Health Requirements - Cape Town Airport
Your health and safety matter when travelling to Cape Town, South Africa. This guide covers recommended vaccinations, health insurance, and emergency contacts for visitors arriving at Cape Town Airport (CPT).
Vaccinations & Health Precautions
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to South Africa. Vaccination recommendations depend on your country of origin, the duration of stay, and specific activities planned.
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date (tetanus, diphtheria, measles)
- Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended for many destinations
- Check if yellow fever vaccination is required or recommended
- Malaria prophylaxis may be needed depending on the region
Travel Health Insurance
Comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended when visiting South Africa. Medical costs abroad can be very high, and insurance ensures you have access to quality care without financial worry.
- Choose a policy that covers hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and repatriation
- Keep your insurance documents and emergency contact number with you at all times
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid in EU/EEA countries only
Emergency Numbers in South Africa
In case of a medical emergency while in Cape Town, call 10111 (police), 10177 (ambulance), 112 (depuis un mobile) (country code: +27). Pharmacies in South Africa can often provide basic medical advice and over-the-counter medication. Hospitals near Cape Town Airport offer emergency departments open around the clock.