Travel Information

In Sandton, October marks the beginning of spring. During this moderately hot month, the average high temperature hovers around 25.5°C (77.9°F), while the average low temperature is approximately 11.8°C (53.2°F)1. As for the wind, the average speed in October is 11.3 km/h2. In Sandton the climate is warm and temperate. In Sandton the weather in October is generally perfect, with high temperatures and low rainfall.

Please note that, with immediate effect, anyone outside of South Africa traveling to the country must have two consecutive blank pages in their passport, which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. left and a right-hand page). Passports must also be valid for at least six months. Passengers traveling to South Africa with passports which do not comply with these requirements will either be stopped from boarding the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa is reviewing its visa regime but currently requires all passengers under 18 to travel with an Unabridged Birth Certificate. Under the law, all minors under the age of 18 years are required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry. When a child travels with only one parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent. The affidavit should be no more than 3 months old from date of travel. You are strongly encouraged to speak to your local South African Embassy of Consular-General about travel requirements if you are travelling from overseas.

Visas are not required for citizens of some countries. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the South African Government website (www.dha.gov.za). Participants requiring a visa for entry into South Africa are strongly advised to make their applications in their home countries at least three-months before their intended date of travel. For more information, please contact your nearest embassy or South African Consulate or consult your travel agency.

Delegates wishing to travel to South Africa’s neighbouring countries and back to South Africa are advised to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Passengers traveling to South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passports to enable the issuance of an entry visa. If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry will be denied, and the passenger is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin. Perhaps this is the time to renew those almost-full passports!

South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, putting it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Currency in South Africa is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with One Rand (R1) made up of 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and bureaux de change. All major credit cards such as American Express, Bank of America, Diners, Master Card, Visa and affiliates, are accepted in most places in South Africa. Generally, credit cards are not accepted for the purchase of petrol. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) offer a complete 24-hour service. Machines displaying international credit card logos can be used with the respective credit cards.

Value Added Tax (VAT) at the rate of 15% is levied on most goods and services and is included in the display price of most goods. International visitors are encouraged to keep their cash payment slips as they can reclaim VAT on goods (not services) priced higher than R250.00 at the airport on departure, some harbours and at Customs Offices.

Like many major cities, Johannesburg has both good and bad areas. It is advisable not to walk alone, particularly at night, in low-traffic areas. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided, and it is not advisable to look like a typical ‘tourist’ with many cameras strung around your neck. Do not leave your valuables unattended.

For all airport shuttle requirements please contact our conference secretariat.