DIRCO Travel Advice

Advice for South African Citizens Travelling Abroad

Preparation and knowledge is the key to a successful trip.

Be prepared
Before boarding an aeroplane, South Africans should take time to learn about the financial, political, cultural and economic environment of their intended destination. Learn at least a few key phrases in the host country’s language. Even a modest command of the local language will go a long way. When travelling abroad the laws of the foreign country apply to everybody. South Africans are not exempt from the legislation of the host country and will not receive special treatment.

Find out about the destination, paying particular attention to issues of personal security, safety, health, immigration, customs and import regulations.
South Africans are encouraged to have the contact details of the nearest South African Representative office and to carry contact details of their next of kin at all times. South Africans are also encouraged to register before travelling, or after arrival at destination, in order to ensure that all personal details and contact details of next of kin are available, should there be an emergency in the host country and you or your next of kin should be contacted.

Please direct all enquiries regarding the Registration of South African Citizens to the following E-Mail: [email protected]

Do you have your passport?
A combination of your South African passport and RSA identity document are the best proof of your South African citizenship. Anyone who intends travelling abroad should have a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, apply for it well in advance. Temporary passports can be issued on short notice but they are not accepted by all foreign countries. If your passport is damaged in any way it is advisable to replace it before travelling.

Passport application forms are available at all regional offices of the Department of Home Affairs countrywide and at South African Embassies abroad. If your passport is due to expire within the next six months or has less than two blank pages, check with the embassy or consulate of the country of your intended destination in South Africa for its rules and restrictions regarding passport validity and expiry.

If you have any questions about passports, you can either contact the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria at telephone (012) 810-8911 or any regional office of the Department of Home Affairs. Keep certified copies of your passport (including the visa pages) with you for identification purposes. Do not keep the passport and the copies in the same place. An additional precaution is to leave a copy with a relative or friend at home.

What happens if your passport is stolen/lost while abroad?

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are travelling abroad, report the loss/theft immediately to the local police station. Take a copy of the police report to the nearest South African Embassy where you will apply for a temporary passport/emergency travel document.
Before a passport can be issued, you must:
1. Complete an application form.
2. Be finger-printed.
3. Produce written evidence of your South African citizenship (e.g. a birth certificate, identity document, certified copy of passport, driver’s license).
4. Provide a copy of the police report.
5. Present two photographs.
6. Pay the required fee.
A South African passport remains the property of the Government of South Africa and may only be used by the person to whom it is issued. Selling your passport or permitting any other individual or agency to use it may lead to criminal prosecution and is considered sufficient cause to revoke the passport and refuse future passport services.
Visas/Permits
A visa or permit is your permission to travel to, transit or remain in a foreign country. A visa or permit does not, however, guarantee entry into the foreign country, as the decision to grant entry remains the decision of the immigration officials of the foreign country.
South African passport holders enjoy visa exemptions for certain countries. This means that South Africans can travel, usually for holiday or business purposes, to these countries without a visa for a pre-determined time. South Africans are strongly advised against using visa exemption to travel to a foreign country if the real intention is to work there. A work permit must be applied for.
South Africans must always check with the travel agent and/or the Foreign Representative in South Africa of the country you intend to travel to, whether a visa is required or not. Since requirements can change from time to time it is best to double check the requirements before each trip.
If you do not correctly comply with visa or permit requirements or overstay on your visa or permit you will be subject to any or all of the following: charged, jailed, deported and blacklisted.

Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling abroad. Travel insurance should cover hospitalisation and related medical costs as well as a possible emergency evacuation. Depending on your age, physical condition and destination you should consider provision in the event of death. Your travel agent or bank will be able to advise you.
Medical costs abroad can be astronomical compared to South Africa. In some instances medical treatment can be withheld by the foreign country if a person has no proof of funds or travel insurance.
Travel insurance that cover expenses in the event of death abroad will ensure that family and friends are not burdened with the costs for the preparation and transportation of mortal remains to South Africa. Remember to confirm the details of your coverage with your insurer as pre-existing medical conditions may require additional cover.
It is important to cover all the members of the travelling party adequately.
Flights abroad
There is a tendency for airlines to overbook flights during peak season in order to balance out “no-shows” and ensure full flights. This often leads to the number of passengers arriving for a flight exceeding the available number of seats. Passenger with pre-paid tickets should be especially careful and collect pre-paid tickets in advance from the airline’s office or arrive as early as possible on the day of the flight.
Driving abroad
Prospective travelers who intend driving abroad must apply for an international driving permit (IDP). These are issued by the Automobile Association of South Africa. Always ensure that you have both your original driver’s licence as well as your IDP with you and keep copies (preferably certified copies) separate from the originals.
South African drivers’ licences are recognised in SADC countries (Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It is recommended that a letter of verification be obtained from the South African Department of Transport.
When travelling by road to a neighbouring country always take the original vehicle registration documents plus a certified copy. Establish before the journey where the temporary import permit for the vehicle/trailer is obtained. The temporary import permit must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the country. Check with your vehicle insurer that the vehicle will be covered in the country you travel to (have this confirmed in writing) and that the 3rd party insurance is in order. Some countries have specific regulations and required stickers for taking your vehicle across the border. For more information on cross border and sticker requirements, you may contact the Automobile Association of South Africa.
Important notice
It is illegal to take any firearms, ammunition and, in some instances, hunting knives into a country without the required permits. In the event that you wish to carry such items it is recommended that you contact the resident mission prior to travelling.