South Africa

Singaporeans may stay up to a maximum of 90 days in South Africa without a visa. However, this does not necessarily mean that travellers will be issued with a full 90-day short-term permit on arrival, as the actual duration issued by immigration officials will depend on factors such as the purpose of visit. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the High Commission of South Africa in Singapore for up-to-date information. There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from South Africa.

South Africa has strict entry regulations for minors (i.e. those under 18 years of age) to prevent child trafficking. Any minor travelling with one parent or without his/her parents provide certain documentation for entry into South Africa. Please contact the High Commission of South Africa in Singapore for more details.

If you have been to a region with yellow fever, you will be asked to produce your yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry into South Africa. You may wish to consult Tan Tock Seng Traveller's Clinic for vaccinations and medical advice needed for travel to South Africa.

If you plan to trek or visit safaris, beaches or rivers, please check weather/safety reports. Animals can be dangerous. Some parts of the country are not malaria-free.

When travelling in private cars, keep your bags and valuables in the boot and out of sight to avoid “smash and grab” robbery attempts when the car slows down or stops.

Travelling on roads and highways is generally safe. When self-driving, Singaporeans should stick to major roads, check routes in advance and not solely rely on GPS (which tends to select the shortest routes including unpaved and unlit tracks), avoid stopping on highways, be prepared for breakdowns, and pay heed to natural hazards such as animals, fog and flash floods, especially at night. When locking the car by remote control, physically double-check that doors are locked; robbers are known to use anti-jamming devices to foil the remote locking.

The unlicensed purchase of, or trading in, endangered wildlife products such as ivory and rhino horn is illegal and carries severe penalties.

If you require roadside assistance, check with your car rental company directly as they usually provide them. Otherwise, try the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA-SA) which has a 24-hour hotline +27 861 000234 (or dial 0861 000 234 if your mobile phone has auto roaming). Do note that emergency services rendered by AA-SA are charged at a different rate for non-members. Special arrangements currently exist between AA Singapore and AA-SA so AA Singapore members should bring along their valid membership cards if you intend to drive in South Africa. You may wish to contact AA Singapore at www.aas.com.sg for more details of this reciprocity before you travel.

South Africa is a huge country and medical assistance may not be readily available. If you need emergency assistance, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance which may provide some interim medical attention. Please note that the 10177 ambulance service is operated by local authorities. Another privately-operated ambulance service which also provides medical evacuation is Netcare 911 which can be reached by calling 082 911. You should concurrently contact your travel insurance firm. The contact detail of International SOS in Johannesburg is + 27 11 541 1000, and in Singapore +65 6 338 7800. The cost of International SOS has to be borne by users or their insurance companies.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.