South africa
CAPITAL: Pretoria
POPULATION: 55,653,654 (2016 data)
SUPERFICIE: 1,219,090 Km2
TIME TIME ZONE: 1h compared to Italy; same time when daylight saving time is in Italy.
LINGUE: There are 11 official languages. The most popular are English (vehicular language, widespread in all major locations except the most remote rural areas), Afrikaans, Zulu and xhosa.
RELIGIONS: mostly Christian, predominantly Protestants and a minority of Catholics. Just under a third of the population follows traditional and animist rites. Large Hindu and Islamic communities are also present.
MONETA: South African Rand (ZAR).
TELEFONIA: Mobile telephony is active throughout the country. Importing landlines or laptops is prohibited.
CLIMA: Mild especially in coastal areas, except for the northern part of the east coast which has tropical features. The areas inside enjoy a considerably drier climate. Summer (October – April) is generally warm, cooler in the evening hours. Winter (June – August) is dry and sunny with temperatures around 15-25 degrees during the day and 0-10 degrees at night. In the rainy season (October-March), strong thunderstorms can be produced. Snowy precipitation can also occur in mountainous areas. In the Cape region the climate is Mediterranean type with winter rains and good summer weather, but with strong winds throughout the year and a heightened variability throughout the day. Embassy and Consulates
Embassy of Italy-Pretoria
796, George Avenue
0083 Arcadia
Pretoria
Tel: 0027 124230000/1
0027 12 4230013 (Voice 2)
Consular Chancery: 0027124230026/27
Fax Home: 0027124305547 (Del.Dipl. Cape Town 002721-4245559)
Fax Consular Registry Office: 0027 12 342 56 18
Mobile availability only in cases of emergency: 0027827815972
Web site: www.ambpretoria.esteri.it
E-mail: segreteria.pretoria@esteri.it
CONSULAR OFFICES
Consulate General of Italy in JOHANNESBURG
37, 1st Avenue (corner 2nd Street)
2196 Houghton Estate
Johannesburg
P. O. Box 46306 Orange Grove
2119 Johannesburg
Tel. +27-11-7281392/3
Fax +27-11-728-3834
Cell. Emergency: 0027 828544725
Web site: consjohannesburg.foreign.it
E-mail – general information:
info.johannesburg@esteri.it
Consolato d’Italia CAPETOWN
2, Grey’s Pass
8001 Gardens
Cape Town
Tel. +27-21-4873900
Cell. Emergenza: 0027 833983010
Fax +27-021-4240146
Sito web: www.conscapetown.esteri.it
E-mail: consolato.capetown@esteri.it
Durban Honorary Consulate
Honorary Consul Mr Constantine BUCCIMAZZA
82 Fairway – Durban North 4051
Tel.27 031 5645678/ Fax
Cell. 27 83 4560131
E-mail: bpbadmin@vodamail.co.za
Vice Honorary Consulate East London
Vice Honorary Consul: Mr. Enrico CONTARDO
Tel. +27 (0)43-726 9475
Fax +27 (0)43-726 9488
117 Western Avenue
Vincent's East, East London
Postal address: P. O. Box 8144 – Nahoon, East London – 5210
E-mail: contardo@cbmafrica.co.za
Deputy Honorary Consulate Port Elizabeth
Honorary Consular Agent Mrs Loredana CIVICO
16 Dyason St. Moint Croix
Port Elizabeth 6001
Tel/Fax: 27-41-3736443
Email: viceconspe@gmail.comDirections for economic operators
Italian entrepreneurs interested in starting business and investing can contact the Italian Embassy in Pretoria and the following offices:
Istituto per il Commercio Estero (Johannesburg)
42 Chester Road, Parkwood 2193, Johannesburg
Tel. +27 (0)11 880 8383 Fax +27 (0)11 880 9040
e-mail: johannesburg@ice.it
The chamber of Commerce italo-south african (Johannesburg)
Cnr Regent St & Kirkby Rd
Bedford Manor Office Suites 3B
Bedford Gardens – 2047 – Johannesburg –
PO Box 536, Highlands North
2037, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 11 615 3906
Fax: +27 (0)11 615 0682
e-mail: info@italcham.co.za web site: www.italcham.co.za
Support for foreign investment:
Department of Trade and Industry – T. I. S. A. (Trade & Investment South Africa)
