Safety and Security

Minibus taxi strikes ongoing in the Cape Town area since August 2023 have the potential to turn violent and may impede access on certain routes including to and from the airport. Irish citizens travelling in the area should exercise vigilance and seek advice from their hotel or travel provider. Up to date information is available from official sources including Cape Town International Airport and the City of Cape Town, as well as Traffic SA.

Political unrest

The political situation in South Africa is reasonably stable but dangerous incidents can happen. Always keep yourself informed of what's going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser and avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.

Protests and demonstrations

In South Africa, there are frequent protest marches, strike-related demonstrations, and occasional incidents of public disorder that have the potential to escalate into violence. These protests, marches, and demonstrations can happen unexpectedly throughout the country. It is advisable to steer clear of areas where such events are taking place, particularly in city centres and townships

Stay informed by monitoring local news and social media for updates, and consider utilizing GPS to identify alternative routes if there are roadblocks or protests in your vicinity, as these events can change direction rapidly.

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in South Africa has generally been classified as low, in  July 2018, police  investigated a series of incendiary devices placed at different locations in the Durban area. Two of these devices were triggered, causing small fires. You should exercise usual caution if you encounter unexpected devices or packages. If in doubt, contact the police

Crime

South Africa has a high level of crime, including violent crime, rape and murder. While most cases occur in townships or in areas away from normal tourist destinations, nowhere is completely safe and you should exercise caution when travelling in both urban and rural environments, including city centre areas at night (city centres are usually referred to as Central Business Districts or CBDs in South Africa). Take basic safety precautions:

• Don't carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place 
• Don't carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don't use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
• Don't change large sums of money in busy public areas and don't give personal or financial account information details to people you don't know
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations. Be vigilant when passing through South Africa's airports; pickpockets and thieves patrol them
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible. Walking at night is not advisable and many tourists consider public transport to be unsafe; private car rental is the safest option for independent travel
• Use only recognised hire car companies or official taxis. If you book a taxi or car to meet you at the airport, ask in advance for the driver's name for confirmation

Car crime

Armed car-jacking is a serious concern throughout South Africa. Thefts and smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles are common. You should keep the doors locked and windows closed, and exercise caution when travelling, particularly at night and at filling stations.

If you are mugged or your car is hijacked you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question. Avoid eye contact. 

Reporting a crime

If you're a victim of a crime while in South Africa, report it to the local police immediately on 10111 (112 from mobile phones). And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Pretoria if you need help.

Driving

The rules of the road in South Africa are broadly similar to those in Ireland. Roads are generally good, but some roads in the more remote areas are poor. The standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year. 

If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance. An Irish licence will be valid for up to 12 months after entry, provided it carries the photograph and signature of the holder 
• Drive cautiously at all times and adhere to South Africa's traffic laws, such as speed limits
• Avoid 'road rage' situations as they can quickly escalate and turn violent
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Wear your seatbelts at all times
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you're stopped at traffic lights
• Four-way-stops are common at quieter intersections – the first vehicle to arrive has priority. Roundabouts (circles in SA) should be treated with caution. Traffic lights are known as robots in South Africa
• Park in well-lit areas. Don't pick up strangers. Don't stop to help (apparently) distressed motorists, as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers. It is better to report the incident to the police
• Avoid using ATMs in garages and in poorly lit areas. Be vigilant of anyone trying to help at an ATM
• Never leave bags, suitcases, or items of value on display in your car – these should be locked away in the boot
• Avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa and stay in company. Walking alone anywhere, especially in remote areas, is not advised and hikers should stick to popular trails. Call the police on 10111 (112 from mobile phones) at the first sign of a threat.

Hiring a vehicle

If you're hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you're allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

The penalties for both the supply and possession of drugs are severe in South Africa and can include life imprisonment.

Prostitution

Prostitution is illegal in South Africa. The risk of HIV and AIDS infection in South Africa is very high. If you suspect that you have been exposed to possible infection, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Health

Medical Facilities

Hospital treatment in large cities in South Africa is good but can be expensive. Medical facilities in rural areas can be basic. In remote areas, air evacuation is sometimes the only option for medical emergencies.

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

HIV and Aids

The level of HIV and AIDS infection in South Africa is very high. You should exercise necessary caution if engaging in activities that expose you to possible infection. If you suspect that you have been exposed to possible infection, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Malaria

Malaria is prevalent in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo province and KwaZulu-Natal (particularly the Wetlands area around St Lucia). Before travelling to these areas, including Kruger Park, you should seek medical advice on suitable anti-malarial medication and take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Cholera

There are periodic outbreaks of cholera in rural South Africa, especially in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. You’re advised to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and drink only bottled water if travelling in these areas.

Yellow Fever

Anyone arriving in South Africa from a country where yellow fewer is present must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate valid at least six days before entry into South Africa. If you don’t have this certificate on arrival in South Africa you could be refused entry or vaccinated at the airport and quarantined for up to six days.

Hospitals and clinics

Cape Town

Johannesburg

Pretoria

Durban

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If your visit to South Africa is for less than 90 days, you won't need a visa. You are strongly advised not to overstay the 90 day limit as the South African Department of Home Affairs has in place strict rules and penalties in respect of visitors who overstay without permission.

A valid passport is required for travel to South Africa and Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months from your intended date of departure from South Africa.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to South Africa and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, you should contact the Irish Embassy in Pretoria. We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.

•  If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.

Travelling with Children

Additional documentation is required for travellers accompanied by children, and for unaccompanied children travelling to and from South Africa.  For full details of the requirements for travellers entering or leaving South Africa with children, read the advisory from the South African Department of Home Affairs.  If you have queries or concerns regarding these requirements we recommend that you consult with the Embassy or Consulate of South Africa in your country of residence, or with the South African authorities if you are resident in South Africa.

Money

The currency in South Africa is the rand. Exchange control regulations mean that it’s difficult to buy foreign currency without going through lengthy and elaborate procedures.

There is a high incidence of credit card fraud and fraud involving ATMs. As at home in Ireland, when you’re using an ATM, be careful to ensure your PIN number can’t be observed by others when you’re withdrawing money. Offers of help from bystanders should be refused. Don’t change large sums of money in busy public areas.

Climate

South Africa has a subtropical climate and warm temperatures for much of the year. The Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, but the rest of the country is generally a summer-rainfall region. 

South Africa’s seasons are opposite to those in Europe.