South Africa travel advice

Explore our complete guide to South Africa with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for South Africa.

South Africa travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to South Africa with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

South Africa - quick facts
Flight time✝ 11 to 12 hours
Time difference UK +2 hours
Language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, English
Currency South African Rand
Electricity C + M + N plug (230V)
Driving side Left

Why visit South Africa?

Considering a holiday to the South Africa? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Beach babes - beaches
    Beaches
  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature

South Africa tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.

Travelling to South Africa?
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South Africa weather

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °F

The South Africa weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Cape Town.

South Africa destinations >>

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South Africa travel advice

Check the latest travel advice on visiting South Africa from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around South Africa.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDOFCDO travel advice

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South Africa travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to South Africa with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in South Africa, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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South Africa covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in South Africa with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

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South Africa travel features

Do you want to learn more about South Africa? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in South Africa.

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South Africa FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to South Africa including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to South Africa due to Covid-19?

South Africa is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for South Africa.

Check out Health Department of the Republic of South Africa for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from South Africa?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from South Africa. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to South Africa from the UK?

The flight time to South Africa from the UK is typically 11 to 12 hours.

Flights to South Africa

What is the time difference between South Africa and the UK?

The time difference between South Africa and the UK is UK time+2 hours.

What is the main language spoken in South Africa?

The main languages spoken in South Africa are Zulu, Xhosa and English.

Learn a language for South Africa with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.

What is the currency in South Africa?

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Send money to South Africa with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.

Which plugs are used in South Africa?

South Africa uses electrical plug type C + M + N (230 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in South Africa?

They drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.

Find out more about driving in South Africa with International Drivers Association*.

Transport options for South Africa

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