Tel. + 27 (0) 12 394 3016 Fax: +27 (0) 12 394 4016
web site: www.thedti.gov.zauseful Information
In the country
All emergencies: tel. 112
Netcare 911 (in case of life-threatening): tel. 082.911
Police first responder: tel. 10111
Ambulance and Fire Brigade first responder: tel. 10177
Road rescue "AASA": tel. 0861 000234
The Italian institute of Culture, PRETORIA
803 George Avenue, Arcadia, 0083 Pretoria
Tel 012-3420010 Fax 012 3420057
e-mail: iicpretoria@esteri.it
Web site: www.iicpretoria.esteri.it
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
Denis Paxton House
4 Hyperion Road
Barbeque Downs
Kyalami, 1684
Tel. +27 0861000234
Fax: +27 (086) 524 2251
web site: www.aa.co.za
e-mail: aasa@aasa.co.za
In Italy
South African Tourist Board
South African Tourism c/o AIGO
Piazza Caiazzo 3, 20124 Milan
Tel 0267382870
info@sudafrica.aigo.it – www.southafrica.net
For the addresses and the contact details of Embassies and Consulates in the Country accredited in Italy, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign affairsDocumentation necessary for the entry into the Country
Passport
Need to the electronic passport. Required remaining validity of at least 30 days subsequent to the date of your departure from the Country, with at least 2 blank pages in the Visa section. Is not allowed to have the passport renewed to hand.
The local Authorities are always more firm in denying access to foreigners who are not in possession of a document with these characteristics. The consequence of non-admission in the Country will shut down at the border and repatriation, the work of the same airline, with the first available flight.
Children's foreign travel
South Africa's legislation on entry, transit and exit from South Africa of minors was revised in December 2018 and again in November 2019. Under the new rules, for minors who are Italian citizens and who travel with both parents, a passport would in theory be sufficient, provided that the names of the child's parents are reported. However, it is advisable, just in case, to carry with you a multilingual full birth certificate(abridged birth certificate) of minors, issued in Italy by the Municipality of residence (or, for AIRE members, by the competent consular structure). If there are doubts about the relationship of parenting with children (due to different surnames, significant differences in age, different nationality or otherwise), it will be useful to have with you any other document useful to attest to the parental relationship.
In the case of minors travelling with only one parent (or legal guardian),in addition to the child's passport,:
– copy of the full birth certificate, which contains the names of both parents;
– letter of written consent of the parent (or legal guardian) who is not travelling (parental consent letter). Unlike the previous legislation, it is simply a letter in plain paper and it is not necessary that it is written at the diplomatic-consular Representatives in south africa in Italy. We recommend that you use the model of letter of consent published on the website of the Ministry of Internal south african: http://www.dha.gov.za/files/Parental-Consent-Letter_Suggested-Format_v8.pdf;
– a copy of the valid passport of the parent (or legal guardian) who does not travel and who has signed the letter;
– contacts of the parent (or legal guardian) who does not travel
– where applicable, copy of the adoption certificate;
– where applicable, the copy of the judgment which assigns full parental responsibilities or legal custody of the minor, if the person who accompanies the child is the only parent to have parental responsibility for or is the only legal guardian
– where applicable, a copy of the death certificate of the child's or's parents.
