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General Information
Travel Advisory
Important Notice
- Passengers travelling to South Africa must be in possession of a passport with two unused pages required for endorsements. The two unused pages when presented for purposes of endorsing a port of entry visa, visa, permanent residence permit or entry of departure stamp.
- The passport must be machine readable however, the foreigner may be admitted into or depart from South Africa with a non-machine readable passport provided that:
- He or she is from a foreign country that is issuing machine readable passports and has not completely phased out the non-machine readable passports; and
- His or her passport was issued after 24 November 2005 and its date of expiry is before 24 November 2015.
Travelling with Children
Please note that a number of changes have been made to the South African Immigration Act with regard to travelling with children. In brief the following regulations will now be applicable from the 01st of June 2015:
- Any child who is in alternative care as defined in the Children's Act, shall, before departing from South Africa, produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the Provincial Head of the Department where the child resided as contemplated in Section 169 of the Children's Act.
- An immigration officer shall refuse any person who does not comply permission to depart from South Africa.
- Where parents are travelling with a child, the parents need to produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid Passport for the child reflecting both parents' particulars.
- Where one parent is travelling with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid Passport and consent in the form of:
- an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the child's birth certificate authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from South Africa with the child.
- A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child, or
- Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate.
- Where a person is travelling with a child who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce:
- A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child
- A valid Passport
- An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child.
- Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child and
- The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.
Parental Consent Affidavit:
The Affidavit must not be older than 4 months when presented. The same affidavit will still be valid for the departure or return in relation to the same journey regardless of the period of the journey.
A suggested format of the Parental Consent Affidavit is available at:
http://www.dha.gov.za/files/ParentalConsentAffidavit.pdf
Unabridged Birth Certificate:
In the case of countries that do not issue UBCs, an 'Equivalent Document' containing the particulars of the child and his or her parent or parents, issued by the competent authority of that country, or an embassy of that country may be used instead of an UBC.
A suggested format for such an Equivalent Document is available at:
http://www.dha.gov.za/files/EquivalentDocumentForeignGov.pdf
For more information, please click on the following link:
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015
Currency and banks
The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three Rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. The following exchange rates were applicable at time of compiling this document.
| 1 US$ = ZAR8.25 | 1 Euro = ZAR10.76 |
Facilities for cashing travellers' cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 15:30, Saturdays 08:30 - 11:00) and at most hotels. Foreign exchange agencies are open during the week and on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and are located at most banks as well as at the congress venue. International credit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted at the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops.
Electricity supply
The electricity supply in South Africa is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a round three-pin plug. Most hotels provide dual voltage two-pin razor sockets (100 - 120 volts and 220 - 240 volts).
Health
There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa, although a certificate for yellow fever may be required if you are entering from certain South American or sub-Saharan African countries.
Certain parts of the country have been designated as malaria risk areas. If you intend travelling to one of these areas, it is essential that you take prophylaxis before arrival and whilst in the area. Protective clothing and insect repellents should also be used. Durban is a malaria risk free area.
South African doctors and dentists are highly trained professionals and hospitals are well equipped. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health insurance prior to departure and consult their local general practitioner for personal expert advice. For international travel and health advisories, please visit the WHO website, www.who.int/ith or www.cdc.org.
It is safe to drink tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, this is readily available in various stores.
Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, Cape Town International Convention Centre, restaurants, etc.), except in designated smoking areas.
Insurance
SAAFoST accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by congress participants either during the congress or as result of delays, strikes or any other circumstances. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health, travel and cancellation insurance.
Language
The official language at the Congress will be English.
Lunch
Lunches will be included in the participants' registration fee. Please note that any special catering requirements must be specified when registering and may incur an additional charge.
Passports and visas
Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport. Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Japan and the EU, can visit South Africa without a visa. Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area.
Passports should have at least two completely empty pages otherwise entry may be denied. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your intended date of departure.
Delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the SA Government website:
http://www.home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/imigration/visas/schedule.htm.
If required, upon request, the secretariat is willing to send you a letter of invitation. It should be understood that this letter will be sent only to help participants to obtain a visa. A letter of invitation is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support. Please note that only registered delegates who have paid their registration fees will be issued with a letter of invitation.
Prices
Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect:
| Tea or coffee | ZAR12 | €1.20 | US$1.60 |
| Restaurant meal | ZAR150 | €15 | US$20 |
| Cinema ticket | ZAR37 | €3.70 | US$5 |
| Wine (750ml) | ZAR60 | €6 | US$8.20 |
| Big Mac Burger | ZAR20 | €2 | US$2.70 |
| Beer (340ml) | ZAR15 | €1.50 | US$2 |
| Cola (340ml) | ZAR7 | €0.70 | US$1 |
| Sandwich | ZAR25 | €2.50 | US$3.50 |
Programme changes
The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances.
Security
For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa or Durban, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Durban is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable congress and vacation.
Shopping in Durban
Most shops in the city centre and suburbs open between 08:00 and 17:00 to 17:30. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09:00 and close at 19:00 or later, as well as on Sundays and most public holidays. Government agencies still keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15:30 and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 13:00.
Tipping
Gratuities are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: airport porters ZAR5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10%.
Trade exhibition
A commercial exhibition of industry related items and technical equipment will be organised during the congress. Interested companies, please contact the exhibition organiser for further information at:
Travellers' cheques
Most international travellers' cheques are accepted, provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.
VAT/tax refunds
VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.
Weather
Average expected temperatures for September:
- Average daily maximum temperature: 28�C
- Average daily minimum temperature: 15�C
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