2010 - Have documents, can travel

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Have documents, can travel

Official host city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM

Have documents, can travel

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Entering South Africa is a straightforward and a hassle free process, provided all your documentation is in order.

Airport

BEFORE travelling to South Africa, make sure that your documentation is in order.

Entry requirements differ from country to country and are subject to change, so always make inquiries before travelling to South Africa.

Home away
from home
Foreign visitors in Johannesburg have easy access to their own representatives.

Most countries have embassies or consulates in South Africa, usually located in the capital, Pretoria, a short drive north of Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is also home to many consuls and commercial attachés.

View here for a list of the embassies and consulates in South Africa.

A valid passport or travel document is a must. You will also need to show that you are able to support yourself financially while in the country, you have a place to stay and that you are intending to return home.

In some cases visas are also required. This varies according to the nationality of the passport holder.

Visitors from these countries do not need visas to travel to South Africa, or are exempt if the visit is for less than a specified number of days.

Visitors from these countries require a visa to travel to South Africa. You will need to apply for a visa from your nearest South African consulate, embassy or high commission. You cannot get a visa at the point of entry.

The formal requirements for a visitors permit include:

A passport that is valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit.
The passport must contain at least one unused page for entry/departure endorsements.
Payment of the prescribed fee, if applicable.
A vaccination certificate, if required by the act.
Statement or documentation confirming purpose and duration of visit.
Two identity photographs.

Applicants travelling by air must be in possession of

return or onward ticket.
cash deposit of equivalent value to such a ticket.

While most visas take between five and 10 days to process, it is a good idea to make sure you apply well ahead of your trip. If you plan to leave and re-enter South Africa you will need a multiple-entry visa to get back into the country.

Tourist info hotline

Looking for information on how to get here, what to bring, where to stay? South African Tourism runs a one-stop call centre in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Portuguese.

Based in Johannesburg, the centre is linked to SA Tourism's national database, which has up-to-date information on accommodation, transport, activities, events and contacts.

Tourists can phone the number for a range of queries, including advice on what to do in an emergency or bureaucratic pickle.

International callers can use +27 83 123 6789 or email info@southafrica.net.

For English, the centre operates around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
For European languages, the centre operates from 9am to 7pm local time.
For Mandarin from 1pm to 9pm local time.

Callers in particular countries can also access local numbers and language-specific email address.

Source: SouthAfrica.info, the gateway to all things South African