+ 1 h; +/- 0 h during our summer time

Pretoria (Tshwane), Cape Town and Bloemfontein

Official languages
Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and South African Sign Language

Language commonly used for communication
English

220 volt / adapter recommended

Banks
9.00 am - 3.30 pm (Mon - Fri)
8.30 am - 11.00 am (Sat)
Opening hours are generally shorter in rural areas.

Shops
9.00 am - 5.00 pm (Mon - Fri)
9.00 am - 1.00 pm (Sat)
Opening hours vary depending on the region and type of shop.

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• 21 March: Human Rights Day

• Good Friday

• Monday after Good Friday: Family Day

• 27 April: Freedom Day

• 1 May: Workers' Day

• 16 June: Youth Day

• 9 August: Women's Day

• 24 September: Heritage Day

• 16 December: Day of Reconciliation

• 25 December: Christmas Day

• 26 December: Day of Goodwill

The following information applies to Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter South Africa:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the end of the stay. The passport must contain at least one blank page.

• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for continuing the journey to the next country. Entry may otherwise be refused.

• Minors: information about travelling with minors is available from the Department of Home Affairs.

• Online traveller declaration: since 1 July 2026, everyone entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea or rail must generally complete an online traveller declaration. It must be submitted no earlier than 24 hours before departure on the final leg travelling directly to South Africa. SARS declaration and information

Cape Town and the Cape region, Mediterranean climate:

• Summer (December - February): warm and dry, with temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C.

• Winter (June - August): mild and rainy, with temperatures between 7 °C and 18 °C.

• Spring and autumn (September - November and March - May): mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C.

Johannesburg and the Highveld, subtropical highland climate:

• Summer (November - March): warm with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, with temperatures between 15 °C and 26 °C.

• Winter (June - August): cool and dry, with temperatures between 4 °C and 19 °C.

• Spring and autumn (April - May and September - October): mild and dry, with temperatures between 8 °C and 24 °C.

Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast, subtropical climate:

• Summer (November - March): hot and humid, with temperatures between 21 °C and 30 °C.

• Winter (June - August): mild and dry, with temperatures between 11 °C and 23 °C.

• Spring and autumn (April - May and September - October): warm and pleasant, with temperatures between 15 °C and 28 °C.

The Drakensberg, mountain climate:

• Summer (December - February): warm to cool, with temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C.

• Winter (June - August): cold, with frequent snowfall at higher elevations and temperatures between -6 °C and 15 °C.

• Spring and autumn (September - November and March - May): cool to mild, with temperatures between 5 °C and 20 °C.

The northern interior, semi-arid to arid climate:

• Summer (November - March): hot and dry, with temperatures between 20 °C and 35 °C.

• Winter (June - August): mild to warm, with temperatures between 5 °C and 23 °C.

• Spring and autumn (April - May and September - October): warm and dry, with temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C.

The Garden Route coast, temperate maritime climate:

• Summer (December - February): warm and sunny, with temperatures between 17 °C and 28 °C.

• Winter (June - August): mild and damp, with temperatures between 8 °C and 21 °C.

• Spring and autumn (September - November and March - May): mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 12 °C and 25 °C.

The western interior, desert and semi-desert:

• Summer (November - March): very hot and dry, with temperatures between 25 °C and 40 °C.

• Winter (June - August): cool to mild, with temperatures between 0 °C and 20 °C.

• Spring and autumn (April - May and September - October): warm and dry, with temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C.

The ideal time for a trip to South Africa:

• Beach holidays: December to February.

• City breaks: March to May and September to November.

• Winter holidays: June to August. These dry and cool months offer particularly good conditions for safaris and wildlife watching. Animals often gather around watering holes, making sightings easier.

• Mobile phones: using a mobile phone in South Africa can incur roaming charges. Check the rates before travelling and consider purchasing a special roaming package.

• Wi-Fi: free access is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public spaces. Quality and speed can vary, particularly in rural areas.

• Internet cafés: these are available in most cities and provide internet access for a small fee. They can be an alternative when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

• Prepaid SIM card: buying a local card can be a practical option. Cards are sold by providers such as Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom. Valid identification, such as a passport, is required to register a SIM card.

• Kruger National Park: one of Africa's largest and best-known national parks, famous for its diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five”: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.

• Table Mountain, Cape Town: a striking landmark rising above the city and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Cape of Good Hope, Cape Peninsula: a picturesque nature reserve known for its spectacular coastal scenery and rich wildlife.

• Garden Route, south coast: a scenic coastal road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, lined with beautiful beaches, picturesque towns and lush vegetation.

• Robben Island, off Cape Town: a historic prison island where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during the apartheid era.

• Drakensberg, eastern South Africa: an impressive mountain range with steep cliffs, green valleys, waterfalls and historic rock paintings.

• Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg: a moving museum documenting the history of apartheid and providing insight into the country's challenges and progress.

• Cape Winelands, east of Cape Town: an attractive region known for its award-winning wineries, historic towns and idyllic landscapes.

• Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga: one of the world's largest canyons, offering spectacular views of steep cliffs, lush forests and the Blyde River.

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town: a lively shopping and entertainment district in the harbour, with numerous restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions.

Travel inspiration

Get inspired by our blog posts and discover South Africa's fascinating destinations:

• South Africa as a January destination: a world of contrasts and adventures

• Cape Town: food, nature and design in one of the world's most spectacular cities

South African cuisine is as diverse as the country itself and reflects African, European, Indian and Malay influences. Some culinary specialities include:

• Braai, barbecue: a popular South African tradition of grilling meat outdoors. It is a social activity often enjoyed with family and friends.