In the case of a minor traveling alone or unaccompanied by parents or legal guardian, will be required at the lesser of the following documents, in addition to your passport:
– copy of the full birth certificate, which contains the names of both parents;
– consent letter of both parents or the legal guardian (parental consent letter)
– copy of the passport of both parents or the legal guardian;
– letter of the person (of age) who will receive the child in south Africa or in the Country of destination, containing the address of residence and indication of where to house the child
– copy of the passport or identity document (if a south african) in the course of validity of the person (of age) who will receive the child in south Africa or in the Country of destination
– contacts of parents (or legal guardian)
– where applicable, copy of the adoption certificate
– where applicable, the copy of the judgment which assigns full parental responsibilities or legal custody of the minor, if the person who accompanies the child is the only parent to have parental responsibility for or is the only legal guardian
– where applicable, a copy of the death certificate of the child's or's parents.
It is recommended to check beforehand with the airline the correct application of the legislation of south africa, in order to avoid unpleasant misunderstandings at the time of check-in at the airport.
Visa
Not required up to 90 days stay in the Country. In this case, it is sufficient to submit to the border-the passport and the ticket, with which you will return in Italy. For stays longer than 90 days you must apply for the entry visa at the diplomatic-consular network of south Africa in Italy.
Immigration provisions stipulate that a foreigner wishing to enter South African territory for reasons other than tourism or for periods of more than 90 days must, depending on the purpose of their stay, obtain their visa in advance from the South African diplomatic/consulate representatives in the country of origin and may possibly request the renewal, extension of validity or modification of the type directly in South Africa. However, this last option is excluded for holders of entry visas for tourism or medical treatment.
In referring to the text of the rules available here, some information relating to the discipline of certain types of visas can be specified.
Visas for study will be valid for the entire duration of the course (you do not need to be renewed annually), but may only be issued to students enrolled in courses offered by educational Institutions officially registered.
The request for business visa (the so-called “business visa”, issued to those who intend to start or invest in an activity not yet recorded in south Africa) must be accompanied by a declaration in which the applicant undertakes to employ south african citizens or foreigners permanently resident in the Country) for at least 60% of the workforce. The holder of a business visa will then be called to demonstrate that it has complied with the commitment, within 12 months from their acquisition.
The visa can be of 3 different types: for subordinate work, a general, to workers with abilities a priority interest (“critical skills " work visa”), to transfer intra-corporate staff subordinate the intra-company transfer work visa”). For the issue of a visa for subordinate work, a general, the duration of which does not exceed 5 years, the applicant must submit a certificate issued by the Ministry of Labour south african, in which, among other things, certify that: 1) the employer, despite a “diligent search”, has not been able to find a worker south african or a foreigner permanently resident in south Africa) with job qualifications similar to those of the applicant; (2) the terms of the contract are in line with the general conditions of remuneration and standard of work force in south Africa. Visas for “critical skills” have replaced the previous work permits for “exceptional skills”, and can be released to the applicant even in the absence of an employment contract (in this case, the holder of a visa for “critical skills” will have 12 months to find employment). It is, however, increased to 4 years the maximum validity period of a visa to transfer intra-corporate staff employed, but it expressly forbids the possibility of an extension. Otherwise, the maximum duration of a “corporate visa” is confirmed to be in 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.
It should be noted that the new provisions include a tightening of sanctions against those detained in South Africa beyond the visa deadline. The offender will automatically be declared a "persona non grata" and will be banned from returning to the country for a period of 12 months to 5 years. The declaration of person non grata is automatically attributed also to those who leave South Africa on a date after the expiry of the visa, even though they have applied for a regular application for renewal and/or extension of the visa. There is the possibility of an administrative appeal against the declaration of person non grata (within 10 days of its issuance), by sending an e-mail to the overstayappeals@dha.gov.zaaddress, while remaining the possibility of appeal in court.
Currency and customs formalities
The import of local currency is limited to 5000 Rand, while for the import of foreign currency there are no limits. In any case, it is advisable to declare the currency held in order to avoid disputes leaving the country. Currency export is allowed for sums no larger than declared.
The export of gold coins, collections of ancient coins, stamps, raw gold and imitations of South African banknotes must be accompanied by an authorization to be requested from the "General Manager Exchange Control Department South African Reserve Bank ", P.O. Box 3125, Pretoria 0001.
