International travel documents for South Africa
international-travel-documents
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.

Traveling abroad is so exciting, but before you can leave, you’re going to need international travel documents.

But what do you actually need if you are traveling to South Africa? Here are the standard international travel documents according to the US Department of State

International Travel Documents

for the US Citizens

Passport

If you don’t have a passport, apply for one several months before your proposed travel.

If you do have a passport, it should be valid for at least 6 months after you return home. There should also be at least 2 or more blank pages available. 

Also keep in mind that children’s passports are not valid for 10 years, as is the case with adult passports. If you are traveling with children, check their passports and apply if necessary.

Do you need it?

 

Yes. A passport is required to legally leave and enter any country. 

International Driving Permit

To drive in South Africa, your driver’s license needs to be printed in English. If not, you will need to get an International Driver’s Permit.

 

No, if your driver’s license is in English.

Visas

U.S. citizens can visit South Africa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa.

U.S. green card holders must check the list of visa-exempt countries to see if they need a visa to enter South Africa.

 

No visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.

Consent for travel with minors

If you are traveling alone with children, you may be required to offer notarized written consent from the other parent or custody documents.

If applicable.

Medications

Some prescription drugs, narcotics, and some U.S. over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries.

Here is a list of medications that have been banned by the MCC – South Africa’s version of the CDC.

  • Terfenadine – this is an antihistamine found in allergy medicines.
  • All Kava-containing medicines – this is a medication that is used to treat stress, insomnia, anxiety. There are a lot of over-the-counter medications that contain this plant.
  • Avandia – this is a diabetes medication that has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure and heart attacks.
  • Flunitrazepam – this is a powerful hypnotic medication that is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
  • Chlormezanone – this is a potent muscle relaxant. It is associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a life-threatening skin condition.
  • Barbiturates in asthma medications – this is banned in South Africa due to its serious side effects.
  • Mibefradil – this is used to treat hypertension and chronic angina pectoris.

If applicable.

LOVE THIS POST? SHARE IT...
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

RELATED POSTS

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About The Author

Hi! We’re the Cheltens’. We visit South Africa 1-2 times per year. We want to share our experiences with you so that you may make educated decisions when you plan your next trip to the rainbow nation.

Time now at South Africa (GMT+2)

3:12 pm
Friday, September 30, 2023

Upcoming festivities/holidays in South Africa

September 2023

MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
SU
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Heritage Day (National Holiday)
All Day
His his speech marking South Africa’s first Heritage day, President Nelson Mandela said: When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation. W , ...
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
Want to have your business or product featured?
We’re always looking for awesome places, products, activities, restaurants, travel accessories, or anything else that promotes the rich and colorful culture of South Africa.
Travel Categories
Best Travel Products
Sale
Ceptics South Africa Travel Plug Adapter (Type M) - 3 Pack [Grounded & Universal] (GP-10L-3PK)
  • Small Travel Size - 3 Pack
  • Standard: Type M plug, South Africa CEE 7/16. Grounded 3-Prong plug.
  • Accepts plugs from all countries including USA.
  • New conductivity design - internal metal interfaces provides better Conductivity
  • Grounded 3 Round Prong plug. Max Capacity Up to 3000 Watt (max 250 Volt, 13 A)
Sale
Money Belt for Men Travel Security Belt with Hidden Money Compartment Pocket, Cashsafe Anti-Theft Wallet Non-Metal Buckle
  • PATENT PENDING ; (🔥 KEEP YOUR CASH HIDDEN FROM YOUR WIFE / GF!🔥 ) Travel Security Money Belt
  • 🔒 BYE BYE PICKPOCKETS 💵 - DESIGNED FOR TRAVEL TSA 🧳 - keep your cash safe from pickpockets; equipped with an easy-to-use hidden zippered...
  • 💪 DURABLE - Made with Premium YKK Zipper with reinforced non-slip buckle, Adjustable wear-resisting nylon materia for waist sizes 26 to 42 inches....
  • ✅ Easy access and storage; quickly stash and remove your bills, coins, and keys with ease
  • ✅ NOT JUST A NORMAL BELT - It is a Long-lasting companion; made of premium quality top-grade webbing, YKK zipper, and a reinforced buckle; this...
TRAVELREST Nest Memory Foam Travel Pillow/Neck Pillow - Advanced Neck Support for Long Flights - Patented Design for Optimal Relaxation - Long Travel - Unmatched Sleep - Machine Washable - Blue
  • OPTIMAL SLEEP IN THE SKIES - TOP AIRPLANE NECK PILLOW FOR 2018 - 2023: ENDORSED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES WIRECUTTER. After undergoing multiple...
  • SLEEP INNOVATION: The Travelrest Ultimate shines with its distinctively angled back that stays flat against the seat, ensuring impeccable...
  • REVITALIZE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE: Engineered with thermo-sensitive memory foam, our flight pillow delivers optimal support for neck, shoulder, and...
  • EFFORTLESS RELAXATION EVERYWHERE YOU GO: Our neck pillow is your ultimate companion for long flights, car trips, train journeys, buses, couch...
  • SEAMLESS TRAVEL CONVENIENCE, STYLISH CHOICES: Explore our flight pillow, featuring sophisticated gray and vibrant blue options. This package includes...
Sale
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc
  • ✅【From INIU--the SAFE Fast Charge Pro】Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade...
  • ✅【Market's Thinnest 10000mAh】 The market’s one and only 0.5-inch power bank that breaks the limit of 10000mAh, easily slipped into any travel...
  • ✅【Only 5% Got USB-C IN&OUT】INIU is the only 5% of power banks got a USB-C IN&OUT port. Unlike others only recharge via USB-C port, INIU can...
  • ✅【3A High-Speed Charging】3A fast charging fuels iPhone up to 78% in just one hour. INIU's AutoFit identifies and meets your device's ideal...
  • ✅【15-Layer SAFE Charging】INIU's unique 15-Layer SmartProtect system shrugs off any unusual charging at the start. Take overheating risk and...
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @YEBOSOUTHAFRICA