Travel Vaccinations for South Africa
Travel Smart. Protect Yourself Before You Go.
- Comprehensive range of travel and routine vaccinations
- Personalised travel health assessment based on your itinerary
- Malaria prevention guidance and medication
- Doctor-curated travel medical kit from $48 NETT
Last updated: Feb 16, 2026
Planning a trip to South Africa and unsure which vaccinations you may need?
Vaccination recommendations for South Africa depend on your travel itinerary, planned
activities, duration of stay, and underlying medical conditions.
While South Africa does not require most routine vaccines for direct entry from Singapore,
certain vaccinations are recommended based on disease risk in specific regions. In addition,
yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country
with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Note: This information is provided as general guidance only. Vaccination recommendations and entry requirements may change and should be confirmed with official sources such as the CDC travel health website or with a qualified healthcare professional before travel.
What Vaccinations Are Recommended for Travel to South Africa?
Other recommended vaccinations for travel to South Africa include routine immunisations and additional travel-specific vaccines depending on your itinerary, activities, and length of stay.
| Recommended Vaccine | What It Protects Against |
|---|---|
| Routine Vaccinations | |
| COVID-19 | Protects against COVID-19, a respiratory viral infection that can cause fever, cough, and complications in vulnerable individuals. |
| Influenza |
Protects against influenza, a seasonal respiratory infection that spreads easily during
travel and in crowded settings.
Annual vaccination is recommended, particularly during flu seasons. |
| Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) |
Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, highly contagious viral infections that can
cause systemic complications.
Vaccination is advised if childhood immunisation is incomplete or immunity status is uncertain. |
| Polio |
Protects against polio, a viral infection that can affect the nervous system and lead to
paralysis.
A booster dose may be considered if previous vaccination history is unclear. |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) |
Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis,
bacterial infections that can cause severe respiratory or neurological complications.
Booster vaccination is advised if more than 10 years have passed since the last dose. |
| Other Travel Vaccinations | |
| Cholera |
Protects against cholera, a bacterial infection that causes severe watery diarrhoea, and
may provide short-term protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a common cause
of travellers' diarrhoea.
May be considered for humanitarian workers, travellers visiting areas with active cholera outbreaks, regions with limited sanitation, or individuals at higher risk of severe dehydration. |
| Hepatitis A |
Protects against hepatitis A, a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or
water.
Commonly recommended for most travellers, including those staying in urban areas. |
| Hepatitis B |
Protects against hepatitis B, a viral infection
transmitted through blood and body fluids that can lead to chronic liver disease.
Recommended for longer stays, healthcare exposure, close personal contact, or potential medical procedures abroad. |
| Rabies |
Protects against rabies, a viral infection transmitted through animal bites that affects
the nervous system.
Considered for travellers participating in wildlife safaris, outdoor trekking, cycling, or extended stays in rural areas. |
| Typhoid |
Protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or
water that can cause prolonged fever and abdominal symptoms.
May be recommended for travellers visiting smaller towns, rural regions, or eating outside major hotels and restaurants. |
Is Malaria a Concern in South Africa?
Malaria risk in South Africa is limited to specific regions and is not present throughout the country. Transmission occurs mainly in specific northeastern districts, while major urban centres are generally not considered malaria risk zones.
Higher-risk areas may include:
- Parts of Limpopo Province
- Parts of Mpumalanga Province
- Northern KwaZulu-Natal
- Border areas near Mozambique and Zimbabwe, including sections close to Kruger National Park
Cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are generally not considered malaria transmission areas.
For the most up-to-date information on malaria risk in South Africa, refer to the CDC travel health website.
Malaria Prophylaxis for South Africa
If you are travelling to affected regions in South Africa, malaria prophylaxis may be recommended to reduce the risk of infection. Commonly prescribed antimalarial medications include:
The choice of medication depends on factors such as your medical history, potential side effects,
duration of travel, and specific travel destination.
Malaria prophylaxis must be started before entering a malaria transmission area, continued
throughout your stay, and taken for a specified period after leaving, depending on the medication
prescribed.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for South Africa?
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into South Africa if you are travelling
from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement applies if you have
transited through or travelled from certain countries in Africa or South America where yellow
fever occurs.
After vaccination, an International Certificate of Vaccination
or Prophylaxis will be issued and becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is recognised
for life. Travellers arriving directly from Singapore typically do not require a yellow fever
certificate.
