Visa Requirements

Delegates travelling to South Africa are strongly encouraged to apply for their visas well in advance of their intended travel dates. Although visa processing times can vary from country to country, submitting applications early helps prevent delays and ensures that all required documentation can be reviewed and approved in time for the congress. Delegates should carefully follow the application guidelines provided by their nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate, and ensure that all supporting documents—such as passport copies, proof of accommodation, invitation letters, and travel itineraries—are complete and up to date before submission.

Should delegates encounter any challenges, delays, or uncertainties during the visa application process, dedicated support is available. Delegates are encouraged to contact Mr. Doné Louw from the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau, who will assist in facilitating communication with relevant authorities or provide guidance on resolving issues.

Early preparation and proactive communication will help ensure a smooth and efficient visa application experience for all international participants.

Support contact:
Doné Louw — Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau
📞 +27 83 410 3565
📧 dlouw@mandelametro.gov.za

Cash & Currency

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Most travellers should enjoy a favourable purchasing power as a result of their exchange rates from their own currencies to Rands.

It is always handy to have some cash on hand, for tips, etc. but travellers should not feel the need to withdraw a great deal of cash at the airport. ATMs are readily available throughout the country and bank cards (Master and Visa) are accepted nearly everywhere. The exception may be informal businesses, such as market stalls.

When you need to withdraw cash, use an ATM within a bank, take a person with you and be aware of your surroundings.

Gratuities

Tips are generally paid to porters at hotels / guest houses, transport drivers, wait staff at restaurants, and car guards and petrol station attendants (who will fill your tank at the petrol station, check your oil and water and clean your windows). A flat tip of between R20 and R50 is standard for porters, while car guards and petrol station attendants may expect to be tipped between R5 to R20. It is usual to tip between 10-15% to restaurant wait staff. Gratuities for your driver and guide will depend on if you are an individual traveller or traveling as a group.

Uber & Getting Around

Uber is readily available in most major cities in South Africa. The fares are reasonable when traveling short distances, but visitors planning to travel to multiple cities or to embark on sightseeing which will rack up many kilometres should look at car rental as a cheaper alternative for default travel.

Transfers and guided transport will be facilitated for delegates.

Transport services will be provided through NMB Skål Members, alternatively a contact list can be requested from the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Travel Safety

Safety is, understandably, a concern for many travellers to South Africa. Visitors should feel safe walking in busy, more affluent and tourist-frequented areas during the day, but are advised not to walk at night, unless they are in a well-lit and busy part of town, and walking a short distance. It is never recommended to have valuables such as electronics and cash on display, and travellers are advised to be wary of pickpocketing by keeping valuable items in zipped pouches or deep pockets.

The same precautions should be taken as a traveller would take in any major city in the world.

It is best to avoid remote areas and informal settlements unless traveling with a guide or knowledgeable local. When traveling from city to city, plan your route such that you travel by major roads, and have the telephone number for your car rental company available if self-driving.

For more detailed information, please review this list of Recommendations of the South African Police Service.

TravelSafe

TravelSafe is a comprehensive mobile application designed to enhance the safety and security of Destination Africa’s travellers. TravelSafe offers real-time support and emergency assistance, TravelSafe ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.

The TravelSafe app links directly to a 24/7 control centre staffed with trained professionals.

• Go to the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
• Search for TravelSafe SOS.
• Tap Download to install the app on your device.

SIM & WiFi

SIM cards are available to purchase at airports, and it is recommended that travellers do so to avoid paying high data roaming and call charges. Almost all hotels will have WiFi available in rooms and public areas, and many restaurants will also provide a Wi-Fi login to patrons.

Travel Documents

• Passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your departure with 3 blank pages.
• Double check with your travel agent if you require a visa.
• Please note that you require an unabridged birth certificate when traveling with minors.
• Make sure that your travel insurance is in order.

Health & Safety

• When you travel through or live in a Yellow Fever country, you will be required to present a Yellow Fever vaccination card.
• Some safari areas are malaria zones. Please consult your doctor at least 3 weeks before travel.
• OUR WATER – our tap water is safe to drink.
• We drive on the Left-hand side of the road.

What to Pack

• Plug type: Type M (large 3-pin round).
• Insect repellent spray.
• Passport.
• Sunscreen.
• Comfortable shoes.
• Copies of documents.

WhatsApp

An Affordable way to communicate in SA will be WhatsApp – click on the following link to find out how to download WhatsApp.

This will also be the most effective way to communicate with your consultant in South Africa.

Please make sure that you send us your contact information.

Good to Know

• South Africa is GMT+2 year-round.
• You can claim back VAT (15%) on goods over a certain value.