Some useful travel preparation tips for the first time traveler coming to South Africa

Get travel preparation tips and information about your passport and visa, insurance, airline requirements, luggage and more..

Careful travel preparation is essential. Some advance planning and a proper check on what you need before you depart, may just save you unnecessary time and stress.

You're flying to another country. So what are your basic requirements?

Organise your travel preparation logically. Get a pencil and paper and make notes. You're going to be away from home for a while and you don't want to forget anything.

First off: Your travel preparation should include the right passport information and making sure you have the correct documentation.

Yes of course you have your passport, but for how long is it valid? and what about a visa?

What is a visa? A visa is a stamp or a sticker in your passport, obtained at the consulate, or passport control of the country you are visiting, confirming that your passport has been validated and that you have right of entry to that country for a specific time.

South Africa - Visa enquiries

You do not generally require a visa if you visit Cape Town or enter South Africa for tourism purposes and short business engagements, or if you are in transit.

Travellers in other categories, such as academics, students on educational trips and volunteers, may need visas, or otherwise take the chance that they will be refused admission at the airport and returned to their country of origin.

Visa enquiries during your travel preparation should be made at the Embassy or Consulate representing the country you are visiting.

South African Embassy in Washington DC

Worldwide Embassies and Consulates

You will need a return ticket and reasonable proof that you are in a position to sustain yourself and your family for the duration of your stay.

If you intend to work in South Africa for example, you'll have to apply for a work permit at the local South African embassy or consulate.
Enquiries

Are you going to drive a motor vehicle? Make sure you obtain an international driving permit from your local authority.

Children: Your travel preparation should include evidence that you are the parent or guardian of a child in your care.

You may have to provide documentary permission for the child's travel. Many countries, including South Africa, have initiated these procedures at entry/exit points in an effort to prevent international child abduction. Making such documentation available even if you don't need it, may just facilitate your entry or departure.

Inoculations are not necessary unless your country is one where yellow fever is endemic. You would then be required to present your yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation, on entry to the country you are visiting.

Travel Insurance:
This should form an essential part of your travel preparation and is an important issue to consider when making arrangements to visit any overseas country.

Be certain that you have adequate travel and holiday insurance cover. South Africa has excellent medical facilities, but specialised medical care (in any country) could result in financial difficulties for uninsured travellers

Be realistic. Don't take chances. Purchase extra insurance cover as necessary.

In your travel preparation include cover for emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.. or death. Find out if your policy pays medical expenses overseas directly - or would you be initially responsible for the settlement.