Handy Hints for South African’s travelling

Passports: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after you return to South Africa, but some even 1 year. You can no longer get an emergency passport and a normal passport taxes at least 3 weeks to obtain. Some airlines require the passport information in order to issue the airline ticket. So please check your passport every year and make sure it is up to date.

Visas: All the Schengen countries now require that you appear in person to have your fingerprints taken. You need to have bought your airline ticket and booked and paid in full for your accommodation before applying for your visa. Most of the consulates are in Cape Town but some are only in Pretoria or Johannesburg. You need to make an appointment in advance so all this takes time. The solution is to book your holiday well in advance to avoid the stress of getting your visa at the last minute.

Airline tickets: If you are planning to travel in or close to high season, book well in advance and this is a minimum of 6 months before travel. The airline knows when their planes will be full and puts limited cheap seats for sale. Most airlines now require that you book and pay for the ticket on the same day. Insurance: It is a requirement of all Schengen countries to have medical insurance in order to obtain a visa. I normally recommend that you purchase your airline ticket on your credit card so that you have basic insurance. Then you have a choice as to whether you would like to increase the basic insurance or if you would like to purchase full travel insurance.