Coloured (a term used peoples of mixed African, Asian and White descent) and 1 million Indian. The population density is 32.9 people per sqkm.

There are 11 officially recognised languages, most of which are indigenous to South Africa.

English is spoken everywhere you go. English is the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government and official documents. All our road signs and official forms are in English and at any South African hotel, Bed and Breakfast or Guest House the service staff will speak English. Other languages you can expect to hear are Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans. In the following section, you will also find commonly used phrases in these languages (to get you started) and, so you don’t get too confused, a list of popular ‘South Africanisms’. Find out more, go to South Africa languages and culture.

Getting to South Africa

There are frequent direct and indirect flights by major airlines from destinations throughout Europe, North America, the East and Australasia to South Africa.

Visa requirements

While more details can be fund at Department of Home Affaires website, you can apply for E-visa if your country is eligible or apply though a mission of embassy in your country of residence. While E-visa is possible, some travelers have reported several technical issues that may affect your travel plan. So, decide wisely.

What documents are required to apply for a South African visa for visiting purposes?

1. Your passport or an official travel document that is valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your anticipated visit to the country.
2. It is vital that your passport has at least TWO free pages for entry or departure endorsements
3. A completed Visa Application Form (DHA-84)
4. Proof of payment of the prescribed fee
5. A yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required if you have transited through a country for longer than 12 hours where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission.
6. A Statement or document explaining or validating the reason and duration of your visit
7. Two colour passport photographs
8. A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
9. If you have individuals under the age of 18 travelling with you or accompanying you on your trip to South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents:
10. Proof of guardianship or custody or
11. Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
12. Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:

• Bank statements
• Salary advances
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
• Bursary
• Medical cover or
• Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)

Who can apply for a visitor’s visa to South Africa?

Not all nationalities require a visa to visit South Africa. If your country is not visa exempt, then you might qualify for a visa if you fall into one of the categories below:

1. Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes
2. Business purposes
3. Spouse to temporarily join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit
4. Children to temporarily join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits
5. Fiancé to join his or her partner with the intension of marrying within 90 days
6. Charitable or voluntary activities
7. Research
8. Conferences
9. To work in the production of an movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry)
10. For medical purposes (max stay 3-months)
11. Sport events

Security and Safety

Information provided here are from the United States Embassy in South Africa.

Civil Unrest:

Strikes and demonstrations occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification and occasionally turn violent, and may include the burning of vehicles, buildings, or tires – which may serve as roadblocks; throwing rocks or other objects; or physical attacks. Strikes and demonstrations can also interrupt traffic and the provision of electricity, water, public transportation, fuel, and other goods and services. Periodic incidents of mob violence directed against refugees and immigrants from other African countries occur in South Africa. During labor protests, strike breakers or those perceived to be strike breakers have been violently attacked. Protests involving taxis and ride hailing services can turn violent. See Travel and Transportation section below for guidance.

Precautions:

• Avoid demonstrations and use vigilance during your movements around the country. Even events intended to be peaceful can become violent.
• Maintain caution in areas frequented by foreigners.
• Monitor news and Alerts.

Crime:

Crime in South Africa is very high. Violent crimes happen in places where people live, work, travel, or go out. This includes armed home invasions by criminal groups, which lead to assaults, rapes, and murder. Popular tourist spots and big hotels have their own security to prevent these incidents. But visitors and residents are still affected by armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks on vehicles. It’s important to be extra careful at traffic lights and on/off ramps where cars slow down or stop. To avoid being robbed when buying jewelry or electronics outside high-end stores, many vendors offer to deliver your purchase to your home or hotel for a fee. Crime can happen anywhere and at any time, even in and around Kruger National Park. U.S. government staff and visitors have been robbed near our diplomatic facilities. It’s especially important to be cautious in the central business districts (CBDs) of major cities, especially after dark. Crime victims have also been followed from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and then robbed when they reach their home or hotel. 

Theft can be bold and in broad daylight. Travelers and U.S. diplomats report having cell phones stolen from their hands, as well as purses or wallets taken off counters while paying for goods at stores. Car theft and hijacking continue to plague the country, particularly in large cities. Travelers should choose secure parking options and double-check locked doors before leaving a parked car.

Throughout South Africa, tourist should:

•  Avoid walking alone especially after dark.
• Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area.
• Do not display cash and valuables.
• Avoid cash-in-transit vehicles both on the road, as well as ATMs when being refilled. Armed criminal gangs frequently target cash-in-transit vehicles while stopped at customer sites, but also ambush cash-in-transit vehicles while on the road. Such violent armed attacks involve automatic weapons, explosives, and gangs of criminals. Criminals frequently use remote jamming and signal interceptors with success.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Avoid driving during periods of load shedding (rolling blackouts) as the roads can become extremely congested due to a lack of traffic signals. These traffic jams and slow-moving traffic can provide opportunities for smash and grab robberies.

Student Groups: There have been instances of student groups being robbed while conducting outreach and service visits in townships. On these occasions, student groups coordinated with officials to conduct service visits and upon arrival were held and then robbed by armed perpetrators.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoiding areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in South Africa. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags such as individuals who say they live in a remote location, a profile that was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or requests for money.

• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.

Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad include keeping all software (for operating systems and apps) updated and using virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS navigation apps. Prior to using the GPS navigation apps, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Dating apps and websites. Be careful when using dating apps and online dating websites in foreign countries as scammers may target you. Let your friends and family know where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid eating or drinking anything suspicious. Don’t go to bars or nightclubs alone. 

Credit cards and ATMs. Travelers need not surrender their credit card to any vendor. They will bring a credit card machine to customers.

Be cautious when using ATMs outside of banks and reputable hotels because ATM and Credit Card skimming is common. Thieves may pretend to help you use a malfunctioning ATM and steal your ATM cards. Skimmers have also been found on machines used to pay parking tickets at shopping malls and office buildings. To avoid this risk, pay parking fees with cash. 

Game parks and outdoor safety: 

Visitors have been injured and killed by wild animals in South Africa. It is dangerous to leave your vehicle in game parks outside of designated areas. Observe all park regulations and follow the instructions of guides. Be mindful of sharks when swimming. Rip tides are common and very dangerous. Do not swim alone in isolated areas or dive into unfamiliar waters.

Hikers must be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and ensure they have proper clothing and supplies. Many areas, especially in the Western Cape province, experience brush fires during the summer months (December-February). These fires can burn for several days. Monitor local media and follow fire crew instructions regarding road closures and evacuations.

 Tourism: 

The tourism industry is regulated. Rules for best practices and safety inspections are enforced. Hazardous areas are marked with signs and professional staff are available for organized activities. If you get hurt, there is medical treatment available. Outside of big cities, it might take longer for help to come.

Infrastructure: 

In the country, there are often scheduled blackouts called “Load Shedding”. These blackouts are meant to protect the electrical grid, but they cause the whole country to lose power for up to six hours every day. This is bad for businesses that don’t have another way to get power, like hotels. Load shedding also causes traffic lights to stop working, which leads to traffic jams and more crime. It can also affect access to water, cell phone signal, fuel availability, and safety features in rural areas.