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Official Language
South Africa has 11 official languages but at the Conference only ENGLISH will be spoken. No simultaneous translation will be provided.
Medical Service
Intercare Medical and Dental Centre, King's Court, Cnr Buffelsfontein and Titian Roads, Walmer, Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 (41) 395 9600 The medical practitioners will offer routine and urgent care and with the fully equipped procedure rooms, also able to conduct minor surgical procedures.
The center also offers disease and risk management services including executive and insurance medicals. Travel health services will be available for all business and travellers and jetsetters. South Africa does not have a national health scheme. The patient is individually responsible for settling all accounts. Travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization during your stay is strongly recommended.
Currency
The rand (sign: R; code: ZAR) is the currency of South Africa. The current exchange rate can be confirmed at: Currency Converter
Guests houses, hotels, restaurants and shops generally may accept international credit cards including Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Master Card.
Electricity
- The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.
- Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins. If an adaptor is called for, consider bringing one with you, although they can be purchased locally.
- US-made appliances may need a transformer.
- Most hotel/guest house rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.
Time Zone
Central European Time (GMT+2 hours)
Water
Tap water is drinkable in all parts of South Africa. Bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, is readily available.
Places of Worship
Freedom of religion is enshrined in the South African constitution, and places of worship span all the world's major religions and some lesser ones too.
Visa Requirements
Should you require a VISA letter for obtaining your visa, please first register for the conference and pay your conference fee. Please complete the UNESCO/IUPAC Conference 2015 Form for Visa application (below) and e-mail to: aef2@sun.ac.za, whereafter you will receive your VISA letter.
To determine whether you need a visa to visit South Africa, please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website which provides detailed information on South Africa's visa requirements: Department of Home Affairs
The website gives particulars about which nationals require visas and which are exempt. Enquiries regarding South Africa visa information can also be obtained from South African missions in your home country, or the mission nearest to you. For nationals of countries requiring visas, applications for visas must be made ahead of your departure as visas are not issued on arrival. The visas must be affixed in your passport and shown to immigration officials on landing. Applications must be made through South African diplomatic or consular representatives. To apply for a visa you will be required to furnish particular documentation to meet South Africa's visa requirements. These include:
- A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit, and at least 1 unused page for entry/departure endorsements (sometimes referred to as the visa page).
- Payment of the prescribed fee, if applicable.
- A vaccination certificate, if required. (Travel through the yellow fever belts of Africa and South America requires inoculation).
- Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit.
- Two identify photographs (guidelines on website).
- Proof of financial means in the form of bank statements; salary advices; undertakings by your hosts in South Africa; bursaries; medical cover; or cash available, including credit cards or traveller's cheques.
- If travellikng by air, a return or onward ticket; or proof of sufficient funds; or a cash deposit of equivalent value to an air ticket must be lodged.
Take care to request the correct duration of stay and type of visa. Also check on processing time in order to avoid any last-minute rush.
