IsiZulu 23.8%, IsiXhosa 17.6%, Afrikaans 13.3%, Sepedi 9.4%, English 8.2%, Setswana 8.2%, Sesotho 7.9%, Xitsonga 4.4%, other 7.2%.

Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, other Christian 36%, Islam 1.5%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1%.

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock exchange that ranks among the 10 largest in the world; and a modern infrastructure supporting an efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region.

South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South African Army, South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force (SAAF), Joint Operations Command, Joint Support Command, Military Intelligence, Military Health Service.

PLEASE NOTE:   We recommend that the passports of all travelers to South Africa contain at least two completely blank (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) at the back of the passport.  While South African statutes require only one completely blank visa page, this rule has been applied inconsistently by South African immigration officials.  In addition, any trip to a neighboring country would necessitate another blank page upon return.  Travelers lacking adequate blank pages in the passport may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at the traveler’s expense.  South African authorities have denied diplomatic missions access to assist in these cases.  As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from the passport.

Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days.  In the event a traveler overstays that period without a permit issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs, he or she may be subject to a fine of up to 3,000 rand (approximately 300 US dollars).  All others, including academics, students on educational trips, and volunteers, may need visas.  Americans who intend to work in South Africa must apply for work permits before arrival; otherwise they risk being refused admission and returned to their point of origin.  It is strongly suggested that all travelers check the latest requirements with the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

Travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation.  If they are unable to do so, they must be inoculated at the airport in order to be permitted entry.

Visit the Embassy of South Africa website for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports: 731,  Airports w/paved runways: 146

Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant and avoid any large gathering, particularly protests and demonstrations.  The possibility of violence, including threats against American interests, should not be discounted, particularly in times of heightened world tension. Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, sometimes violent, occurs routinely.

Infant MR total:  60.66 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 42.73 years  (male 43.25/female 42.19).

Required: None

Recommended: Hep A & B, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Boosters: tetanus-diptheria, measles & polio as needed

HIV/AIDS– people living with HIV/AIDS: 5.3 million

High HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. High risk of Malaria, even in cities. Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, mostly in rural areas. African tick bite fever, a rickettsial infection, is common in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is found in fresh water in this region, particularly in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland.

Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but they may be limited elsewhere.  Pharmacies are well stocked and equivalents to most American medicines are available.

Please refer to the “Infectious Disease Concerns” section.

Country Code: +27
Internet Code:  .za