Start main page content

Pre-departure

Safety and Security
  • The following questions might be useful to consider:
    • How safe is your destination?
    • Are there any safety or security concerns that you should consider before travelling, for example political instability or changing laws?
    • Are there any global and/or political circumstances that may impede your entry into your destination?
    • If you travel, what resources will you use to monitor changes in the security situation or respond to an emergency?
Sanctions
  • Sanctions are legal restrictions imposed by governments or international bodies that may affect travel, financial transactions or the import and export of goods and services.
  • Before travelling, consult official government advisories to determine if any sanctions exist between South Africa and your destination country or countries, as these might impact on visa applications, funding transfers, academic collaborations or the transport of research materials.
Travel Documents

Passport

  • Ensure that you have a valid passport.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your travel.
  • Your passport should have blank pages for the entry stamp/s.
  • If you do not have a passport or if it does not meet the validity requirement, apply for a (new) passport as soon as possible.
  • Remember that it can take several weeks for a passport to be issued.

Visa

  • Consult the diplomatic mission of your destination country to determine if you require a visa.
  • If you require a visa, it must correspond to the intended purpose of your stay.
  • The following questions may be useful to consider:
    • What type of visa do you need (business, student, tourist etc.)?
    • What is the application procedure, including costs and timelines?
    • Will you need a transit visa (for a layover or travel through another country on the way to your destination)?
  • If you are using a travel agent, they should be able to advise on visa requirements depending on your travel itinerary.
  • Remember that a valid visa does not constitute the right to enter the destination country. The final decision regarding entry is made by the border official.
Entry

Entry Decision

  • The decision regarding entry into the destination country is made by the border official.
  • Please note that there is no legal recourse against the border official’s decision not to allow you entry into the country.
  • It is recommended that you carry print copies of relevant documents such as your letter of invitation, confirmation of accommodation and proof of return trip (e.g. flight booking) etc.

Scrutiny and Risk Profile

  • The level of scrutiny that travellers face at borders will vary based on citizenship status and risk profile.
  • Several factors may be considered, including:
    • Visa status,
    • Country of origin,
    • Gender designation,
    • Religious or political affiliations, 
    • Travel history,
    • Online presence and social media activity,
    • Participation in protests or activism, and
    • Work in fields such as journalism or human rights.
  • Understanding your individual risk profile can assist in determining the appropriate precautions to take prior to travel.

Online Presence

  • Evaluate your digital footprint and browser history.
  • Carefully consider your social media presence.
  • Assess what data is necessary for travel and delete unnecessary applications, text messages, photos, etc.
Travel Register
  • If you are a South African citizen, register your travel with DIRCO by sending an email to the following address: rosahelp@dirco.gov.za, as this will help the Department in aiding you in an emergency.
  • If you are a citizen of another country, contact your country’s diplomatic mission in your destination country to let them know about your travel plans. 
Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Contact your medical aid provider to confirm if your current medical aid plan covers you while abroad, including for chronic medical conditions.
  • If you are not covered abroad, or have incomplete coverage for your needs, consider purchasing an international travel health insurance policy for the duration of your travel.
  • Obtain confirmation of coverage through Wits’ international travel insurance.
    • If you are a Wits staff member, obtain your international travel certificate via the intranet (Self-service > Travel insurance).
    • If you are a Wits student travelling on university business, contact your School for assistance. so that they can generate the international travel certificate for you.
Health Matters

Health Risks and Vaccines

  • Find out about any health-related risks and vaccines that may be required by consulting relevant websites, for example:
  • For travel inoculations and vaccinations, book an appointment with your nearest travel clinic.

Medication

  • Check medication legality: Research whether your medications - both prescription and over the counter - are legal in your destination country.
  • Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for up-to-date information on medication regulations.
  • Discuss all medications you are taking with your travel health provider before your trip.
  • Pack enough of all your necessary medications for the entire duration of your trip.
  • Keep medications in their original, labelled packaging to avoid confusion or issues at customs.
    • Carry a copy of your prescription(s), including the generic name and dosage of each medication.
    • Keep all medication and prescriptions in your carry-on bag in case of checked luggage delays or loss.

