Vaccinations & Health Rules for South Africa for Spanish Travellers 2026

Quick Answer: Do Spanish Travellers Need Vaccinations for South Africa?

Yellow fever certificate: Not required if you are travelling directly from Spain to South Africa. Spain is not classified as a yellow fever endemic country by the WHO. However, if your journey includes a layover or transit through a yellow fever risk country for more than 12 hours, you will need a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

Routine vaccinations: You must be up to date on routine vaccines including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP/Tdap), polio, and influenza before departure.

Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended for most travellers to South Africa, depending on your specific itinerary and activities.

COVID-19: As of 2026, COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for entry to South Africa have been lifted.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Entry Rules & Certificate Requirements

Do You Need a Yellow Fever Certificate?

South Africa requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers aged 1 year and above who are arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, as designated by the WHO International Health Regulations. Since Spain is not a yellow fever endemic country, if you are travelling directly from Spain to South Africa without any stopovers, a yellow fever certificate is not a legal entry requirement.

However, the situation changes if your journey includes a transit or layover:

• Transit through yellow fever risk countries for more than 12 hours: You will need a valid ICVP documenting yellow fever vaccination administered at least 10 days before arrival in South Africa.
• Layover in a risk country: If you stop in a yellow fever endemic country and pass through immigration (even briefly), you are considered to have "transited" and will require the certificate.
• Airport transit without leaving the terminal: If you remain airside and do not pass through immigration, a certificate is typically not required, but confirm with your airline in advance to avoid complications at check-in or arrival.

If you are unsure whether your specific itinerary triggers the requirement, contact your airline and the South African Department of Home Affairs before booking.

Yellow Fever Certificate: Validity & Timing

The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in South Africa; the certificate is not considered valid until 10 days after vaccination. Once issued by an approved WHO-recognised vaccination centre, the ICVP is valid for the life of the person vaccinated—no booster is required as of 2016.

Penalties for non-compliance: Travellers without a valid certificate when required may be refused entry to South Africa or placed in quarantine for up to 6 days. A medical waiver signed by a licensed healthcare professional is generally accepted as an alternative if you have a documented medical contraindication to the vaccine.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Spain

Yellow fever vaccinations in Spain are administered only at authorised travel medicine centres and some public health clinics. Contact your regional health authority (Comunidad Autónoma) or your GP for a referral to an approved yellow fever vaccination centre. The vaccine should be obtained at least 4–6 weeks before your departure to allow time for any side effects to pass and to ensure the 10-day protection window is met. Bring your passport or national ID card to your appointment, as the vaccination centre will record your details on the official yellow fever certificate.

Recommended Vaccinations Beyond Yellow Fever

Even if yellow fever is not legally required for your journey, the CDC and UK health authorities recommend that all travellers to South Africa ensure they are protected against a range of infectious diseases. Plan your vaccinations with a travel medicine specialist (médico especialista en medicina del viajero) at least 4–8 weeks before departure.

Routine Vaccinations (Must Be Up to Date)

Before any international travel, ensure you are fully vaccinated against:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP or Tdap booster)
• Polio (IPV)
• Influenza (seasonal flu vaccine)
• COVID-19 (eligible travellers should be up to date, though not mandated for entry)

Adults over 60 or those with certain chronic conditions should also discuss shingles (Zoster) and pneumococcal vaccination with their travel health provider.

Strongly Recommended Vaccines for South Africa

Vaccine	Why Recommended	Timing & Notes
Hepatitis A	Spread via contaminated food and water; risk increases in rural areas and informal settlements	2-dose series (0 and 6–12 months). First dose offers protection within 2 weeks; second dose provides long-term immunity. Accelerated schedules available.
Hepatitis B	Blood and body fluid exposure risk; recommended for all travellers, especially those planning healthcare or close contact with locals	3-dose series (0, 1, and 6 months) or accelerated 2-dose paediatric formulation. Start 2–3 months before travel if possible.
Typhoid	Foodborne bacterial infection; especially important for those visiting rural areas, staying with friends/family, or eating street food	Single injection (Typhim Vi) or 4-dose oral vaccine (Vivotif). Injection lasts 3 years; oral lasts 5 years. Take oral doses with cool water, keep refrigerated.
Rabies	Recommended for long-stay travellers, those with occupational exposure to animals, or activities in remote wildlife areas	3-dose pre-exposure prophylaxis series (0, 7, and 21–28 days). Provides protection if bitten; medical care must still be sought within 7–10 days of exposure.
Cholera	No active transmission in South Africa; vaccine not recommended for most travellers	Not required or recommended for South Africa as of 2026.

