CLIMATE

South Africa has a perennially sunny climate and is a pleasure to visit all year round. Mid – winter occurs in June and July, mid – summer in December and January. The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to subtropical on the Kwa Zulu Natal coast and in the North-Eastern province of Mpumalanga; temperate conditions prevail on the Central Highveld (Gauteng Province)

Average temperature in April (Durban) : 26°C.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

As for all international travel, visitors to South Africa are required to have a valid passport. Travellers from certain countries also require a visa. Visitors to South Africa should have a valid return or onward ticket for travel, sufficient means of support for the period and valid entry documents for the next destination.

Enquiries can be directed to the South African diplomatic representatives abroad. Visitors planning to travel to South Africa's neighbouring countries are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.

Please contact the Congress Secretariat to request a letter of invitation for visa purposes. It is a legal requirement that only delegates who have paid both their registration fees and for their accommodation will be provided with Visa invitation letters.

For more information about entry requirements, please visit – South African Home Affairs. 

WHAT TO PACK

Clothing is generally casual, especially at holiday resorts and game reserves, but beach wear is not acceptable in restaurants. Don't forget to bring sun screen, a camera and a pair of binoculars for game viewing.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Throughout the year, standard time in South Africa is GMT +2, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.

VALUE ADDED TAX

Value Added Tax (VAT), currently is at 14%, and is included in the marked/quoted price of all goods and services. Foreign nationals may claim refunds of VAT paid on goods, which they take out of South Africa. Information leaflets on claiming VAT refunds are available from VAT refund administration offices at the airports.

ELECTRICITY

City and town power systems are generally 220/230 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three cylinder pins, most hotels in the city have multiple adapter plugs, however it is essential to have an adaptor or a transformer for foreign appliances just in case. Some plugs are of the two pin variety. 

CURRENCY

The South African currency unit is the Rand (ZAR), denoted by the symbol R, R1 = 100 cents. Most businesses, tour operators, airlines and hotels accept major credit cards and traveller's cheques.

WATER

Tap water is purified and safe to drink. South Africa is reputed to have the cleanest tap water in the world.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunization. Entering South Africa does not require any form of immunization. However, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required of travelers entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in such countries are advised to be inoculated against Yellow Fever prior to visiting South Africa.

Certain areas of South Africa are subject to Malaria before entering these specific areas; visitors should consult a doctor or pharmacist to obtain appropriate medication. For more information please click here

Medical Services. Medical services are of a high standard and most international prescription drugs are readily available through retail pharmacies. It is suggested that you take out personal medical insurance for the duration of your trip. For more information please click here

HOW TO GET THERE

The national carrier, South African Airways, and several international air and shipping lines link the country to the rest of the world. South Africa has three international airports in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Estimated travel times to Durban are:

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