For information on the documentation required for the import or export of other products, please contact the diplomatic-consular authorities present in Italy or at the relevant on-site offices.
Please note that the importation of: drugs and narcotics, automatic, military or unidentified firearms, explosives, fireworks, publications or objects of an obscene or pornographic nature, publications or objects of a seditious nature, poisons or toxic substances.
Any inappropriate comment or tongue-in-cheek remark about airport security controls and procedures can be regarded by the South African authorities as a security threat, and sanctioned under the terms of the law.
General information, public order and criminality
The crime rate in the Country is high, especially in the large cities (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth). The situation is somewhat better in smaller centers, but requires an adequate level of supervision.
Are not uncommon cases of violence against foreign nationals, which were also victims of the compatriots.
In general, it is important to carefully follow during the stay in the Country, to the notes indicated in the Tab, and refer exclusively to agencies or tourist guides recognised.
You are also advised to avoid places of possible events.Risk of terrorism
Terrorism is a global threat. No Country can be considered completely free from the risk of incidents related to this phenomenon.
You recently registered a case of abduction to the detriment of the citizens from the double passport (south african and british) on the part of elements linked to terrorist organizations. Caution is recommended, especially if you can be identified as entities wealthy.Environmental risks and natural disasters
Due to poor rainfall and the consequent lowering of the dam level, there are water supply problems in the city of Cape Town. Some quota measures have been taken to deal with the emergency.
For more information visit the City of Capetown website
Although the situation has improved due to the increase in rainfall, travellers are advised to contact their accommodation and/or travel agent in advance and, once on site, to be scrupulously complying with the instructions of the local authorities available here. Areas of particular caution
The city centre of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban is reported as a risk zone, especially at night and on weekends. In Johannesburg, the Berea, Hillbrow, Alexandria and Yeovilleareas are a must.' Special caution is recommended in the vicinity of Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport, and in transfer trips to nearby cities, in relation to frequent cases of robberies. The suburbs on the edge of the cities (the so-called"townships") and their immediate surroundings can only be visited with organized day trips.
In Cape Town it is necessary to pay particular attention in Long Street, in the other known tourist destinations and in the districts where the more dense is the presence of bars and places of entertainment. In general, avoid deserted areas, such as isolated beaches, mountain trails, and the like. You should also avoid the peripheral areas of the city and, in particular, the so-called “Cape Flats” and the areas immediately adjacent.
Table Mountain,a popular tourist attraction, has been the scene of numerous violent assaults for robbery in recent years, as have other mountainous areas of Table Mountain National Park (including the Twelve Apostles and Chapman's Peak). Hikers are advised to explore trails only in groups and to always move with care, especially in less frequented areas and times. Even if you stop along the viewpoints on scenic roads (e.g. Chapman's Drive) you need special caution, especially at sunset. For more information, visit the Table Mountain Safety page on the South African National Parks website. Warnings
It is recommended to the fellow-countrymen of:
– record the details of their trip on DOVESIAMONELMONDO;
– choose hotels of high standard and in safe areas as follows: in Johannesburg, the residential areas and devices, such as Sandton, Houghton and Rosebank, avoiding those of the centre; Pretoria, the areas of Pretoria East, and South (in particular the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Waterkloof, Waterkloof Ridge, Lynnwood); in Cape Town, areas of the Waterfront, Fresnaye, Oranjezicht, Gardens, Bishopcourt, Constantia, Camps Bay;
– avoid walking in urban areas, especially at night and during the weekend;
– do not wear and show off your valuables (jewelry, cameras, etc);
– always pay attention to their personal belongings and avoid leaving them unattended;
– carry a photocopy of your passport, keeping the original in the guarded parking place;
– avoid the use of public transport such as minibuses and trains local, poorly efficient and reliable because of the precarious security conditions, and in particular the line of the motorway link (minibus) “Johannesburg-Pretoria”, the bus station is a suburban “The Rotunda” and the train Park Station (Johannesburg);
