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South Africa remains a popular stop for tourism because of wild landscapes including safari opportunities at Kruger National Park and private game reserves. Additionally, diverse cultural heritages, varied cuisines, and highly regarded wineries bring visitors from around the world, including many from other countries in Africa.
Frequently, travelers also choose to combine a stay in South Africa with nearby Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe or with other popular safari destinations in Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Because risk for yellow fever disease is found in some regions of Africa but not in others, certain countries require proof of yellow fever vaccine on arrival. This leads many South Africa bound travelers to wonder “is the yellow fever vaccine required for entry into South Africa?”
When is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Required for South Africa?
While South Africa is yellow fever free, a requirement is in place to prevent importation of the illness from other at-risk countries. Meaning, if you have visited any countries in Africa or South America designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with risk of yellow fever transmission, and you are not vaccinated, you can be denied entry to or be detained in quarantine for up to 6 days by the government of South Africa.
This rule applies for all travelers 1 year and older each person must present proof of vaccination with stamp on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the “CDC Yellow Card.”
The yellow fever immunization can only be administered in the United States by a CDC approved yellow fever vaccination site. Keep in mind, that country requirements may change without notice and it’s best to contact a travel health clinic for the most up-to-date information before your departure.
What if I Have an Airport Layover in a Yellow Fever Country. Is the Vaccine Required for South Africa?
Yes, if your layover is for more than 12 hours in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, the yellow fever vaccine can be required by South Africa. This requirement applies even if you did not leave the airport.
Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Required if Traveling Direct from the US to South Africa?
Because the United States is yellow fever free, the vaccine is not required for direct flights from the US to South Africa.
Another common flight itinerary from the US to South Africa includes layover in Europe. There are no countries in Europe with risk of yellow fever transmission, as such, the vaccine requirement does not apply if transiting through Europe only after leaving the United States.
Are Other Vaccines Recommended for South Africa?
Yes, the CDC does suggest travelers to South Africa consider several vaccines and varies depending on your planned activities.
Vaccines to Protect Against Food and Water Illness:
Diseases Spread Person-to-Person and Vaccines that Protect:
Disease from Animal Bite
Routine Vaccines for Older Adults
Do I Need to Take Malaria Medication for South Africa?
Depending on which region(s) you visit in South Africa, malaria pills may be recommended. For example parts of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces (including Kruger National Park) do have mosquitos that carry malaria, and medication can help prevent infection. Several surrounding countries including Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe also have malaria risk.
Other areas of South Africa including the cities of Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg do not have risk for malaria.
It’s best to speak with a travel health expert if your plans include areas where malaria is a concern, especially since malaria medication is by prescription only. It’s important to start the malaria medication before arriving to a risk area. Several medication options are available that are safe and well tolerated.
If you have vaccine and health questions about your upcoming trip to South Africa or to Kruger National Park, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Destination Health Travel Clinic by calling the office nearest you or booking online. Additionally, if you have plans to include a visit to Victoria Falls, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, with your trip to South Africa, read more about vaccine and malaria advice for Victoria Falls.