Vision Supplies

  • Pack extra eyeglasses, contact lenses and contact lens solution.
Money Matters

Cash and Cards

  • Take a mix of payment options, ideally a combination of cash (but never too much at once), debit or ATM cards and credit cards.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid any holds or fraud alerts on your accounts.
    • Enquire about foreign transaction fee charges.
    • Check if you will need a PIN for purchases abroad.
  • Take only the essential credit cards and identification that you will need.

Currency

  • Get local currency in advance: Exchange enough money to cover your first few days.
    • You can do this at a bank before leaving South Africa or upon arrival at your destination airport, as the exchange rates are usually similar.
  • Research travel-related fees and restrictions:
    • Find out if there are any arrival or departure taxes in your destination country.
    • Check for any currency restrictions, as some countries limit how much money you can bring in or take out.
Important Documents
  • Ensure that you have (certified) copies of your most important documents.
    • Take print copies with you when you travel.
    • Keep electronic copies.
  • Relevant documents include the following:
    • Passport (identification page and visa page/s)
    • (International) driver’s license
    • Medical aid card
    • Travel insurance document
    • Bank card/s (front and back)
    • Flight and other travel itineraries
    • Medical information and history
      • Immunisations and vaccinations
      • Prescriptions
      • Significant medical history (e.g., surgeries, severe allergies, major illnesses).
Communication

Cell Phones

  • Contact your current service provider to unlock your South African cell phone.
  • Purchase an international phone card or an e-SIM before departure.
  • Upon arrival, buy a local SIM card with pay-as-you-go options.

Calling Options

  • Be aware that international calls from your mobile can be costly.
  • Consider using WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice or other internet-based services, as many hotels and conference centres offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Check which apps will work in your destination country.
  • Learn how to place collect calls from your destination, especially for emergency situations.
  • You can still receive calls from home with an active SIM or VoIP service.

Emergency Phone Use

  • In long emergencies, use text messaging instead of calling to conserve your phone’s battery life.

Important Numbers

  • Save the following important numbers to ensure quick access if needed. In an emergency, always contact local in-country resources first.
  • Local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire)
  • Local embassies’ contact information (phone number and address)
  • Nearest hospital contact information (phone number and address)
  • Your medical aid provider's contact number
  • Your travel insurance provider's contact number
  • It is also recommended to keep a written copy of these numbers with you in case your phone is lost or unavailable.

Chargers

  • Ensure that you have the appropriate international plug adapters and voltage converters for your destination, as plug types and electrical standards may differ from South Africa.
  • It is also advisable to carry a universal travel adapter and check that your electronic devices are compatible with the voltage used in the destination country.
Carry-on Baggage
  • Check with your airline and your destination country’s customs guidelines what is and is not allowed in carry-on baggage.

Allowed in Carry-On Baggage

  • Travel-sized liquids: Up to 100 ml per container, all fitting in a single, clear, zip-top bag
  • Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter (recommended in original packaging)
  • Electronics: Laptops, phones, tablets, cameras, chargers, and power banks (usually under 100Wh)
  • Snacks and dry food: Solid foods like protein bars, nuts and sandwiches (check destination rules for fresh food)
  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, deodorant, razor (manual only), comb, etc., following the liquid limit
  • Essential documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance and boarding passes

Not Allowed in Carry-On Baggage

  • Liquids over 100 ml
  • Sharp objects: Knives, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, box cutters, etc.
  • Sporting equipment: Baseball bats, golf clubs, hiking poles, etc.
  • Flammable items: Lighters (usually limited to one), matches, fireworks, aerosol sprays
  • Tools: Wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers over 7 inches in length
  • Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and self-defence sprays
Share