Rules for overlanding in South Africa

Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 9 August 2026.

Which licence you need

All vehicles — An Italian EU-model licence is accepted, but an International Driving Permit (1968 Vienna or 1949 Geneva model) is recommended if you want to rent a vehicle. Check what applies to the licence you hold.

An International Driving Permit states the categories it covers: check yours covers what you will actually drive. A car licence does not cover a motorcycle, and a heavy camper or a truck can need a higher category.

At the wheel

Carnet de passages — A carnet de passages en douane is required for a temporarily imported vehicle.
Insurance — Third-party liability cover is compulsory and the guarantee must be unlimited; the premium is built into the price of fuel. Foreign policies are only accepted if issued in a Southern African Customs Union country, and short-term all-risk cover can be bought from the South African AA's insurer.
Left-hand traffic — South Africa drives on the left and the accident count is high, so plan journeys carefully and avoid driving at night. Keep speeds moderate after dark, especially outside built-up areas, where people and animals cross without warning.
Equipment on board — Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists, who must also ride with lights on at all times. Seatbelts are compulsory front and rear, and children under 14 shorter than 1.50 m need a child seat or suitable restraint. A warning triangle is required for cars registered after 1 July 2007 and for all commercial vehicles, coaches, buses and minibuses.
Alcohol — The limit is 0.05% blood alcohol, and 0.02% for professional drivers. Random breath tests can be carried out on drivers.
Roads — The urban and intercity road network is very good, but routes off the main circuits are not always properly maintained. Carry an up-to-date satnav and maps and try not to leave the main itineraries.
Robbery at the wheel — Keep doors and windows shut and be careful at traffic lights, where motorists are often robbed. If someone signals that your vehicle has a fault, do not get out: call roadside assistance (AASA, 0861 000234) from your own phone and stay in the car. Robberies of drivers are frequent around Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport and on transfers to nearby cities.
Fake police stops — Watch out at night for fake police cars and vehicles with blue flashing lights: several armed robberies of drivers stopped this way have been reported. Do not get out and never follow a supposed officer who tells you to go with him to an ATM or anywhere else. Avoid fuel stations in the evening and at night, especially in isolated or poorly lit places.

What catches travellers out

Online traveller declaration — Since 1 July 2026 everyone entering or leaving the country by air, land, sea or rail has to complete the Customs Online Traveller Declaration with the South African Revenue Service before travelling. Those who do not are still let in, but must fill it in on arrival at self-service terminals, so doing it in advance avoids long waits at the border.
Customs limits — You may bring in no more than 25,000 rand per person in local currency; foreign currency is unlimited but declare it, because you can only take out what you declared. Importing drugs, automatic, military or unidentified firearms, explosives, fireworks, poisons and toxic substances is prohibited.
Overstaying — No visa is needed for stays under 90 days, but overstaying gets you automatically declared persona non grata and banned from re-entering for between 12 months and 5 years. That applies even if you leave after your visa expired while a renewal request was pending.
Drugs — Possession is an offence and is punished with severe penalties, soft drugs included.

Before you rely on this

This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 9 August 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for South Africa before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.

Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 9 August 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.