South Africa
South Africa travel guide for Britons
Britons can visit South Africa visa‑free for up to 90 days; if you plan longer stays or work, apply for a visa before travel. Costs, flights and safety details follow.
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GuideSouth Africa
Key facts
- Visa‑free stay
- 90 days
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
- Plug types
- C, M (newer N)
- Emergency numbers
- 10111 police, 10177 ambulance, 112 mobile
Entry requirements for UK citizens
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourism, business or transit stays up to 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended departure date and have at least two blank pages.
If you intend to work, study longer than 90 days, or stay for a family reunion, you must obtain the appropriate visa from the South African Department of Home Affairs before travel.
- Passport validity: ≥30 days after exit
- Blank pages: ≥2
- Visa‑free limit: 90 days
British Embassy contacts
The United Kingdom maintains a High Commission in Pretoria and a Consular office in Johannesburg. Both provide consular assistance, passport services and emergency help.
- High Commission Pretoria: 1733 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, 0002; Tel: +27 12 331 1000
- Consular Section Johannesburg: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Sandton, 2196; Tel: +27 11 447 8000
Typical travel costs in GBP
A two‑week itinerary (Cape Town, Garden Route, Kruger) averages £1,800–£2,500 per person, excluding international flights. This includes mid‑range accommodation, car hire, park fees and meals.
| Item | Estimated cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Mid‑range hotel (per night) | £70–£120 |
| Car hire (per day) | £30–£45 |
| Kruger park entry (per day) | £20–£30 |
| Meals (per day) | £20–£35 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by season and exchange rate.
Flights from the UK
Direct flights from London to Johannesburg or Cape Town take about 11–12 hours. One‑stop options via Doha, Dubai or Amsterdam add 2–4 hours travel time but can be cheaper.
- London‑Johannesburg: ~11 h direct
- London‑Cape Town: ~11 h direct
- Typical round‑trip fare: £600–£1,000 (economy, 2026 estimate)
Electrical plugs and voltage
South Africa uses Type C (Europlug) and Type M (large three‑pin) sockets; newer installations may have Type N. Voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a step‑down converter.
Tipping etiquette
Restaurants: 10–15 % of the bill, added if not included. Leave R5–R20 for car guards, fuel attendants and hotel porters. Tipping is expected but not mandatory.
Emergency numbers
Police: 10111, Ambulance: 10177, General emergency (mobile): 112. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can be contacted at +44 20 7008 1500 for consular assistance.
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for South Africa?
No, British passport holders can stay visa‑free for up to 90 days for tourism, business or transit. Longer stays or work require a pre‑approved visa.
How much does a trip to South Africa cost in GBP?
A two‑week mid‑range trip averages £1,800–£2,500 per person, covering accommodation, transport, park fees and meals; flights from the UK add £600–£1,000.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in South Africa?
The UK High Commission in Pretoria (1733 Pretorius Street) and the Consular Section in Johannesburg (1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Sandton) are the main contacts.
What plug type do I need for South Africa?
South Africa uses Type C, M and newer Type N plugs; bring a universal adapter and check voltage compatibility (230 V, 50 Hz).
What is the standard tipping amount?
Tip 10–15 % in restaurants; R5–R20 for car guards, fuel attendants and hotel staff.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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