Speak with a travel medicine clinic in Spain about which vaccines are most appropriate for your specific itinerary and activities. Spanish citizens planning a safari may benefit from hepatitis A and typhoid protection, especially if visiting private game reserves or remote lodges with varying food hygiene standards.

Malaria: Risk Areas, Prophylaxis & Prevention

Where Is Malaria a Risk in South Africa?

Malaria is endemic in parts of northern and eastern South Africa, particularly in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northern KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves in these regions carry a moderate to high malaria risk, especially during the rainy season (September–May).

Coastal areas, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Garden Route are generally malaria-free. However, if your safari itinerary includes game reserves in the high-risk zones, malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised.

Malaria Prophylaxis (Antimalarial Medication)

There is no malaria vaccine; prevention relies on antimalarial medication (chemoprophylaxis) and mosquito avoidance. The South African National Department of Health recommends malaria prophylaxis during the high-risk season (September–May), although the CDC recommends year-round protection for all travellers to endemic areas.

Common antimalarial options include:

• Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem): First-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria; also used for prophylaxis in some cases.
• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone): Daily tablet; well-tolerated, suitable for short trips (1–4 weeks).
• Doxycycline: Daily tablet; affordable, suitable for longer stays (avoid if pregnant or nursing).
• Mefloquine: Weekly tablet; less commonly used due to neuropsychiatric side effects in some individuals.

Your travel medicine doctor in Spain will prescribe the most appropriate option based on your health status, trip duration, and personal tolerance. Start prophylaxis 1–2 days before entering a malaria zone (or as advised by your doctor) and continue for 4 weeks after departure from the risk area.

Mosquito Avoidance & Prevention

Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes that bite between dusk and dawn. Reduce your risk by:

• Staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation, especially at night
• Using insecticide-treated bed nets if sleeping in open or poorly screened areas
• Applying DEET-based insect repellent (20–30% DEET) to exposed skin and clothing
• Wearing long, light-coloured sleeves and trousers in the evening and at night
• Avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when possible

Most safari lodges in high-risk areas implement strict mosquito control and provide screened or netted sleeping areas, significantly reducing infection risk.

Other Infectious Disease Risks in South Africa

Beyond malaria and yellow fever, South Africa carries risks for several other infections. Ensure you are informed and take appropriate precautions:

• Chikungunya: Mosquito-borne virus causing fever and joint pain. Prevent through mosquito avoidance (same measures as for malaria).
• Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia): Parasitic infection acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. Avoid swimming in lakes, rivers, and streams outside of designated safe swimming areas.
• African tick-bite fever and other rickettsial infections: Transmitted by ticks in bush and grassland areas. Wear protective clothing and check your body for ticks after outdoor activities.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Present in South Africa; ensure your routine TB immunity (BCG if given in childhood) is up to date. Avoid prolonged close contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms.
• HIV/AIDS: A significant public health concern. Practice safe behaviour and avoid exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Mpox (formerly Monkeypox): Rare but present; spread through close contact with infected persons or animals. Practice standard hygiene and avoid contact with sick individuals or wild animals.

Health Documents & Travel Insurance

Required Documents to Carry

Before travelling, ensure you have:

• International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP or "yellow card"): If you received a yellow fever vaccine, carry the original certificate issued by the vaccination centre. Digital copies are increasingly accepted but may not be legally recognised at immigration; carry the physical certificate as well.
• Vaccination records (libreta de vacunación or equivalent): A copy of your routine vaccination history, especially proof of MMR, tetanus, and polio, can be useful if you require medical care abroad.
• Prescription list and doctor's letter: If you take regular medications, carry a letter from your Spanish doctor listing your medications by generic name, dosage, and indication. This helps South African healthcare providers and customs officials understand your medical needs.
• Travel insurance documents: Proof of coverage, emergency contact numbers, and policy details (see below).