– do only use taxi reliable and recognised;
– pay attention to use the atm, avoid withdrawing cash in secluded places and preferring branches in shopping centres;
– be wary of “scams”, that is to say those which operate cross-border fraud by promising to foreigners the possibility of entering the business, often not well-defined or even unlawful, with huge prospects for profit. In any case, do not provide details relating to their bank accounts or other personal information of a financial nature, nor to go to any appointments, bringing with him significant sums of money;
– rent dwellings are adequately protected by concluding contracts of the supervisory police officers private;
– in case of aggression, always keep calm, avoiding any type of reaction, and comply as much as possible, the criminals;
– pay close attention to the guide, which in south Africa is to the left: there are in fact many automobile accidents;
– keep a moderate speed during the night hours in order to avoid accidents due to the crossing of a sudden people and animals, in particular outside the towns;
– acquire maps up to date, trying not to leave the main routes;
– exercise particular caution in stops at traffic lights, where they often occur robbery of motorists;
– exercise caution when hiking on mountain trails, especially in the area of Cape Town, and avoid walking;
– keep the doors and windows of the car closed and not get down in the case of reporting a fault to the vehicle by third parties. In these cases, you need to call with your mobile phone, road rescue (“AASA” – tel 0861 000234 ), without leaving the car.
For any emergency you should immediately contact one of the closest diplomatic and consular Offices of the Italian on site.
It also calls to evaluate with the proper care the organization offers of “safari” that does not come from agencies known and specialised in the sector.
In south Africa, as in other Countries of the region, there are some species of plants and dangerous animals. It is suggested, therefore, to observe any warnings in this regard on the part of local Authorities, the Tour Operator and of the host structures.Local regulations relevant
Regulation for drug use and/or dealing: it is considered a crime and punished with severe penalties even the possession of soft drugs.
The legislation provided for sexual abuse or violence against minors are prosecuted strictly the violations committed to the detriment of minors and rapes in general, however, very widespread. It should be remembered that those who commit abroad crimes against minors (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) are prosecuted on their return in Italy on the basis of the laws in force in our Country.
In case of problems with the local police authorities (state of detention or arrest) it is advisable to inform the Italian Embassy in Pretoria.Information for companies
It is recommended to Italian companies who send technicians or workers, even for short missions in the Country to adopt specific safety measures and to comply with the provisions issued by local authorities in respect of transfers of foreign personnel. The Italian companies are invited to register the presence of its workforce on DOVESIAMONELMONDO and to report to the Embassy of Italy in Pretoria.
Healthcare facilities
The health situation is overall satisfactory.
The level of private health establishments, even those that are highly specialized, it is good even if the cost of hospitalization can be very high. Public hospitals are considered to be unreliable.
There are particular difficulties in the procurement of the major drugs on the market.Diseases that are present
The risk of malaria is to consider in some areas such as the eastern part of the Limpopo (including the Kruger Park, the Mpumalanga and in the north-eastern area of KwaZulu-Natal (in particular the area of “Wetlands” around Saint Lucia), especially in the period from October to may. There are hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis, tetanus, typhoid fever, meningitis, measles, chickenpox and whooping cough. The bilharzia (in rivers and freshwater lakes where you would not get wet) and the rickettosi (tick-borne fever). You are also logged, in the past, cases of cholera, of the influenza H1N1 and in some remote areas a strain of TB that is resistant to antibiotics. At the moment, not recorded cases of infection by Ebola virus. Please see the Approfondiemento “Health-travel-Precautions during a journey-preventive Measures against diseases transmitted by mosquito bite” and “infectious Diseases and vaccination” of this site. Finally, it should be always kept in mind that south Africa is one of the Countries in the world where AIDS is most widespread.
We also recommend the rabies vaccination for those who must carry out activities in contact with animals, dogs, bats, and other mammals, for work, such as veterinarians, researchers or for pleasure, such as campers and tourists and cyclists.
