First time travelling abroad? The checklist nobody gives you, until now
· The South African
First time travelling abroad? It’s exciting. It’s also a little overwhelming.
There’s the passport, the visa, the money, the insurance and a dozen small things nobody tells you about.
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Most first-time travellers only find out what they’ve forgotten at the airport.
This checklist will help you avoid that.
From paperwork to phone bills, here’s what every South African should know before their first trip overseas.
1. CHECK YOUR PASSPORT CAREFULLY
Having a valid passport isn’t always enough.
Many countries require your passport to be valid for six months from the day you arrive.
Thailand, Indonesia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are among them.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) also advises that your passport should have at least two blank pages.
2. FIND OUT IF YOU NEED A VISA
South Africans can visit many countries visa-free. But popular destinations like the UK, the US and most of Europe require a visa.
Apply early.
A Schengen visa for Europe can take up to 45 days in busy periods, and a UK visa can take four to six weeks from start to finish.
Don’t book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
3. CHECK YOUR TRANSIT RULES TOO
A layover can need paperwork as well.
South Africans usually need a transit visa to change planes in the UK, even without leaving the airport.
In Dubai, you don’t need a visa if you stay in the transit area. But you will if you need to collect your luggage and check in again.
4. GET TRAVEL INSURANCE BEFORE TRAVELLING ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME
Medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive, and your medical aid may not cover you overseas.
Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, cancelled flights and lost luggage.
Some bank cards include basic travel insurance if you pay for your flights with them.
Check exactly what your card covers, since it may not be enough for a long trip.
5. CHECK WHICH VACCINATIONS YOU NEED
Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations.
The most important one for South Africans is yellow fever.
According to the government, South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from anyone over one year old who travels from a yellow fever risk country, including South African citizens.
The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you travel. A travel clinic can tell you what you need for your destination.
6. SORT OUT YOUR MONEY FOR YOUR FIRST TIME TRAVELLING ABROAD
Let your bank know you’re travelling, so it doesn’t block your card for unusual activity.
Carry more than one way to pay, such as a bank card, a travel card and a little cash in the local currency.
South Africans can take money out of the country under the single discretionary allowance (SDA).
In 2026, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) increased the allowance to R2 million per adult per calendar year.
It covers travel, gifts and other transfers.
7. REGISTER YOUR TRIP WITH DIRCO
This is the step most first-time travellers skip.
DIRCO offers a free, voluntary registration service for South Africans abroad.
It helps the department reach you, or your family, in an emergency such as a natural disaster or civil unrest.
You can register through the DIRCO Travel Smart App, by emailing [email protected], or at the nearest South African embassy.
8. MAKE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS
Take photos of your passport, visa, insurance policy and bookings.
Save them somewhere you can access without your phone, such as your email, and leave copies with someone at home.
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
9. WATCH OUT FOR ROAMING CHARGES
Using your South African SIM card overseas can get expensive very quickly.
Before you leave, check your network’s roaming rates, or consider a local SIM card or an eSIM at your destination.
10. KNOW THE AIRPORT RULES BEFORE TRAVELLING ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME
If you’re a dual citizen, South African law requires you to use your South African passport to enter and leave South Africa.
Check your airline’s baggage rules before you pack, since extra or overweight bags can cost you.
And give yourself plenty of time at the airport. International check-in usually closes earlier than domestic.
I’ll be honest. My first trip abroad came with a few lessons I wish I’d learnt sooner.
The good news? Most travel stress comes from things you can sort out at home.
My advice? If it’s your first time travelling abroad, work through this list a few weeks before you fly.
Then all you have to worry about is enjoying the trip.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOUR FIRST TRIP ABROAD?
Let us know in the comments below…