Sydafrika

Översikt

Long regarded as the economic powerhouse of the continent, South Africa has a wealth of natural resources and an active civil society. However, endemic corruption, socio-economic inequalities and African National Congress (ANC) dominance of the political environment are causing economic growth to falter and perpetuating ongoing risks of crime like carjacking. Civil unrest due to political, xenophobic and labour-related protests often occur in major townships. Violence sometimes erupted in poor neighbourhoods during protests over the delivery of public services. Generally, transportation in South Africa is considered relatively safe, and conditions of major highways are in good condition. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for South Africa. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to South Africa. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

South Africa has risk of ongoing Chikungunya transmission. Insect protection measures are essential.

Risk of malaria is absent in most of South Africa, except for the northeastern provinces of Limpopo, Ehlanzeni district municipality in Mpumalanga Province; and Umknanyakude in Kwazulu-Natal Province. Risk is present in Kruger National Park. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Schistosomiasis risk is endemic in KwaZulu-Natal province, the province of Limpopo, North West province and in the eastern part of the state on the border with Eswatini. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is endemic in South Africa. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

South Africa has one of the largest HIV epidemic in the world, with an estimated 7.5 million people living with HIV. Robust precautions should be followed to avoid transmission of the virus.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to South Africa. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in South Africa.

Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but they may be limited elsewhere. Medical treatment can be very expensive without proper insurance. Robust medical insurance should therefore be purchased, including the possibility of extraction and/or evacuation by aircraft. Nevertheless, some treatments will require a cash payment regardless of the insurance policy.

Pass

Passports are required for nationals of all countries entering South Africa. All passports must be valid for 30 days after the date of departure, as stated on the return ticket. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.

You must have a yellow fever certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from a country with yellow fever, or if you have transited more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Visum

Nationals from Australia, Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Namibia, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, the UK, the US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe do not require a visa for entry into South Africa for any business or tourist stays of 90 days or less. Nationals of the EU also do not require a visa except for nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia who will require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Nationals of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia require a visa for all travel to South Africa.

Travellers should note that proof of financial means to cover your stay may be required.