Useful Information for Travellers to South Africa
Passports and Visas
For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. Travellers from the Nordic area, (also most Western European and Commonwealth countries, Japan, the USA) do not need to formally apply for a visa. Upon arrival in South Africa, passport holders from countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long they may remain in the country. This automatic entry permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry permit.
It is important to note that under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, the passport shall contain at least ONE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements'. Failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused. The immigration authorities do not permit the issuance of emergency passports at the airport, so the embassy might not be able to assist. Remember: if you are passing through other countries en route to South Africa, those countries also might need blank pages for their own visas!
Icelandic visitors to Swaziland officially do not require pre-approved visas. However, not all immigration officials seem to be aware of this. Thus it is advisable for Icelandic passport holders to apply for visas to enter Swaziland at the Kingdom´s High Commissions in South Africa or Mozambique before starting their journey.
Health and Safety
Vaccinations
Visitors who enter South Africa from a yellow fever zone (this includes East Africa) must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.
Malaria
There is no malaria in South Africa’s major cities. Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo (including the Kruger National Park) and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal north of the St. Lucia Wetlands Park. Even so, malaria is not much of a risk from June through September. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. One reassuring thing about malaria is that there is no way at all that you can contract it unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito. And with modern insect repellents, the use of mosquito nets around beds and some common sense one can reduce the chances of being bitten to close to zero.
Differently enabled Travellers
Generally speaking, South Africa’s facilities for differently enabled visitors are modest. An increasing number of hotels and boarding houses have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the people with mobility impairments. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet but these should be booked well in advance. Most South African sports stadiums have suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking. They usually have special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also cater for wheelchair access.
Medical Insurance
Travellers anywhere in the world are advised to be fully insured with cover for medical emergencies such as accidents and sudden illnesses. This applies also in South Africa. Excellent private medical assistance is widely available in all the larger towns and cities. Emergency rescue and recovery teams are staffed 24-hours per day. Air ambulance as well as road ambulance services are excellent. But to take full advantage of these services it is imperative that the traveller has sufficient insurance. Please ask your travel agent for details.
Banks and Money
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.
ATM machines issue local currency against foreign credit and debit cards. Look for the emblems on the machines. The charges are highly competitive and ATMs have the advantage of shorter queues and longer operating hours! But be careful: always use your cards cautiously in public areas. Whenever possible, conduct your transaction in the company of friends or relatives.
Tipping
Airport and hotel porters should receive R 5 per item carried.
Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-12% tip. (Many waiters are students and rely on tips to meet living costs).
Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.
Shopping
Most major shopping centres and malls operate seven days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on Sundays.
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00
Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.
Clothing
South Africans are curiously formal yet informal in their clothing. Power suits (lightweight in summer months) are de rigeur for entrepreneurs at business meetings and receptions – both for women and men. Jackets are shed in really hot weather. However, much socializing is informal: short sleeved shirts and casual trousers are perfectly fine in all but the most exclusive restaurants. Women are almost always better dressed than men in social events.
Leisure time is usually spent in casual clothes. Shorts and tee-shirts are popular with all age groups. Swimwear generally is not permitted in eating establishments, even alongside beaches and lakes.
Be aware that public nudity is not permitted. Abbreviated swimwear (topless and thong wear) is culturally offensive almost everywhere in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Climate
Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is from June to August. Spring is September to November. Summer is December to February. Autumn is March to May. The Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in the South African autumn and winter. The interior (High and Low Veldt – including the Kruger National Park) receives most of its rain in the South African summer.
Electricity
South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances might need a transformer.
Personal safety
Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions, for example, not walking alone at night, and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery they carry. Much of the crime that takes place in South Africa involves people who take chances with their security.
If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, you may contact the National Tourism information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.
Food and water
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful micro organisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is first rate. It is generally safe to eat fresh fruit and salads in major restaurants and hotels and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks.
Road safety
South Africa’s transport infrastructure is excellent and the roads are in good condition except in far flung rural areas. However, driving standards are poor when compared with Europe. Distances between towns are significant, so if you are planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure well-spaced stops. Do not drive long distances without a break as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents here. Avoid long car journeys at night. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road.
South Africa has strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Any driver found to be in breech of the drink-driving laws will be held overnight in jail. Cars driven by drunk drivers can be impounded and are liable to forfeiture.
Speed limits are 120 km/h on the highways, 100 km/h on major roads and between 60 and 80 km/h in towns. Be aware that even major national roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60 km/h on a road that looks like an autobahn. This is to protect pedestrians, especially children. Penalties for speeding can be severe.
The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. The use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving is against the law although enforcement is patchy. Be aware! Although you might see others escaping the attention of traffic enforcement officers, you might not be so lucky.
Driving permits
All visitors intending to drive are must have a valid drivers license and carry it whenever the drive. Any valid driving license is accepted as long as it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in Emglish. In case of doubt, it is advisable to obtain an international drivers permit. Note: anyone found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey.
