Entry & Exit Requirements
Travelers are responsible for making sure they obtain the correct documentation for their program. Visit travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements.
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure.
South African law requires travelers to have two consecutive, fully blank visa pages in their passport upon each arrival into the country. Travelers without the required blank visa pages will be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and deported at their own expense. At least three additional blank pages are required per entry into Zambia, two additional blank pages per entry are recommended for Zimbabwe, and one additional blank page per entry is required for Botswana.
A visa is required for entry into Zambia and can be obtained online at https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/ or upon arrival. Cost ranges from USD $50 to $150.
Visitor visas will be issued at the ports of entry in South Africa (no fee) and Zimbabwe (USD $30-160).
A visa is not required for entry into Botswana.
There are additional requirements for minors traveling to South Africa. Visit South Africa's Department of Home Affairs website for details.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the countries' respective embassies for entry requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, or Zimbabwe unless traveling from another country where yellow fever is present, in which case proof of vaccination is required. (Visitors to Victoria Falls should be aware that Zambia is now considered a low-risk yellow fever country. Travelers with Zambian immigration stamps in their passport may be required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.)
The CDC recommends that most travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting these countries. Additional vaccines may also be recommended; please consult your physician for further information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Africa may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.