Travel Insurance Recommendations

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for any trip to South Africa. Ensure your policy covers:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation (including private facilities, which are of high quality but costly)
• Medical evacuation to Spain or a major medical centre if needed
• Repatriation of remains in the unlikely event of death
• Malaria and other tropical disease treatment
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal liability and legal expenses

Medical facilities in urban areas and near major safari lodges are modern and well-equipped, but rural and remote areas have limited healthcare. Many facilities require cash payment upfront; travel insurance provides essential financial protection.

Medication Rules & What to Pack

Bringing Medications into South Africa

The legal status and regulation of medicines prescribed or purchased in Spain may differ in South Africa. If you take regular medications:

• Carry original, labelled containers: Keep all medications in their original pharmacy bottles with your name, medication name, dosage, and doctor's instructions clearly visible.
• Obtain a doctor's letter: Ask your Spanish doctor to write a letter (in English) stating your diagnosis, the name and dosage of each medication, and the reason for treatment. This is especially important for controlled substances, inhalers, or injectable medications.
• Declare medications at customs: Be prepared to declare all medications to South African customs authorities upon arrival. Undeclared medications can be confiscated.
• Check for restrictions: Some medications legal in Spain may be restricted or banned in South Africa (e.g., certain stimulants, strong painkillers). Consult the South African Department of Health or your travel medicine clinic before departure if you take any controlled substances.
• Arrange refills in advance: Most prescription medications available in Spain are also available in South Africa, but under different brand names and at different prices. Obtain a prescription from a South African doctor if you need refills during your stay. Pharmacies are widely available in urban areas and near major safari lodges.

Health & Safety Items to Pack

Bring a well-stocked travel health kit including:

• DEET-based insect repellent (20–30% concentration)
• Permethrin for treating clothing and bed nets
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — the South African sun is intense
• Antidiarrhoeal medication (loperamide)
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions and insect bites
• Paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever and pain
• Antibiotic ointment (e.g., mupirocin) for minor cuts and abrasions
• Tweezers for tick removal
• Thermometer
• Any prescription medications (with doctor's letter and original containers)
• Malaria prophylaxis (if prescribed) — bring the full course
• Any personal medical devices (EpiPen, inhaler, blood pressure monitor, etc.)

Most of these items are available in South African pharmacies and supermarkets, but prices may be higher than in Spain. Packing them in advance ensures you have familiar brands and avoid language barriers.

Healthcare Facilities & Emergency Services in South Africa

Quality & Availability of Medical Care

South Africa has a dual healthcare system: private facilities (excellent quality, high cost) and public facilities (variable quality, lower cost but often overcrowded). Most tourists and safari lodges use private healthcare.

Private hospitals and clinics: Found in major cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban) and near major game reserves. They are comparable to Spanish hospitals in terms of equipment, cleanliness, and staff training. However, they require upfront cash payment or credit card; travel insurance is essential.

Public healthcare: Available but may have long wait times and limited resources in rural areas. Not recommended as a first resort for tourists.

Safari lodge medical support: Most reputable safari lodges have trained first aid responders on-site and can arrange rapid evacuation to a hospital if needed. Confirm medical support availability when booking your safari.

Emergency Services & Contacts

• Emergency number: Dial 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 from a landline and ask for an ambulance.
• Private emergency services: ER24, Netcare 911, and other private ambulance services operate in major cities and near safari areas. Your travel insurance may cover these directly.
• Spanish embassy in South Africa: The Embassy of Spain in Pretoria can assist with medical emergencies and evacuation arrangements if needed. Contact details are available on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• Poison control or medical advice: Most private hospitals have 24-hour emergency departments and can provide telephone medical advice.

Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

If you suffer a serious illness or injury in a remote safari area, medical evacuation to a major hospital may be necessary. This is extremely expensive (€10,000–€50,000+) and is covered only if your travel insurance includes medical evacuation. Confirm your coverage before departure and carry your insurance details at all times.

