Vaccinations to enter South Africa
Indice
Travelers must be up to date with the vaccinations corresponding to the vaccination schedule for children and adults. These vaccinations include, for example, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines.
Some travelers, either because of their age, work, lifestyle or underlying illness, may be at higher risk of infectious disease and should be up-to-date with additional recommended vaccinations.
In South Africa, there are high altitude points such as Mafadi Peak 3,450m. It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness. Its definition and prevention are detailed in the section “Take care of your trip”.
There is a risk of chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by diurnal and urban mosquitoes. It causes a flu-like illness. To avoid it, mosquito bites should be avoided, there are no medicines or vaccines. In case of fever, headache and/or tiredness, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, especially a Tropical Medicine and International Health service to rule out malaria.
Vaccinations required for travel
If you are a citizen of another country and want to travel to South Africa, then you need a visa. The “visitor” visa is for international travelers permanently residing outside South Africa. It is also for those who wish to visit the country on a more temporary basis for tourism or business purposes. But it does not last forever. Once you get it, the visa is valid for no more than 90 days.
So, now you are in the country. While you are here, the visa is considered a visitor’s permit. The period of validity of the permit is counted from the date you arrived and will be stated under the heading “conditions” on the visa label.
It is important to make sure that you apply for the correct visa or permit. Otherwise, entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not stated correctly.
Depending on where you are from, visa requirements are different from country to country and are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case, so you should inquire at the nearest South African consulate or mission abroad or any Department of Home Affairs office to see if you are even supposed to apply for a visa.
Requirements for travel to south africa covid
You must have your passport in force before traveling to South Africa, a document that must meet these two requirements: It must have an expiration date of at least 30 days after the date of departure from the country and have 2 blank pages.
Malaria treatment is advisable if you are going to visit risk areas, located in the northeast of the country, such as the Kruger Park. In the big cities there is no risk of being bitten by the mosquito that transmits the disease.
Being located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in Europe. Winter in South Africa, which runs from June to September, is dry and not too cold. This is the best time to enjoy the wildlife. The vegetation is less lush and the animals concentrate on the rivers to drink. In addition, the southern whale begins to reach the coast. It is also a good season for outdoor activities and sports.
The South African spring is from September to November. Temperatures rise during the day. It is a season that allows us to see beautiful landscapes full of flowers, such as those of the West Coast National Park, about 90 kilometers from Cape Town.
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Adults traveling to South Africa from a yellow fever endemic area, such as Argentinians, Brazilians, Colombians, Paraguayans and Venezuelans, among others, will be required to present the international yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entering the country. The same applies to passengers with passports of other nationalities but residing in these countries. For more information visit the Consular Section.
All persons arriving in South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic area (including transit passengers) must present the International Certificate of Vaccination or an exemption certificate. It is recommended that the required vaccinations be administered four to six weeks prior to travel to South Africa (a yellow fever vaccination certificate is valid only 10 days after vaccination and has lifetime coverage).