Which vaccines do you need for South Africa?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- CholeraFor aid or disaster work, outbreak areas, or very limited access to safe water and medical care.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Measles (MMR)Make sure you have had two doses of MMR, or are otherwise immune.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
Entry requirements and certificates
A certificate is required only from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, including some airport transits. Travelling directly from Malta does not normally trigger this rule.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in South Africa
Transmission risk
No yellow fever transmission risk is listed for South Africa.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is not generally recommended for South Africa itself.
Certificate
A certificate is required only from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, including some airport transits. Travelling directly from Malta does not normally trigger this rule.
Malaria in South Africa
- Risk
All travellers should take bite avoidance measures throughout the year in all risk areas. Transmission of malaria occurs typically between the months of September and May only.
- Risk
Risk of malaria in the low altitude areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo particularly those bordering Mozambique, Estwatini and Zimbabwe; this includes the Kruger National Park.
Antimalarial tablets are usually advised — a clinician chooses if and which, based on you and your route. - Low risk
Low risk of malaria in the far northeast of KwaZulu-Natal and in designated areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo during the transmission season, September to May.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - Very low risk
Very low risk of malaria in designated areas of northeast KwaZulu-Natal during the transmission season, September to May.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - No risk
No risk in the rest of South Africa.
Mosquito bite avoidance.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Altitude
- Biting insects or ticks
- Chikungunya
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Schistosomiasis
- Sexually transmitted infections
What travellers to South Africa should consider
Cape Town and the Garden Route differ from wildlife viewing in northeastern provinces. Tell your clinician about the exact reserve, month of travel and any trips into neighbouring countries. Longer road journeys also call for planning safe transport and access to medical assistance.
Malaria is a significant consideration in South Africa. Tell your clinician where you will sleep each night, because prevention is matched to specific areas rather than the whole country.
South Africa has no local yellow fever risk listed, but it checks certificates for some arrivals — relevant if your route from Malta passes through Africa or South America.
High-altitude areas mean acclimatisation planning matters; vaccines do not prevent altitude illness.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Cholera vaccine is reserved for particular situations, such as humanitarian work or very limited access to safe water.
Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water where schistosomiasis is reported.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
- Do not assume all safari parks have the same malaria risk.
- Include any cross-border excursions in your itinerary.
- Use sun protection and arrange suitable travel insurance.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to South Africa?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.