Public Conduct — South Africa
What travelers need to know about public conduct in South Africa. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Public Conduct in South Africa: restricted — there are real limits travelers must follow.
Carry a copy of your passport photo page and your visitor's permit in South Africa, not the original — officials can ask for ID and proof of residence at any time. Keep the passport itself in a hotel safe or another secure place.
§ UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — South Africa travel advice, Safety and security / Personal ID (public_updated_at 2026-07-08); corroborated by US Dept of State — South Africa (Date issued 11 August 2025, footer Last Updated 11 August 2025; advisory block dated 27 May 2025)Verified Aug 21, 2026
If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over — including dual nationals — you must enter and leave South Africa on a South African passport. Using another country's passport is illegal, even if that is the one you booked the trip with.
§ UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — South Africa travel advice, Entry requirements (public_updated_at 2026-07-08)Verified Aug 21, 2026