South Africa requires all international travellers to present proof of a polio booster vaccination from August 22. The single dose must have been administered within the previous 12 months. Children under five and adults over 65 receive exemptions with medical documentation.
Health authorities confirmed one polio case in Limpopo province on June 14. The requirement applies at all airports, land borders and seaports. Travellers without proof face on-site vaccination or denial of entry.
South Africa last required polio vaccination during the 2019-2020 global outbreaks. Routine childhood immunisation coverage dropped to 78 percent in 2025.
What this means for you
Obtain a polio booster at least four weeks before travel and carry the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination. Check with your national health service for free vaccination clinics.
Keep digital and paper copies of the certificate. Families with young children should confirm exemption rules with the South African embassy before departure.