From 2017 is an ongoing outbreak of listeriosis, is now kept under control by the local government. We recommend a careful reading of the section “Health on the road-Precautions during a trip-Power trip” of this site.Warnings
Si recommends taking out an insurance policy prior to departure that provides for the coverage of medical expenses and the possible repatriation of the patient (or transfer to another country). It is preferable that health insurance also provides for the possibility of providing advance payments in case of hospitalization. Private clinics, in fact, do not provide medical services (even in the most serious cases and without exception) without the prepayment of at least one deposit, sometimes very onerous. The deposit is not required if there is a agreement between the health facility and the insurer to avoid such a deposit.
The water current and food does not typically have particular problems, especially in large cities and structures in the vicinity of the main tourist areas.
It is recommended that, in each case, of:
– maintain a high level of personal hygiene;
– eat only foods that are well cooked and drink only water and bottled drinks, without adding ice, especially in the rural areas.Vaccinations
The vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers greater than one year of age coming from Countries where the disease is endemic, including the transit more than 12 hours in airports located in a country at risk of transmission of yellow fever.
Mobility
License
It is accepted a valid driving licence conforming to the model of the European Union, but a hire car is needed the international driving licence (model Vienna Convention 1968 or Geneva 1949).
Car insurance
The insurance is compulsory, and the guarantee shall be unlimited. The premium of the insurance is included in the price of gasoline.
Insurance foreign cards accepted
Only those issued in the countries of the community customs of south Africa.
Insurance short-term
Under reserve of the warranty rules usual, it is possible to contract insurance for the short term that covers all of the risks at the insurance company of the AA of south Africa.
Documents for vehicles imported temporarily
It is necessary the carnet customs clearance; more information to the site www.aci.it/index.php?id=2090
Driving rules
Guide to the left.
Mandatory equipment
Protective helmet for motorcyclists: required.
Seat belts: it is mandatory to wear seat belts, both front and rear.
Child seat for children: children under 14 years old height of less than 1.50 m must be seated in a child seat or other restraint adapted to their size.
Triangle: mandatory for cars registered on or after 1 July 2007 and for all commercial vehicles, courier, bus and minibus.
Lighting: should be lit from sunrise to sunset or, in conditions of poor visibility, even during the day. With the exception of the bike that need to have them always turned on. Turn on the lights of day is in general prohibited, except by the emergency services or assistance.
Rate alcohol emico
Must not exceed 0.05% in the blood. For professional drivers the limit is 0,02%. Can also be asked for a breath test on the driver.
Transport in general:
There is an excellent road network, urban and intercity, while the ways of communication outside of the main circuit are not always adequately maintained. The crime rate is high is also required to adopt a series of precautions, even moving in the car. The top is then the number of road accidents and therefore, it is advisable to carefully plan the trips, avoiding the hours of the night. Domestic flights (also thanks to several low-cost airlines) and international are extensive and frequent. The railway network is of low reliability, except for the “Blue Train”, which carries out periodic services between Pretoria and Cape Towm, and for the “Gautrain” service that operates between Pretoria, Johannesburg and the OR Tambo international airport you still need to pay attention near the railway stations, where, however, the poor availability of taxis. For security reasons, we do not recommend to use buses and collective taxis that connect the various city districts. The only taxis are reliable are those that are identifiable with the appropriate sign “TAXI” on the roof and on the sides of the vehicle, normally sedans and not the minibus. They are also active and well-functioning in South Africa, especially in the major urban centres, the rental with driver services provided by private companies through the app. The links between the major cities in south africa are instead insured by modern and comfortable buses suitable to travel great distances, without, however, neglecting, even in these cases, the safety aspect, especially in the vicinity of the stations.
For general information on the safety of flights and on airlines of the Countries where it is forbidden to operate in the airspace the EU do not comply with the safety standards of the European Agency for Aviation Safety, we recommend that you refer to the section on aviation Security organized in collaboration with the Enac and the website of the European Commission.