Moderate riskAfrica · Southern AfricaSouth Africa Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
South Africa carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain border areas and provinces of South Africa. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have a long layover in such countries.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travelers to South Africa, including infants 6-11 months old.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60 and may be considered for those 60 and older.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. Make sure you're fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel, including infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to South Africa, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with friends and relatives.
Cholera
Cholera vaccine is not needed for South Africa as there is no active transmission.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife in South Africa. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Vaccines are available in most of the country if needed after exposure.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have a long layover in such countries.
Disease risks
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in certain border areas and provinces of South Africa. Antimalarial medication is recommended for high-risk areas including parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga provinces, and Kruger National Park. In lower-risk areas, only mosquito bite prevention is recommended.
Emergency numbers
Police
10111
Medical / Ambulance
10177
Fire
10177
U.S. Embassy
+27-21-702-7300
South Africa travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to South Africa?▼
For travel to South Africa, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Cholera, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in South Africa?▼
Yes — malaria is present in South Africa. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to South Africa?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, South Africa is currently rated moderate risk. South Africa carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain border areas and provinces of South Africa. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have a long layover in such countries.
What are the emergency phone numbers in South Africa?▼
Key emergency numbers in South Africa are Police 10111, Medical / Ambulance 10177, Fire 10177 and U.S. Embassy +27-21-702-7300. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
BotswanaModerate riskBotswana carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Botswana. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have long layovers in such countries.
EswatiniModerate riskEswatini carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in eastern areas of Eswatini bordering Mozambique and South Africa. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have long layovers in such countries.
LesothoLow riskLesotho carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.