- Save on holidays to Africa in 2025/2026
- Book tours to Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania & more
- Visit the Pyramids of Egypt or the 'big five' on safari
South Africa travel advice
Explore our complete guide to South Africa with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for South Africa.
- Essential travel guide
- Weather & climate
- Travel advice
- Travel health
- Travel features
- Top travel deals
- Destinations
- FAQs
South Africa travel guide - essential info
Below is a beginner's guide to South Africa with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.
| South Africa - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Flight time✝ | 11 to 12 hours |
| Time difference | UK +2 hours |
| Language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, English |
| Currency | South African Rand |
| Electricity | C + M + N plug (230V) |
| Driving side | Left |
Why visit South Africa?
Considering a holiday to the South Africa? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.
- Beaches
- Culture
- Nature
South Africa tourist information
✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.
| Travelling to South Africa? | |
|---|---|
| Hotels Holiday rentals Car hire Flights Things to do |
Recommended for South Africa
South Africa weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °F |  77 |
77 |
75 |
 72 |
 66 |
 63 |
63 |
63 |
64 |
68 |
72 |
75 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  5 |
4 |
5 |
 8 |
 12 |
 13 |
13 |
14 |
11 |
9 |
6 |
6 |
| Sea temperature °F |  66 |
 68 |
64 |
 61 |
 59 |
59 |
59 |
59 |
59 |
59 |
61 |
64 |
The South Africa weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Cape Town.
South Africa travel advice
Check the latest travel advice on visiting South Africa from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- UK traveller advice for South Africa - UK FCDO
- Irish traveller advice for South Africa - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
- Canadian travel advice for South Africa - Government of Canada
- US travel advisories for South Africa - US Department of State
- Safe travel advisories for South Africa - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for South Africa - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around South Africa.
Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
FCDO travel advice
South Africa travel health
Find out more about staying safe when travelling to South Africa with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.
- Vaccines & medicines for South Africa - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for South Africa - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in South Africa - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in South Africa, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.
Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
South Africa travel features
Do you want to learn more about South Africa? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in South Africa.
South Africa FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to South Africa including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.
Are there entry restrictions to South Africa?
South Africa is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for South Africa.
Check out Health Department of the Republic of South Africa for more information.
What is the flight time to South Africa from the UK?
The flight time to South Africa from the UK is typically 11 to 12 hours.
Flights to South Africa
What is the time difference between South Africa and the UK?
The time difference between South Africa and the UK is UK time+2 hours.
What is the main language spoken in South Africa?
The main languages spoken in South Africa are Zulu, Xhosa and English.
Learn a language for South Africa with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.
What is the currency in South Africa?
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Send money to South Africa with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.
Which plugs are used in South Africa?
South Africa uses electrical plug type C + M + N (230 Volts).
Which side of the road do they drive on in South Africa?
They drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Find out more about driving in South Africa with International Drivers Association*.
Transport options for South Africa
eSIMs for South Africa
Travel advice by country or destination
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