Vaccines Needed to Travel to South Africa

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Do You Need Vaccinations When Visiting South Africa?

Home to pristine beaches, world-famous wine, and unmatched safari experiences, South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

To stay safe and enjoy the Rainbow Nation to its fullest, there are a handful of vaccines needed to travel to South Africa. We’ll cover these in detail, all of which are recommended by reputable public health organisations (including the CDC and the NHS).

Before travelling to South Africa, make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters. Some of these vaccines include MMR, HPV, polio, and shingles. We recommend speaking with your GP or healthcare provider before travelling and keeping up-to-date with South Africa travel advice.

Vaccination vials on top of the South African flag

Required Vaccines for South Africa

There are three vaccines needed to travel to South Africa: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. These are recommended to all visitors to the country. Let’s explore these in more detail.

Hepatitis A

South Africa is considered to be highly endemic for hepatitis A. The disease is usually spread through consuming contaminated food and water. The risk is highest for those with underlying medical conditions, such as liver/kidney disease, haemophiliacs, and drug users.

A single Hepatitis A vaccination provides protection within two to four weeks, lasting for up to one year. A single booster dose can maintain protection for an additional 10 years. Check with your GP or healthcare provider for further advice.

Tetanus

Tetanus is prevalent worldwide, including within South Africa. Anyone unvaccinated can contract the disease.

Tetanus spores are found in soil and are spread through the contamination of open wounds, such as cuts, scratches, and burns. It is most common in agricultural and rural regions, where contact with soil is more likely. So, if you are planning to visit the countryside, a tetanus jab is one of the most important vaccines needed for South Africa.

Most countries, including the UK and the US, have a tetanus vaccination course. Usually, a total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended. These vaccinations are often combined with diphtheria. Consult your doctor for additional information.

Typhoid

Typhoid is spread through the consumption of contaminated food and drink. The risk is highest where access to clean water and adequate sanitation is limited. Whilst the risk of typhoid in South Africa is low, it remains one of the most important South Africa travel vaccines for preventative measures.

Other Vaccines to Consider

Some additional vaccinations are recommended to higher risk individuals or groups travelling to South Africa. These include:

Cholera: Spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers are at a low risk, but a cholera vaccination is recommended to aid workers and those going to areas of cholera outbreaks (Hammanskraal experienced an outbreak in 2023).
Hepatitis B: Between 10-18% of South African adults are hepatitis B virus carriers. It is transmitted by exposure to infected body fluids and/or blood. Vaccinations are recommended for travellers who may be exposed to contaminated needles (e.g. drug users), health and aid workers, and those playing contact sports. Consult your healthcare provider for additional advice.
Rabies: Rabies is rare in South Africa, with 11 cases reported in 2023. Infection is transmitted from contact with saliva of an infected animal (such as a bite, scratch, or lick to an open wound). Pre-exposure vaccinations are recommended for those working with animals or healthcare workers caring for infected patients.

We recommend consulting your GP to discuss vaccines needed to travel to South Africa in greater detail.

Ranger in Kruger National Park, a high-risk area for malaria in South Africa

Do You Need Malaria Pills for South Africa?

For the most part, malaria is under control in South Africa. However, transmission of malaria still occurs in the North Eastern provinces of the country. The risk of becoming infected with malaria is minimal when taking preventative medication and exercising caution.

Antimalarials are recommended to those visiting the low altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. This includes Kruger National Park, one of the most popular places for a safari in South Africa. Particular care should be taken around the borders of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (Swaziland).

Transmission of malaria in South Africa typically occurs between September and May, peaking in January and February. If you are visiting a high-risk area, we recommend discussing suitable antimalarial tablets with your GP or healthcare provider before travel.

Extra precautions should also be taken, including:

Wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, especially after sunset.
Sleep under a mosquito net.
Keep windows and doors closed (unless they are screened).
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.

The risk of malaria in South Africa is very low in the majority of the country. Tourist hotspots such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, Stellenbosch, and Johannesburg are free from malaria.

Yellow Fever Entry Requirements

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa.

South Africa requires all travellers from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination with a valid yellow fever certificate. This is also applicable to anyone who has transited through a yellow fever risk country.

Certificates are valid for 10 years and must be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Failure to produce a vaccination certificate may lead to refusal of entry.

There are 43 countries considered to be a yellow fever risk country by South Africa. This includes Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Sudan.

Book flights to South Africa

Booking a flight to South Africa couldn’t be easier with Alternative Airlines. We offer 40+ payment options, including the South African Rand.

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vaccinations to go to South Africa?

Yes, there are some vaccines that are recommended for travellers to South Africa. These include hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid.

Can I buy flights to South Africa with cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can! With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights to South Africa using over 100 cryptocurrencies. This includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Ripple (XRP), among many other altcoins.

Is South Africa cheap or expensive to visit?

South Africa is generally an affordable country to visit. With the exception of a safari, it is cheapest to visit South Africa during the winter months (May to September).

When is the rainy season in South Africa?

In the northern region, the rainy season in South Africa occurs in the summer, between October and April. In the south, around Cape Town and the Western Cape, the highest rainfall is recorded during the summer months, between May and September.

What's the general advice for travelling to South Africa?

There are many things to consider before travelling to South Africa, such as travel visas, safety concerns, vaccinations and more. You can find out more information through our South Africa Travel Advice guide right here at Alternative Airlines.