South Africa: Legal Documents Needed for Entry

First-time travelers may have a hard time figuring out all of the requirements and paperwork that it takes just to enter another country. In the United States, people can travel from state to state without interruption; however that luxury does not exist when traveling from country to country. South Africa requires certain legal documents as well as certain vaccinations. Entry requirements depend upon the country from which the traveler is arriving. Requirements can change any time, so it is best to keep up to date with the regulations by checking well in advance of your trip and a few months before you leave as well, to be certain nothing has changed that will effect your trip.

Let’s cut to the chase.
The U.S department of State recommends that the passports of all travelers to South Africa contain at least two completely blank (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. It also says that these pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) at the back of the passport. While South African statutes require only one completely blank visa page, this rule has been applied inconsistently by South African immigration officials.


The U.S department of State says that in addition, any trip to a neighboring country would necessitate another blank page upon return. Travelers lacking adequate blank pages in the passport may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at the traveler’s expense. South African authorities have denied diplomatic missions access to assist in these cases.

As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from the passport.

Short vs. Long Term Stays
Travelers do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. If travelers overstay that period without a permit issued by the South African Dept. of Home Affairs, they may be fined up to 3000 rand (approximately 300 US dollars). All others (apart from travelers) including academics, students on educational trips, and volunteers, may need visas. Americans who want to work in South Africa must apply for work permits before arrival; or they can be refused and returned to point of origin.

Required Vaccinations and Proof
If you are traveling to South Africa, where yellow fever is endemic, you are often required to present the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV). If you are unable to do so, you must be inoculated at the airport in order to be permitted entry. That could be a great hassle considering you will need to spend extra money; and a planned great time in South Africa can turn into an unexpected stay at the airport!

You can get the yellow fever vaccination, as well as the internationally recognized Certificate of Vaccination as proof, all in about an hour with a visit to Passport Health.

Any questions?