smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
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This travel bulletin provides information for Australians planning to travel to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa to be held from 11 June to 11 July 2010. It will be updated as further information on security and event arrangements becomes available.
You should prepare early if you intend to travel to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Travel advice for South Africa: This bulletin should be read in conjunction with the travel advisory for South Africa, which advises Australians to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high level of violent crime.
Being part of an organised fan group may be the safest way to visit the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Information on official tour groups can be found at the FIFA website.
Entry and Exit Requirements: Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit South Africa for up to ninety (90) days for holiday/business purposes. When arriving in South Africa, your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the end of your intended stay, and must have at least two completely blank pages on which your entry permit can be endorsed. If your passport does not comply with this requirement you can either be stopped from boarding the aircraft at your point of departure, or risk deportation on arrival in South Africa.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive from an infected yellow fever area/country. The Department of Health and Ageing provides a list of yellow fever countries. If you do visit a listed yellow fever country in the last six days prior to your return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
For information on South African visas and entry and exit requirements, contact:
High Commission of South Africa
Corner State Circle and Rhodes Place
Yarralumla ACT 2600
Tel: +61 2 6272 7300
Email: info@sahc.org.au
Web: www.sahc.org.au/
Dual nationals: It is illegal for an adult who holds South African citizenship to enter or depart South Africa using a non-South African passport. Dual nationals travelling on a non-South African passport may be turned away from border points and could be fined or imprisoned for up to 12 months. If you are uncertain whether the South African government will treat you as a South African national, you can contact the South African Department of Home Affairs or the nearest Embassy or Consulate of South Africa for advice.
Accommodation: The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in nine cities across South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, and Nelspruit). There will be high demand for accommodation in these cities. You should secure your hotel booking and confirm your travel arrangements as early as possible.
You should contact your mobile telephone service provider to check whether your mobile telephone will work in South Africa.
Health Issues: Travellers with medical conditions should take special care in their preparation for the trip, get medical advice well before leaving Australia and pack sufficient medicine.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in South Africa is very high. Exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.
See our travel advisory for more information on Health Issues.
South African authorities are responsible for security arrangements for the Games and you should follow their instructions. Expect large crowds and possible delays.
When you are in South Africa, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Because there is a high level of violent crime in South Africa take adequate precautions. Pay close attention to your personal safety at all times.
Traffic conditions in South Africa can be hazardous. Excessive speed causes a large number of serious traffic accidents. You should take care on public transport and when crossing the road.
Travellers should familiarise themselves with the Getting Help Overseas section on the www.smartraveller.gov.au website to find out what the Australian Government can and cannot do to help Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas.
Consular assistance is available from:
Australian High Commission
292 Orient Street
Arcadia
Pretoria, South Africa
Telephone (27 12) 423 6000
Facsimile (27 12) 342 8442
Email pretoria.info@dfat.gov.au
Website http://www.australia.co.za
The 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra can be contacted for assistance from anywhere in the world on +61 2 6261 3305.
South Africa 2010 South African Government Website.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Official Website
Smartraveller: Top ten travel tips
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
