Copyright South African Tourist Board

Cape Town: Travel Essentials

Prior To Traveling Abroad It Is Always Prudent To Conduct Some Research Into The Country You Are Intending To Visit. There Are Many Pitfalls For The Unwary Tourist To Fall Into. With That In Mind These Page Are Intended To Provide Travelers To Cape Town With The Essential Information, Links & Practical Advice To Help Ensure You Enjoy Your Visit.

Entry Visa

Requirements For Entry Into South Africa Differ From Country To Country & Are Subject To Change Without Notice.

The Information Provided Below Is A Guide Only.

Countries Exempt From South African Visas:

If The Purpose Of Your Visit Is A Holiday & You Are A Holder Of A Passport From The List Of Countries Below You Do Not Require A Visa For Stays Of Less Than 90 Days.

• Your Passport Must Be Valid For 6 Months AFTER your Departure From South Africa.
• Your Passport Must Contain At Least 2 Blank Pages.
• You MUST Posses A Return Ticket Or Onward Travel Ticket/Documentation Out Of South Africa.
• If Your Travel Involves Passing Through A Yellow Fever Area Of South America Or Africa You Require A Yellow Fever Certificate.
• You Must Be Able To Provide Evidence That You Have Sufficient Funds To Finance Your Stay.
• If You Are Flying To South Africa, Prior To Landing Your Airline Will Provide All Passengers With Documentation To Complete Which Will Form Part Of Your Customs Declaration & Temporary Residence Permit (Holiday Permit). This Documentation MUST Be Presented To Immigration On Arrival With Your Passport & Travel Documents.

• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco

For Further Information:

• South African Department Of Home Affairs: South African Visas

Entry Requirements:

Entry Visa

Medical

Money

Transport

Weather

Requirements

Currency

Banks

Bureau De Change

Public Bus

Taxis

Trains

Communication

Mobile

Internet

Phone

Miscellaneous

Time Zone

Electricity

Q & A

Tips & Links

• Venezuela
• United States Of America

• African Union
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Czech

• Netherlands
• Norway
• New Zealand
• Paraguay
• Portugal
• San Marino

• Singapore
• Spain
• St. Vincent & Grenadines
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• UK
• Uruguay

Medical

Visitors To South Africa Do Not Require International Vaccinations Unless You Are Traveling From A Yellow Fever Area (South America & Upper Africa) In Which Case You Will Require A Yellow Fever Certificate.

• Cape Town & The Western Cape Peninsula Of South Africa Is Malaria Free.
• Cape Town Tap Water Is Perfectly Safe To Drink & Ice In Drinks Is Also Perfectly Safe.
• HIV/AIDS Is Prevalent Through Out Africa.

Visitors To South Africa Are Advised To Acquire Travel Insurance Prior To Traveling From A Reputable Company That Includes Medical Expenses. Private Hospitals In South Africa Are On A Par With Western Equivalents However They Will Require Evidence That You Can Finance Your Treatment. Local Public Hospitals Are Not In General As Advanced.

Chemists/Pharmacists Are Common Place Through Out Cape Town. Qualified Staff Are Happy To Advise On Over The Counter Products For Simple Ailments.

For Comprehensive Health Advice Visit:

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office: Travel Health Section

Visitors To South Africa Are Advised To Visit Their Local Doctor Prior To Traveling. Although No Vaccinations Are Required To Visit Cape Town, Boosters For Polio, Tuberculoses & Tetanus For Example Maybe Required. Your Local Doctor Will Also Be Able To Access Up to The Minute Information On South Africa Regarding Any Outbreaks.

Visit You GP:

• Fit For Travel NHS: Travel Health Section

• Ecuador
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica

• Republic
• Denmark

Cape Town:

Location: Western Cape Of South Africa

Population: 3.5 Million

Languages: English, Afrikaans & Xhosa

Climate: Similar To Mediterranean