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

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

O.R. Tambo International Airport is Africa’s busiest airport with 24-hour facilities. It's located 25 km east of the city. The cheapest way to reach the city is use the public transportation: buses and minibuses depart from just outside the international and domestic terminals. Please mind, however, that these may not be either convenient or easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Another way to reach the city is by rail: the Gautrain system connects the airport to multiple suburbs (Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria, Hatfield and Rhodesfield). Travel time between the airport and Sandton is 12 minutes. Minibus shuttles and metered taxis can be booked in the baggage claim area. The hotels of Rosebank and Sandton are a 30-45 minute drive from the airport. Most hotels offer shuttle services (inquire with your hotel in advance). Train service now runs between the suburbs of Sandton and Pretoria and the airport.

• Web:

  ortambo-airport.com

• Address:

  O.R. Tambo International Airport, 1 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg

• Phone:

  +27 11 921 6262

• More info:

  Johannesburg has a second, private airport — Lanseria International Airport (HLA)

Public Transport

While most locals use minibuses to get around the city, flagging one down and figuring out its final destination may prove daunting to first-time visitors. Instead, make use of the public buses. Rea Vaya buses were introduced during the 2010 World Cup and remain in operation to-date; they are a relatively reliable means of transport. Another convenient, safe way of getting around are the trains of the Gautrain system. They connect the stations of Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria, Hatfield, Rhodesfield and the airport. There is a bus service run by Gautrain from some stations onward. Buy and top-up the Gold Card to use Gautrain.

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 company is Rose Taxis.

• Web:

  www.rosetaxis.com

• Phone:

  +27 11 403 0000

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 which has two round pins. Plug type D is the plug which has 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