What vaccines do I need for South Africa?

CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid for most travellers to South Africa. Rabies may come up if you'll be around animals or doing rural travel.

Is yellow fever required for South Africa?

Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport transits over 12 hours. Proof is required for travellers aged 1 year and older.

How long before travel to South Africa should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for South Africa — Required & Recommended

All destinations

Planning a trip to South Africa? CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most travellers, since food- and water-borne illness is the most common issue outside major hotels. Rabies may come up if you'll be around animals or doing rural travel. Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure so your doctor can tailor the plan to your itinerary.

Malaria risk is limited to Kruger National Park and the lowveld of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal — mainly October to May. Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Johannesburg are not malaria zones.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to South Africa from most countries.

Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — If arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, including airport transits over 12 hours. Proof required for travellers aged 1 year and older.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to South Africa.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Risk in low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga (including Kruger National Park) and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, mainly from October to May. No risk in Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Western Cape, or Johannesburg.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Passport validity6 months beyond travel

Yellow fever certificateOnly if arriving from a YF-risk country

Standard food and water precautions apply. Tuberculosis and HIV are common in the general population — relevant context if you may need medical or dental care during your stay.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — South Africa.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.