When to Get Travel Vaccinations Before Visiting South Africa
You should arrange a travel vaccination consultation at least 4 to 8 weeks before
departure to allow sufficient time for your body to develop immunity and to
complete any multi-dose schedules. Some vaccines require specific intervals between doses
or must be administered within a certain timeframe before travel.
If you are visiting malaria-risk areas, travelling to rural regions, or have underlying
medical conditions, you should seek medical advice earlier. Allowing extra time also
ensures you can complete booster doses, attend follow-up appointments if needed, and
prepare the necessary vaccination documentation before departure.
Cost of Travel Vaccinations to South Africa
At ATA Medical, we provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations for South Africa, with the prices as follows:
| Vaccination | Dose | Price*^ |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 | |
| Travel Vaccinations | ||
| Cholera (includes limited E. coli [ETEC] protection) | Age 6 and above: 2 doses Age 2-6: 3 doses |
$272.50 / 2 doses |
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses (0, 6 months) | From $101.37 / dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months) | From $54.50 / dose |
| Rabies | 2 to 4 doses (check with doctor) | $263.78 / dose |
| Typhoid | 1 dose with a booster every 3 years | $49.05 / dose |
| Yellow Fever | 1 dose | $228.90 / dose |
| Routine Vaccinations | ||
| COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech / Comirnaty JN.1 Vaccine | 1 to 2 doses depending on vaccination status | $0 for all Singaporean Citizens, Permanent Residents and Valid Pass Holders |
| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine | 1 dose | $38.15 / dose |
| Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) | 2 doses (0, 1 month) | $60 / dose |
| Polio | 1 to 3 doses (check with doctor) | $49.05 / dose |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap) | 1 dose | From $58.86 / dose |
| Other Preventive Treatments | ||
| Malaria Pills | From $1.09 per tab | |
| Period Delay Pills | From $0.76 per tab | |
^Prices last updated on Feb 16, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please contact our team to confirm the latest rates.
If you are unsure which vaccinations are suitable for you, our doctors can advise based on your travel itinerary, duration of stay, medical history, and current immunisation status.
Travel Medicine Kit
Stay prepared wherever you go with our Travel Medicine Kit, curated by our doctors for common travel illnesses.
- Doctor-selected essentials
- Compact and travel-friendly
- $48 (medical kit) or $68 (with first aid kit)
Ideal for solo travellers, group trips, and families.
(No appointment is required — simply walk in to our clinics to get your Travel Medical Kit)
Other Travel Health Tips for South Africa
Staying healthy in South Africa requires practical precautions, especially if you are visiting rural areas, safari regions, or malaria-risk districts. In addition to vaccinations, you should consider the following measures:
- Practise safe food and water hygiene to reduce the risk of traveller's diarrhoea.
- Use insect repellent and protective clothing in mosquito-prone areas.
- Stay well hydrated and protect yourself from excessive sun exposure during outdoor activities.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals to reduce the risk of rabies exposure.
- Ensure you have adequate travel insurance, particularly if visiting remote regions.
Book a Travel Vaccination Consultation for South Africa
ATA Medical @ Orchard
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
ATA Medical @ Jurong
Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT Station (NS1/EW24)
Contact Number: 6348 6292
Email: jurong@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Why Use Us?
Same Day Appointment
Get your vaccinations done quickly at our travel clinics.Vaccination Proof
Certificates of immunisation will be provided.Friendly Staff
Customer service is a top priority for us at ATA Medical.Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of your vaccinations.
Why Are Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations offer significant individual benefits by boosting the immune system's ability to fight off specific
infectious diseases. They reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses, leading to fewer medical visits
and a lower chance of hospitalization.
By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, individuals can also enjoy a greater sense of well-being and freedom to
engage in various social activities, knowing they are protected against contagious diseases.
At ATA Medical, we offer a wide range of vaccinations
to meet your various health needs, from travel to seasonal immunity, ensuring you are well-protected. Your
vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry
(NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of the vaccinations.
Travel Clinics in Singapore
Our vaccination clinics are conveniently located in Central Singapore. Same day appointments for vaccinations are available.
- Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
- Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)
- Jurong Clinic (Closest MRT: Jurong East NS1/EW24)