PASSPORTS & VISAS
Check that your current passport is valid. Usually the passport needs to be valid from 90 days to 6 months from the moment of departure from the last country to be visited.
Ensure that your passport has at least two blank pages.
When it comes to obtaining required visas we provide guidelines during the application process. In most instances the travellers are required to apply for the visa in person. Where possible Vervic Travel will attempt to facilitate the process.
N.B. It is the responsibility of each traveller to check the issued visa(s) for correctness thereof.
Always travel with copies of your passport, relevant visas and insurance. In addition you should keep them on your smartphone for quick reference. Make sure your documents, and especially passport, are safe at all times. Use safes at hotels, when available.
SPENDING MONEY
How much spending money you need is very individual and depends on how much you eat, drink and shop. The safest way of having money in foreign currency when you travel is by using a debit/credit card. Please ensure that you alert your bank that you will be travelling abroad.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Personal travel insurance is compulsory and proof of such needs to be submitted with visa applications. Insurance provided by Vervic Travel has comprehensive cover for personal accident, medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment and luggage.
STAYING IN TOUCH
Most of your accommodation will have internet access, either via Wi-Fi or computers on site, sometimes for a small fee. You may also consider international roaming facility or buying a local sim card for the phone, if you require uninterrupted connectivity.
Keep contact details of your teachers, tour manager and addresses of hotels you will be staying in handy.
PACKING YOUR SUITCASE
We subscribe to philosophy of travelling light. When it comes to packing, the most important tip is probably that you always end up needing less – especially clothes. On the tour you will be responsible for handling your own luggage, which will involve its loading and offloading from a bus or train. Travel is also a good opportunity for shopping and one should make allowance for this.
Make sure to pack comfortable clothes and shoes as the tours involve a fair amount of walking. Be prepared for colder and warmer days.
Remember that although the main airline may have a generous luggage weight allowance you can only bring 20 kg, as the internal airlines have this as a weight limit.
Note that the European electrical connection standard is a two pin plug and you may need an adapter should your electrical equipment have a South African standard plug.
