Last updated: 22 Oct 2025
Luxembourg
About
| Luxembourg is an attractive country with a green and picturesque landscape of rolling hills and valleys, and many closely packed historical sites. Visitors will also discover forests, vineyards and striking sandstone rock formations here. Wine and dine al fresco in Luxembourg-Ville's charming main square, the Place d'Armes. The area known as the Grund, near the River Alzette, also has many lively cafes and restaurants; it can be reached via a lift down through the ancient rock. Explore the scenic beauty and quiet of the Ardennes region, referred to locally as Eisléck. The area consists of forested plateaux, wooded hills and lush valleys. Head for the small town of Esch-sur-Sûre. Harness up and go rock climbing; there are some good ascents and facilities available near Berdorf in the Müllerthal region. Splash out on some watersports: located within the Upper Sûre National Park is the country's drinking water reservoir, where a barrage dam (the Staudamm) makes a beautiful lake. |
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| Official Name: | Grand Duchy of Luxembourg |
| Capital: | Luxembourg City (LUX) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuergesch). French and German are also used. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 352 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | Shoulder season is April to mid-June, mid-September to October and December |
| Best for: | Medieval Architecture, Breweries |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European round two-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Many locals use bottled water, although this is a taste preference. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Luxembourgers are private, and do not appreciate personal questions, or displays of emotions. Conservative and traditional etiquette should be applied in social situations. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Smoking is prohibited in public areas. |
| Duty Free: | Luxembourg is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to bring in fragrances, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, beer, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Luxembourg by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | You can't import products of animal or plant origin which originate from outside the EEA or Switzerland. Normal international restrictions on narcotics, firearms and endangered species apply |
| Prohibited Exports: | Normal international restrictions on the movement of narcotics, firearms and endangered species apply. There are also restrictions on the export of cultural goods such as antiques or works of art. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 9, 29; Jun 9, 23; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 6; May 1, 9, 14, 25; Jun 23; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
The Belgian consulate handles visas for Luxembourg - please apply in the same way. Refer to Belgium Visa guide.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Brussels, Belgium
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
