What is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Table Mountain. Check weather patterns for Africa before booking.

What currency does South Africa use?

South Africa uses the South African rand (R). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in South Africa?

Braai is one of South Africa's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Bobotie and Biltong. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit South Africa visa-free?

93 countries can enter South Africa without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

South Africa is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

South Africa

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa , is the southernmost country in…

Capital

Pretoria

Language

Afrikaans, English

Currency

South African rand (R)

Population

63.1M

Timezone

UTC+02:00

Visa-free access

93 countries

Travelling to South Africa

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. Its nine provinces are bounded to the south by 2,798.

South Africa is located in Southern Africa, Africa. The capital is Pretoria, and the official languages are Afrikaans and English and Southern Ndebele and Northern Sotho and Southern Sotho and Swazi and Tswana and Tsonga and Venda and Xhosa and Zulu. The local currency is the South African rand (R). With a population of 63.1M, South Africa is one of the larger country in Africa.

South Africa offers visa-free entry to 93 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. 27 more can apply for an eVisa online. The remaining 78 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in South Africa

Table Mountain

The 1086-metre sandstone plateau anchors the Cape Peninsula; its northern face often draped in the 'tablecloth' cloud formation caused by the orographic lift of the South Easter wind; take the last cable car up at dusk to witness the city grid ignite as the Atlantic horizon turns a saturated violet; the air at the summit smells of damp fynbos and salt spray.

Kruger National Park

A two-million-hectare savanna reserve where ancient baobabs and mopane woodlands shelter the continent most concentrated megafauna; the park geological diversity spans the granite west to the basalt eastern plains; track the Sabie River at 5:30 am when the pre-dawn light hits the laterite-red earth and the leopard silhouette moves silently through the fever trees; the only sound is the rhythmic crunch of dry grass.

Robben Island

The whitewashed 1960s maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years; the site includes the raw lime quarry where prisoners laboured in blinding glare; walk the Section B corridors with a former political prisoner; the sound of heavy iron keys echoing off the concrete floors and the view of the distant; unreachable Cape Town skyline create a physical weight of historical isolation.

Apartheid Museum

An architectural narrative of racial segregation; featuring raw concrete walls and industrial steel cages that force visitors through a visceral journey of state-sanctioned oppression; the 2001 structure uses stark; directed light to highlight 131 hanging nooses representing executed activists; walk the exterior path of the Pillars of the Constitution at noon; the clinical light renders the monumental stone pillars with absolute; unyielding clarity.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

A 528-hectare sanctuary of Cape Floral Kingdom biodiversity perched on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain; featuring the Boomslang—a 130-metre curved steel and timber canopy walkway; traverse the forest bridge at 9 am; the light filters through the ancient yellowwood trees while the air is heavy with the scent of blooming proteas and damp mountain soil; the sound of the sugarbird call is constant.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

A 332;000-hectare UNESCO site where the Indian Ocean meets Africa largest estuarine system; encompassing eight distinct ecosystems from ancient dunes to papyrus swamps; board a flat-bottomed boat on the Lake St Lucia estuary at dusk; the light catches the eyes of hundreds of hippos while the pre-dawn mist rises from the reeds; the smell of brackish water and wet sand defines this prehistoric water-world.

See all 20 places in South Africa →

What to eat in South Africa

Explore all South Africa dishes →

South Africa visa requirements

Visa-free

eVisa / eTA

Visa required

Countries that can visit South Africa visa-free

93 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Africa

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for South Africa

27 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Asia

Americas

Africa

Before you go to South Africa

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. South Africa immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: South African rand

The local currency is R. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Afrikaans

Afrikaans is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check South Africa's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for South Africa

Select your passport for an instant result.

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South Africa 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore South Africa

20 places, 6 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · South Africa

South Africa — your questions

It depends on your passport. 93 countries can enter South Africa visa-free. 27 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.