US citizens planning a short-term holiday or business trip to South Africa normally do not need a visa. This is because the United States is on the list of 47 countries whose citizens can enter the state via a visa exemption scheme, in accordance with South Africa’s visa policy.US citizens holding a valid national passport can enter South Africa for up to 90 days at any port of arrival.However, Travelers should be aware that due to COVID-19, the South African Department of Home Affairs has imposed restrictions on the visa exemption scheme. The United States has been removed from the visa-free list until further notice.American citizens who want to travel to South Africa must contact a South African embassy or consulate in their country of residence TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSValid passport with at least six months beyond their intended date of entry to South Africa.Sufficient funds to cover day – to -day expenses during their stay.Return ticket or ticket to an onward destination.
U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
Telephone
Address
WEbsite
Vaccines required to visit South Africa
Chicken pox
Diphtheria – Tetanus – Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Shingles
Covid 19
The South African government announced in June 2022 that the remaining covid – 19 regulations have been repealed. Travelers entering South Africa are no longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests. Due to forever changing regulations please attend to your embassy for the latest regulations. The contact details of the American embassy in South Africa are stated below should you be in need of their services
Flight Information
O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s largest and busiest airport, serves as the primary gateway to Johannesburg and the broader African continent. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international travel, connecting Africa to The World.
Its proximity to Sandton, Africa’s leading financial district, as well as major business hubs and innovation corridors, makes it an ideal entry point for corporate travelers, investors, and tech communities. As a critical aviation and economic infrastructure asset, O.R. Tambo International Airport continues to reinforce Johannesburg’s position as the continent’s commercial capital and primary connectivity node.
Direct flights To South Africa
Transfers
The following transport services are recommended for your convenience and safety when traveling from O.R. Tambo International Airport to your hotel or accommodation in Johannesburg.
Ride-hailing services such as Uber operate extensively throughout Johannesburg and are widely used for airport transfers. We recommend downloading the Uber app via the Apple App Store or Google Play prior to arrival.
The Gautrain also provides a direct, efficient rail connection from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria. This is one of the fastest and most reliable transport options to the city’s key business districts.
We encourage guests to check with their hotel regarding pre-arranged shuttle services. Additionally, we have listed trusted shuttle providers below for your convenience.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE JOHANNESBURG
Shuttle services from O.R. Tambo International Airport | 24hrs
Telephone
EZ Shuttle
Private and shared shuttle services from O.R. Tambo International Airport
Telephone
Hotels
Sandton offers business and leisure travelers a premium selection of hotels, all located within Johannesburg’s primary financial and innovation district.
Sandton provides easy access to O.R. Tambo International Airport via the Gautrain (approximately 15–20 minutes), as well as proximity to Africa’s leading corporate headquarters, venture capital firms, and tech communities.
Another flexible accommodation option is Airbnb, with strong availability across Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose.
