Letter of invitation

On receipt of payment, the conference organisers will send a formal letter of invitation to those delegates needing an invitation letter for visa purposes. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential delegates to raise funds or to obtain a visa. However, it does not imply a commitment from the conference organisers to provide any financial support. Letters of invitation may be requested from the congress secretariat no later than two months prior to the event. Such letters of invitation will be emailed on request.

The entry formalities and vaccination requirements for South Africa vary according to the country of origin of delegates. For specific information, please contact your local travel agent or the South African Consulate in your home country.

Note: Please visit the Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa for more information.

New requirements for South African Visas

South Africa has introduced new regulations requiring travellers to the country who need to obtain a visa to submit in-person biometric data, at an approved South African visa centre in their country of origin, to support the application.  Collection of processed applications will be from where the application was submitted. Original passport will be required as applicant’s proof of identity and handing over of the visa label or refusal letter to applicants. Representative must provide an original Photo ID, an Authority Letter as well as the applicant’s original passport if collecting the decision on behalf of the applicant/s.
http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/Biometric_Data_Collection.html

In addition regulations were introduced to prevent child trafficking and thus all minors require the consent of their parents when traveling into or out of the Republic.  http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015

Visitors’ visas are required from some international travellers permanently resident outside South Africa who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less for a specific purpose. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa

• There is a fee charged for issuing a visa, and you should check the cost as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
• Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.

A list of countries where the residents do not require a visa to enter South Africa or where visitors will be subject to specific conditions concerning the duration of their visit can be found here:

 http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

The 35th IGC will provide delegates with an official invitation letter to meet the requirements of a visitor’s visa application only after registration and payment.