South Africa
South Africa travel guide for Australians
Australians can enter South Africa visa‑free for up to 90 days; if you plan to stay longer 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
- Passport validity
- 6 months on entry
- Entry feecheck
- None (check)
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
- Plug types
- Type M, C, N (230 V 50 Hz)
- Tipping
- 10–15 % in restaurants, R5–20 to car guards
- Emergency numbers
- 10111 police, 10177 ambulance, 112 mobile
Quick answer
Australians do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days; a passport valid for at least six months is required. Extend stay or work only with a pre‑approved visa.
Entry requirements for Australian passport holders
No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended departure date. You may be asked for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds (approximately AU$150 per day).
Australian embassy and consular contacts
Australian High Commission, Pretoria: 1015 Hatfield Street, Pretoria, 0002. Phone: +27 12 331 6600. Email: [email protected].
Consular assistance is also available in Cape Town (Consular Section, 1 St George’s Mall) and Johannesburg (Consular Section, 1st Floor, 2nd Avenue).
Cost estimate for a two‑week trip (AUD)
Flights from Sydney to Johannesburg (round‑trip, economy) ~ AU$1,300–1,600, depending on season.
Accommodation: mid‑range hotels or guesthouses average AU$80–120 per night; budget hostels AU$30–50.
Transport: domestic flights (Cape Town‑Johannesburg) AU$150–200; car hire for Garden Route AU$45–70 per day.
Meals: AU$15–25 per day for restaurant meals, AU$5–10 for casual eateries.
Park fees (Kruger entry) AU$30 per day for vehicle permit.
Overall budget: AU$3,500–4,500 for two weeks, excluding optional tours.
Flight time and main airports
Main international gateway: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, 2 h 30 min flight from Sydney (direct).
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is reachable via a 2‑hour domestic flight from Johannesburg.
Time difference: South Africa is UTC+2, 8 hours behind Sydney (UTC+10) – 9 hours when Sydney is on daylight saving.
Electrical plugs and voltage
South Africa uses Type M (large three‑pin) and Type C plugs; 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: leave 10–15 % of the bill unless service charge is included.
Bars and cafés: round up to the nearest rand.
Hotel staff (porters, housekeeping): AU$2–3 per service.
Car guards, fuel attendants, and taxi drivers: small change (R5–20) is customary.
Emergency contacts
Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
General emergency (mobile): 112
FAQ
- Do Australians need a visa for South Africa?
- How much does a trip to South Africa cost in AUD?
- Where is the nearest Australian embassy in South Africa?
Questions people ask
Do Australians need a visa for South Africa?
No. Australian passport holders can stay visa‑free for up to 90 days; a passport valid for six months is required.
How much does a trip to South Africa cost in AUD?
A two‑week itinerary typically costs AU$3,500–4,500, covering flights, mid‑range accommodation, meals, transport and park fees.
Where is the nearest Australian embassy in South Africa?
The Australian High Commission in Pretoria (1015 Hatfield Street) is the main embassy; consular sections are also in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
What plug type should I bring?
South Africa uses Type M, C and sometimes N plugs; bring a universal adapter and a voltage converter if your devices are not 230 V compatible.
What is the emergency number for police?
Dial 10111 for police; 10177 for ambulance; 112 works from any mobile phone.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – South Africa guide
Ask about South Africa
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