Passport / Visa

Citizens of multiple world countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These include: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Citizens of a further 28 countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Eswatini, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey. For nationals of countries not listed above, visa requirements apply. Please contact your local consulate for further details on required documentation. Passport holders of Cameroon, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Uganda can apply for eVisas online provided they will land at O. R. Tambo International Airport. Travellers aged less than 18 years old must provide a birth certificate complete with both parents' details and, if flying with only one of the parents, a parental consent statement signed by the other parent.

• Web:

  www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa

King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is located approximately 35 kilometres north of Durban's city centre in La Mercy. Opened in 2010, it serves as the main international and domestic gateway to Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region. The airport is part of South Africa's "Golden Triangle," connecting it with Cape Town International Airport and O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Named after the legendary Zulu king, Shaka, the airport boasts modern amenities like shops, restaurants, and lounges. With numerous airlines operating here, it offers flights to various destinations both domestically and internationally. Convenient transport options such as shuttle buses and taxis make the journey between the airport and the city centre seamless, usually taking around half an hour.

• Web:

  www.kingshakainternational.co.za

• Address:

  Koning Shaka Internasionale Lughawe, King Shaka Drive, La Mercy

• Phone:

  +27 32 436 6758

Public Transport

A local means of leisurely transport is the colourful, man-pulled rickshaw — an integral part of the local culture as much as a convenient way of getting around. The Durban People Mover shuttle offers a convenient way to explore the city. Operating on several routes, from uShaka Marine World to Suncoast Casino, it has multiple stops downtown and runs from early morning until 10pm daily. Tickets are available for purchase onboard and may include options like single-use or day passes. The Mynah bus service extends to various residential areas and stops at multiple locations outside the downtown area, including North and South Beaches, Botanic Gardens, and Kensington Road, among others. For those looking to reach the broader metropolitan area, Aqualine buses are an efficient option, although further details about their service may vary.

Taxi

Metered taxis and rideshare apps like Uber are the safest ways to travel if you are not hiring a car. Taxis are available at major hotels; otherwise you have to phone for pickup. The fare should be confirmed with the driver at the outset. Inquire with a local what an average fare for your drive distance would be. One reliable taxi companies include: Mozzie Cabs +27 31 303 5787 Zippy Cabs +27 31 202 7067 Eagle Taxi Cabs +27 31 337 8333

Electricity

You might encounter four types of power plugs in South Africa: types C, D, M and N. The power grid operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plug type C is the plug with two round pins. Plug type D is the plug with three round pins in a triangular pattern. Plug types M and N both have three round pins.

Pharmacy

Popular and trusted pharmacy chains in South Africa are Dis-Chem and Clicks. Pharmacies have a rota system for out-of-hours service. Most hospitals and clinics with an ER will also have a 24/7 pharmacy on-site.

• Web:

  www.internationalinsurance.com/hospitals/south-africa