Important notice

• Passengers travelling to South Africa must be in possession of a passport with two unused pages required for endorsements. The two unused pages when presented for purposes of endorsing a port of entry visa, visa, permanent residence permit or entry of departure stamp.
• The passport must be machine readable however, the foreigner may be admitted into or depart from South Africa with a non-machine readable passport provided that:
  • He or she is from a foreign country that is issuing machine readable passports and has not completely phased out the non-machine readable passports; and
  • His or her passport was issued after 24 November 2005 and its date of expiry is before 24 November 2015.

Travelling with children

Please note that a number of changes have been made to the South African Immigration Act with regard to travelling with children. In brief the following regulations will now be applicable from the 01st of June 2015:

• Any child who is in alternative care as defined in the Children's Act, shall, before departing from South Africa, produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the Provincial Head of the Department where the child resided as contemplated in Section 169 of the Children's Act.
• An immigration officer shall refuse any person who does not comply permission to depart from South Africa.
• Where parents are travelling with a child, the parents need to produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid Passport for the child reflecting both parents' particulars.
• Where one parent is travelling with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid Passport and consent in the form of:
  • an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the child's birth certificate authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from South Africa with the child.
  • A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child, or
  • Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate.
• Where a person is travelling with a child who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce:
  
  • A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child
  • A valid Passport
  • An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child.
  • Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child and
  • The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.

Parental Consent Affidavit:

The Affidavit must not be older than 4 months when presented. The same affidavit will still be valid for the departure or return in relation to the same journey regardless of the period of the journey. A suggested format of the Parental Consent Affidavit is available at:
dha.gov.za/files/ParentalConsentAffidavit.pdf

Unabridged Birth Certificate:

In the case of countries that do not issue UBCs, an 'Equivalent Document' containing the particulars of the child and his or her parent or parents, issued by the competent authority of that country, or an embassy of that country may be used instead of an UBC. A suggested format for such an Equivalent Document is available at:
dha.gov.za/files/EquivalentDocumentForeignGov.pdf

For more information, please click on the following link:
home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015

Cape Town

Cape Town is the quintessential melting pot: it is a city alive with creativity, colour, sounds, and tastes.

While walking through the City's streets and meeting its people, you will fall in love with its natural beauty, creative freedom and incredible spirit. Cape Town is a city where the unexpected is always just around the corner and the beautiful province of the Western Cape lies ready to be explored across the city border.

Accommodation is available to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury five star establishments to modest guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. These have been pre-booked for the Summit and delegates will be able to secure their choice of venue at preferential rates through the organizers.

A wide range of attractive tours and excursions will be on offer to visitors and these will be of a cultural, historical, and geographical nature. From townships to wildlife reserves, shopping malls to vineyards, there will be something to delight everyone.

We encourage you to participate on one of the arranged optional excursions. The experience will be unforgettable.

Currency and banks

The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three Rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

The following exchange rates were applicable at date of printing this document:

Facilities for cashing traveller's cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday - Friday 09:00 - 15:30, Saturdays 08:00 - 11:00) and at most hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays. Foreign exchange agencies are open during the week and on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and are located at most banks as well as at the Summit Venue. International credit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted at the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops.

Electricity supply

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220 - 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a round three-pin plug. Most hotels provide dual-voltage two-pin razor sockets (100-120 volts and 220-240 volts).

Health

There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa although a certificate for yellow fever may be required if you are entering from certain South American or sub-Saharan African countries. Certain parts of the country have been designated as malaria risk areas. If you intend travelling to one of these areas, it is essential that you take prophylaxis before arrival and whilst in the area. Protective clothing and insect repellents should also be used. Cape Town is a malaria risk free area. South African doctors and dentists are highly trained professionals and hospitals are well equipped. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health insurance prior to departure and consult their local general practitioner for personal expert advice. For international travel and health advisories please visit the WHO website at who.int/ith or cdc.org. It is safe to drink tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, this is readily available in various stores. Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, Cape Town International Convention Centre, restaurants etc.) except in designated smoking areas.

Insurance

The Global Evidence Summit 2017 accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss, or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by congress participants either during the congress or as result of delays, strikes or any other circumstances. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect of health, travel, and cancellation insurance.

Language

The official Summit language will be English.

Passports and visas

Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport. Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including USA, Canada, UK, Japan and the EU can visit South Africa without a visa. Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area. Passports should have at least 2 completely empty pages otherwise entry may be denied. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure. Delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the SA Government website:
home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa.

If required, you can download a visa invitation letter through your account. It should be understood that this letter will be sent only to help participants to raise travel funds or to obtain a visa. A letter of invitation is not a commitment on the part of the organizers to provide any financial support. Please note that only delegates with an online account will be able to access a letter of invitation.

Price guidelines (for illustration purposes only)

Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect to pay:

Programme changes

The organizers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be mentioned on message screens throughout the venue.

Safety and security

For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Cape Town, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Cape Town is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable Summit and vacation. The area around the CTICC and adjacent hotels is safe and well monitored at all times but we advise that you do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided at all times. During the congress, the information desk at the CTICC and your hotel's concierge will be able to assist you with information on places to visit and the appropriate means of transport.

Shopping in Cape Town

Most shops in the city centre and suburbs open between 08:00 and 17:00 to 17:30. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09:00 and close at 21:00 or later (especially at the V&A Waterfront), even on Sundays and most public holidays. Government agencies still keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15:30, and have limited Saturday morning opening times. 

Telecommunication

International direct dialling, internet, and e-mail facilities are easily accessible in Cape Town. Most of the mobile telephone systems used around the globe operates in Cape Town. Local SIM Cards can be purchased at convenience stores or at the Airport on Arrival.

Tipping

Gratuities are not obligatory but are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Airport porters ZAR 5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters, and waitresses in restaurants 10%.

Time zone

Cape Town is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2GMT).

Traveller's cheques

Most international traveller's cheques are accepted, provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service. Please note that Credit Cards or Cash are generally a more acceptable form of payment.

VAT / tax refunds

VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on goods or products (not services) that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.

Weather

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with dry warm summers and mild winters. The month of September is characterized by gradually rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 18°C to 20°C over the course of the month, exceeding 24°C or dropping below 15°C only one day in ten. Daily low temperatures are around 10°C, falling below 6°C or exceeding 14°C only one day in ten.

iVenture Pass

iVenture Pass - free entry and discounts to multiple tourist attractions.