Planning Guide
Plan Your Cricket World Cup 2027 Trip
Passports, visas, vaccinations, packing and money — everything to sort before you travel to South Africa, Zimbabwe or Namibia for the tournament.
New to the tournament? Start with the Tournament Overview.
Documents
Passport & visa requirements
Passport
- Valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- At least two blank pages for stamps (South Africa requires this).
- Make digital copies and store them separately from the originals.
Visa requirements by country
South Africa
Citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nigerian citizens require a visa — apply at your nearest South African embassy at least eight weeks before travel.
Zimbabwe
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport (single entry ~$30 USD, double entry ~$45 USD, KAZA UniVisa ~$50 USD for Zimbabwe and Zambia), or apply in advance through the official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.zw). Some countries require an advance visa — verify with the Zimbabwean embassy before travel.
Namibia
Since April 2025, visitors from a number of previously visa-exempt countries must hold a visa, available on arrival at designated ports of entry or in advance via the official portal (eservices.mhaiss.gov.na). Requirements are nationality-specific — confirm the current rules and fees for your passport before travelling.
Visa requirements change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant embassy before booking travel. For a full breakdown, see the visa requirements guide.
Health
Vaccinations & health
Recommended vaccinations
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus-diphtheria
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from an endemic country)
Malaria precautions
Malaria risk exists in Kruger and Mpumalanga (South Africa), northern Namibia and most of Zimbabwe. Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication four to six weeks before travel.
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Windhoek are malaria-free. The stadium cities are low risk — safari areas require precautions.
Checklist
Your planning checklist
Check passport validity
It must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with at least two blank pages for South African entry stamps.
Arrange a visa if required
Check whether you need a visa for South Africa, Zimbabwe or Namibia. Some can be obtained on arrival; others require an advance application.
Get travel vaccinations
Visit a travel clinic for Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid and Tetanus. A Yellow Fever certificate is only required if you are arriving from, or transiting, a country where yellow fever is a risk — check WHO guidance or your clinic. Schedule this at least four weeks before travel.
Buy travel insurance
Cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation and evacuation. This is essential if you plan to go on safari.
Notify your bank
Tell your bank your travel dates so your cards are not flagged as fraudulent when used in Southern Africa.
Arrange transport
Book flights, rental cars or transfers. Stadium cities book up during major events.
Book accommodation
Hotels near stadiums and popular safari lodges fill quickly. Reserve early for the best availability.
Check malaria precautions
If visiting safari areas such as Kruger, Etosha or Hwange, consult a doctor about malaria medication. The stadium cities are malaria-free.
Packing
What to pack
October and November in Southern Africa is late spring — expect warm days and the occasional early-summer storm.
Cricket days
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Light layers (stadiums can get cool in the evening)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket (November brings early-summer storms)
Safari days
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige)
- Long sleeves for morning game drives
- Binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
- Insect repellent (DEET-based)
Money
Currency & payments
South Africa
South African Rand (ZAR)
Cards are widely accepted. Tip 10–15% at restaurants. Check current exchange rates before travel.
Zimbabwe
US Dollar (USD) & Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Both the US dollar and Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) are legal tender; USD is widely used day to day. Carry small USD bills, as card acceptance is inconsistent outside major hotels. Monetary policy changes often — check close to travel.
Namibia
Namibian Dollar (NAD)
The NAD is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand, which is accepted everywhere in Namibia.
Money tips
- Notify your bank before travelling to avoid card blocks.
- Carry a backup card from a different bank.
- Use no-FX-fee cards where possible.
- Airport exchange rates are poor — use ATMs instead.