Do I Need Vaccinations to Travel to South Africa?
South Africa is a popular destination for travellers from the UK. With vibrant cities, game reserves, and scenic coastlines, it offers something for everyone. Before travelling, it is important to check which vaccinations and precautions you may need.
At Fulham Palace Pharmacy, we support patients across Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Battersea, and West London with expert travel health advice. Here’s what you need to know before your trip.
Do you need vaccines for South Africa?
Most travellers to South Africa will need some vaccines. These are not always required for entry but are recommended to protect your health during your stay.
Routine NHS vaccinations should already be up to date, including measles, mumps and rubella, and diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. On top of these, extra vaccines are often advised depending on your travel plans.
Required vaccines for entry
For most visitors from the UK, South Africa does not require proof of vaccination for entry.
One exception is Yellow Fever. If you are travelling from, or have recently passed through, a country where Yellow Fever is present, you may need to show an official certificate on arrival.
If you are travelling directly from the UK, this requirement does not apply.
Recommended vaccines for most travellers
Several vaccines are strongly recommended for travellers to South Africa.
Tetanus – Often included in UK routine vaccinations, but a booster is advised if your last dose was more than ten years ago.
Typhoid – Spread through food and water, typhoid is a risk in many parts of the country. The vaccine offers useful protection for travellers.
Hepatitis A – Also spread through contaminated food or water, Hepatitis A is common in many countries. The vaccine is recommended for most visitors.
Hepatitis B – Spread through blood and body fluids, Hepatitis B can be a risk for longer stays, medical work, or close contact with local healthcare.
Rabies – Found in some animals, including dogs and bats. Rabies vaccination may be advised for long-term travellers, people spending time in rural areas, or children who may be more likely to come into contact with animals.
Your exact needs will depend on your itinerary, how long you are staying, and the activities you have planned.
Malaria risk in South Africa
Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern areas bordering Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. Popular safari destinations such as Kruger National Park fall within the risk zones.
If you are visiting these areas, malaria prevention is essential. Options include taking antimalarial tablets, using insect repellent, and sleeping under treated mosquito nets.
Not all of South Africa is a malaria zone. Large cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban have no malaria risk.
During your travel consultation at Fulham Palace Pharmacy, we will confirm if your destination is in a malaria area and recommend the best preventive measures.
Additional travel health tips
Vaccines and malaria protection are only part of staying healthy abroad. Simple steps make a big difference.
Food and water safety – Drink bottled or boiled water if local supplies are not safe. Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly. Avoid undercooked meat or seafood.
Insect bite prevention – Mosquitoes can spread illnesses other than malaria, including dengue and Zika in some parts of Africa. Use repellents, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under nets where needed.
Medical insurance – Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care. Healthcare in South Africa is good but can be expensive without cover.
Medication – Carry enough of your regular medicines for the trip, along with a copy of your prescriptions. Keep medicines in original packaging when travelling.
Where to book your South Africa travel vaccines
At Fulham Palace Pharmacy, our travel clinic makes it easy to prepare for your journey. We provide:
✅ A personalised travel health consultation
✅ All recommended vaccines for South Africa
✅ Malaria prevention advice and prescriptions
✅ Guidance on safe travel practices
We welcome patients from Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Battersea, and across West London. Our service is local, accessible, and professional, helping you stay healthy abroad.
Key takeaway
Most UK travellers do not need a compulsory vaccine to enter South Africa, unless arriving from a Yellow Fever country. But several vaccines are strongly recommended, including Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A. Some travellers may also need Hepatitis B or Rabies.
If you are visiting a malaria risk area, preventive medicine and insect bite protection are essential.
By booking a consultation at Fulham Palace Pharmacy, you can receive expert advice and the right protection for your trip.
📞 Call us today, visit our pharmacy in Fulham, or book online to arrange your South Africa travel vaccines.
