South Africa
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if South Africa's laws change. Free.Get the free appCannabis
Adults may privately use, possess, and grow cannabis in South Africa, but buying or selling it remains illegal and you may not carry it on a flight into or out of the country.
Dealing and cross-border carrying remain criminal.
§ South Africa Dept of Justice & Constitutional DevelopmentMedications
Confirm your medication is legal with the Embassy of South Africa and carry it in original packaging with a copy of your prescription; counterfeit medications are common.
Possible arrest or detention if the medication is not legal in South Africa.
§ US State Dept — South AfricaCustoms & Cash
You must declare cash and currency at the red channel on arrival in South Africa, and you need prior written permission from the South African Reserve Bank to enter or leave with more than R100,000 — whether in rand or the equivalent in foreign currency.
Failing to declare currency is an offence that can bring detention or forfeiture of the cash, an administrative penalty, or criminal prosecution.
§ South African Revenue Service (SARS)Driving
Traffic drives on the left in South Africa; a valid US driver's license is accepted for stays under 6 months (no international permit required).
§ US State Dept — South AfricaLGBTQ+ Safety
South Africa has no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or LGB events, and same-sex marriage is legal.
§ US State Dept — South Africa