General Information
Travel Advisory
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:
http://www.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:
http://www.dha.gov.za/files/EquivalentDocumentForeignGov.pdf
For more information, please click on the following link:
http://www.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 Congress and delegates will be able to secure their choice of venue at preferential rates through the Congress organisers.
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 24 June 2016:
| 1 United States Dollar = ZAR 13.42 | 1 Euro = ZAR 14.32 |
Facilities for cashing traveller's cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday - Friday 09h00 - 15h30, Saturdays
08h30 - 11h00) 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 Congress
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 www.who.int/ith or
www.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 SAAFoST Congress 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 Congress 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:
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa.
If required, upon request, the Congress Secretariat is willing to send you a letter of invitation. 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 organisers to provide any financial support. Please note that only registered delegates who have paid their Congress
registration fees will be issued with 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:
| Tea or coffee | ZAR 15.00 | � 1 .10 | US$ 1.40 |
| Restaurant meal | ZAR 200.00 | � 15.00 | US$ 18.00 |
| Cinema ticket | ZAR 60.00 | � 4.30 | US$ 5.50 |
| Wine (750ml) | ZAR 50.00 | � 3.57 | US$ 4.55 |
| Big Mac Burger | ZAR 30.00 | � 2.15 | US$ 2.70 |
| Beer (340ml) | ZAR 20.00 | � 1.43 | US$ 1.80 |
| Cola (340ml) | ZAR 10.00 | � 0.74 | US$ 1.00 |
| Sandwich | ZAR 30.00 | � 2.15 | US$ 2.70 |
Programme Changes
The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes
will be mentioned on message screens throughout the Congress Centre.
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 congress 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 08h00 and 17h00 to 17h30. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09h00 and close at 21h00 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 15h30, and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 13h00.
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).
Trade Exhibition
A commercial exhibition of industry related items and technical equipment will be organised during the congress. Interested companies, please contact the exhibition organiser for further information at:
Name: Catherine Taylor, Turners Conferences
Tel.: +27 031 368 8000
Fax: +27 031 368 6623
E-mail: catherinet@turnergroup.co.za
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.
Venue and Dates
Century City Conference Centre (CCCC), 3 - 6 September 2017
Century City is centrally located in relation to the greater Cape Town metropolis, with easy access from the CBD, the popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and the Southern, Northern and West Coast suburbs. Its situation on the N1 also provides convenient access to the Cape Town International Airport, and the Cape Winelands.
There are a total of five hotels operating in Century City at the moment, offering 460 rooms, and lie within a 250 metre radius of the Conference Centre.
Also within easy walking distance is Cape Town's premier shopping centre, Canal Walk, whose more than 400 shops and restaurants attract over 23 million shoppers a year. There are a number of spas to choose from, and a flagship Virgin Active Health Club, plus a five-kilometre measured running and walking track.
For more detailed information please visit www.ccconferencecentre.co.za
Weather
September in Cape Town is spring. The weather is generally fair but occasional rainy and windy days can occur. Mornings are crisp, and evenings can be cool especially if there is a breeze. Maximum daytime temperatures range from 15C to 25C.
Spring season is a perfect time to visit Cape Town. The spring weather in the Cape is soft and mild. Average temperatures range between 15 degrees in September with plenty of days in the [mid] twenties. Days lengthen and you can enjoy the soft crispyness of the Cape Town sun.
Register your Interest
To register your interest in the 22nd SAAFoST Biennial International Congress and Exhibition, please click here.
We will then send you newsletters and information.
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