Pre-Travel Health Checklist for Spanish Travellers

4–8 weeks before your departure:

• ☐ Schedule an appointment with a travel medicine clinic (médico especialista en medicina del viajero) in Spain
• ☐ Review your routine vaccination status (MMR, tetanus, polio, flu, COVID-19)
• ☐ Discuss yellow fever requirements based on your specific itinerary (direct flight vs. transit)
• ☐ Obtain prescriptions for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies if recommended
• ☐ Arrange malaria prophylaxis if visiting high-risk areas (Kruger, Limpopo, Mpumalanga)
• ☐ Obtain a doctor's letter listing your regular medications (if applicable)
• ☐ Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
• ☐ Assemble and pack your travel health kit
• ☐ Confirm your safari lodge's medical support and evacuation procedures
• ☐ Share your health information (medications, allergies, medical conditions) with your travel companions

Spanish citizens can compare safari packages on SafariFind to ensure they select reputable lodges with good medical support infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spanish citizens need a yellow fever vaccine to enter South Africa?

No, if you are travelling directly from Spain to South Africa without transiting through yellow fever endemic countries, a yellow fever vaccine is not legally required. Spain is not classified as a yellow fever risk country by the WHO. However, if your journey includes a layover or transit of more than 12 hours in a yellow fever endemic country, you will need a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) documenting vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.

What vaccinations should Spanish travellers get before going to South Africa?

Spanish travellers should ensure they are up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, polio, influenza, COVID-19) and consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies depending on their itinerary. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to the Kruger National Park, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces, particularly September–May. Schedule a consultation with a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.

How long before travelling must I get the yellow fever vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in South Africa, as the vaccine only provides protection 10 days after administration. Obtain the vaccine from an approved WHO-recognised vaccination centre in Spain and receive your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) at that time.

Is malaria a risk in all parts of South Africa?

No. Malaria is endemic in northern and eastern South Africa, particularly the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northern KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Coastal areas, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Garden Route are generally malaria-free. If your safari includes the Kruger National Park or private reserves in the north, malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, especially September–May.

What antimalarial medication should I take?

Common options include atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, artemether-lumefantrine, and mefloquine. Your travel medicine doctor in Spain will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on your health status, trip duration, and personal tolerance. Start 1–2 days before entering a malaria zone and continue for 4 weeks after departure.

Can I bring my regular medications from Spain into South Africa?

Yes, but carry them in original, labelled pharmacy containers and obtain a doctor's letter (in English) listing your medications, dosages, and medical reasons. Declare all medications to South African customs upon arrival. Some controlled substances may be restricted; consult your travel medicine clinic before departure if you take any potentially problematic medications.

What should I do if I get sick or injured while on safari in South Africa?

Contact your safari lodge's medical support team immediately. Most reputable lodges have trained first aid responders and can arrange evacuation to a private hospital in a major city if necessary. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112 from a mobile or 10177 from a landline. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation.

Is travel insurance essential for a safari in South Africa?

Yes. Travel insurance is essential and should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation in private facilities, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Medical facilities in urban areas and near safari lodges are high-quality but expensive. Many require upfront cash payment. Without insurance, costs can exceed €50,000 for evacuation alone.

What is the best time to visit South Africa for a safari from a health perspective?

June–September (winter/dry season) is generally considered safest from a health perspective, as malaria transmission is lower and mosquito activity is reduced. However, malaria can occur year-round, and prophylaxis is still recommended for high-risk areas. The rainy season (September–May) sees increased mosquito activity and higher malaria risk, though wildlife visibility is often better.

Do I need vaccinations if I'm only visiting Cape Town and the Garden Route?

Yellow fever is not required if travelling directly from Spain. However, routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio) should be up to date. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended if eating at informal venues or staying with local families. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary for Cape Town or the Garden Route, as these areas are malaria-free.

What should I pack in my travel health kit for South Africa?

Pack DEET-based insect repellent (20–30%), sunscreen (SPF 30+), antidiarrhoeal medication, antihistamines, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, thermometer, prescription medications, malaria prophylaxis (if prescribed), and any personal medical devices. Most items are available in South African pharmacies, but packing them ensures you have familiar brands.

What is schistosomiasis and how do I avoid it in South Africa?

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a parasitic infection acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. It is spread by parasites that enter the skin during swimming or wading in lakes, rivers, and streams. Avoid swimming in any natural water body outside of designated safe swimming areas. Most safari lodges have screened pools or safe water sources; ask your lodge about water safety.