• Bobotie: a traditional Cape Malay dish of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-and-milk topping. Both sweet and savoury, it is a popular comfort food.

• Biltong and droëwors: dried meat and dried sausage made from marinated, air-dried beef or game.

• Potjiekos: a traditional South African stew cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire. Numerous variations commonly contain meat, vegetables and spices.

• South African curry: Indian influences have produced a wide range of flavourful curries, often served with rice, roti or chutney.

• Sweet potatoes: a staple prepared in many ways, including baked, fried or mashed.

• Chakalaka: a spicy vegetable dish often served with grilled meat, made with a mixture of beans, tomatoes, onions and spices.

• Bunny chow: a popular street food originating in Durban's Indian community, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry.

• Malva pudding: a traditional dessert often served with warm vanilla sauce. It is a moist, sweet cake made with sugar, apricot jam and cream.

• Greetings: shaking hands and addressing people by their first names is common. A friendly “Hello” or “Goeiedag”, followed by a handshake, is appropriate.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is appreciated. In Afrikaans, “Asseblief” means please and “Dankie” means thank you.

• Clothing: the dress code is generally informal, but appropriate clothing is expected in formal or business settings. Wear light, comfortable clothing and sun protection for safaris and outdoor activities.

• Dining: meals are often social occasions. It is common to take your time and dine in company. If invited, appreciate the hospitality and try a range of local dishes.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public buildings, restaurants and on public transport. Observe signs and comply with local rules.

• Tipping: tipping is common and often expected, particularly in restaurants, hotels and on safaris. A tip of around 10-15% of the bill is appropriate.

• Other: respect the customs and traditions of South Africa's different population groups. Avoid sensitive subjects such as race, politics or religion unless the person you are speaking to raises them.

• Drinking water quality: this varies by region. Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. In rural and remote areas, drinking water from sealed bottles is recommended. Take care with ice cubes and untreated water from natural sources.

• Malaria risk and mosquito protection: there is a low risk in some parts of the country, particularly in the eastern provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and in the north-east. The risk is low or absent in most tourist areas. In affected areas, use repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, sleep under mosquito nets and take antimalarial medication if recommended.

• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are generally required for entry. Travellers should nevertheless keep their routine vaccinations up to date, particularly against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles.

• Outside the major cities, medical care is only available to a limited extent. Private hospitals generally provide more comprehensive care and have better technical equipment than public hospitals. However, they always require an advance payment or financial guarantee before providing treatment, including in emergencies.
• If you depend on particular medicines, bring an adequate supply. Many countries have special rules governing the import of medicines containing controlled substances, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, contact the relevant foreign embassy or consulate directly before departure.

• Before and during your trip, follow the current situation in the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• More information about the current security situation is available from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• The overall situation is shaped by political, social and economic tensions. Local strikes, sometimes violent demonstrations and roadblocks occur repeatedly in larger cities. Unrest has caused deaths and injuries on several occasions.

• Violent clashes can occur between different groups of demonstrators and between demonstrators and the security forces. The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are particularly affected.

• Despite increased security measures, there is a risk of terrorist attacks.

• Side of the road: drive on the left.

• Driving licence: a valid Swiss driving licence is recognised if it bears a photograph and signature and is printed in one of South Africa's official languages.

• International Driving Permit: recommended, particularly if the national licence does not meet the language requirements. It must be carried together with the national licence.

• Car hire: the minimum age varies from 21 to 25 depending on the company; one to three years of driving experience may be required.

• Blood alcohol limit: general limit of 0.5‰.

• Long-distance trains: Shosholoza Meyl operates selected services between cities and provinces. Routes and timetables can change, so check the service before travelling.

• Regional trains: the Gautrain connects Johannesburg, Pretoria and O. R. Tambo International Airport, among other destinations. Metrorail commuter services are available to varying degrees depending on the region.

• Buses: companies such as Greyhound and Intercape operate intercity and interprovincial services.

• Metro and tram: South Africa's major cities do not have conventional metro systems. The Gautrain is a regional rapid railway, while Cape Town has the MyCiTi bus rapid transit network, among other services.

• Tickets: arrangements vary depending on the mode of transport and region. Tickets can be purchased at train stations, bus terminals or online.

• O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg: non-stop flights from Zurich; connections from Geneva require a transfer.

• Cape Town International Airport (CPT): seasonal non-stop flights from Zurich; connections from Geneva require a transfer.

• King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban: there are no non-stop flights from Zurich, Geneva or Basel. A transfer in Johannesburg or another city is generally required.

Major South African airlines currently operating include South African Airways, FlySafair, Airlink, CemAir and LIFT.

00 41 or +41, followed by the Swiss number without the initial zero of the area code

• Police: 10111

• Ambulance and fire service: 10177

• Emergency number from a mobile phone: 112

Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa
225 Veale Street
Parc Nouveau
New Muckleneuk 0181
Pretoria
South Africa

Tel.: +27 12 452 06 60 / +27 12 452 06 61 / +27 12 452 06 62 / +27 12 452 06 99
Email: southernafrica@eda.admin.ch

Special legal provisions

• Naturism is prohibited, except on a small number of specially designated beaches.

• Offences under narcotics legislation are severely punished, even for very small quantities and regardless of the type of drug.

• Prison conditions are precarious.

Safety

• Crime is relatively high, particularly in cities.

• Going out on the streets after dark is not recommended.

• Do not visibly carry valuables such as watches, jewellery or expensive cameras.

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

• Avoid driving at night.