This page provides a useful quick reference for things you should consider in planning your travel to South Africa

Arriving in South Africa

Entering the Country - Customs

All that is required for tourists to enter the country is a valid visa, a passport and your air-flight ticket. South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (the department which controls traveller entry into South Africa) is issuing “special event” visas for soccer fans coming to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, enabling fans to use dedicated counters at major airports around the world for pre-clearance before they travel to South Africa (go to http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/site2010/index.html for more details). This is the first time that such a visa is being issued for a major world event. The Department of Home Affairs stipulates that certain minimum requirements have to be met when issuing this special event visa:

• You need proof of purchase of your ticket for the match;
• Must meet certain health requirements;
• Have a return air-flight ticket; and
• A valid passport.

Those passengers who have received pre-clearance by South African immigration officials will be able to arrive in South Africa and proceed straight to baggage collection and on to customs.

On Arrival at South Africa’s Airports

If you have pre-arranged transport on arrival, then follow the signs at the airports to guide you to the charter transport area where pre-booked vehicles will be staged. Onward travel by public transport and metered taxi ranks will also be well signed at the airports. There will be special transport information kiosks set up at all airports to assist.

Road Travel

On South Africa’s roads, vehicles drive on the left hand carriageway and all road signage is in English. Many of the freeways are tolled, which can be paid for either with cash (in South African Rand) or by credit card. In-car navigation systems are available for rental, with the latest road network information and facility layers loaded.

For more information on South African road safety, visit www.arrivealive.co.za.

Currency and Cash Dispensing

The official South African currency is the ‘Rand’ and the country’s main vendors accept all major foreign credit cards. Banks and foreign exchange outlets (which have branches at the main airports) will exchange foreign currencies into Rand on production of your passport and visa. There are many Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) at all airports, shopping centres and commercial districts.

Public Transport or Vehicle Hire?

Many international travellers to South Africa choose a self-drive option as the best way to have freedom to roam the unlimited beauty of the country. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, however, following a team may mean travelling the length of the country and back again. Also travelling within unfamiliar cities by car is often a less than relaxing undertaking. Within and between cities public transport will be available to you. The information on this website will help you to make an informed decision on the best travel options for you.

Net Thread Safety

Unfortunately, during major sporting events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM, cyber criminals will be primed to take full advantage. Online followers are well advised to exercise caution. Visit http://www.2010netthreat.com/ for more information and safety tips surrounding this issue.