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| Wat die amerikaners dink van SA [boodskap #41767] |
Mon, 07 May 2001 15:16 |
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Gekry by http://travel.state.gov/safrica.html gaan vergelyk dit 'n bietjie
met 'n land soos Botswana sinne.
South Africa - Consular Information Sheet
November 1, 2000
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Although South Africa is in many respects a developed
country, much of its population lives in poverty. There are adequate tourist
facilities in all urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited
by tourists. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of
consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: South Africa has tightened its visa requirements for
certain categories of visitors. Only visitors on tourism, short business
consultations, or in transit do not require visas; others need visas or will
be refused admission and returned to their point of origin. Visitors who
intend to work in South Africa must apply for work permits abroad at the
appropriate South African Embassy or Consulate. Travelers entering South
Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to
present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or
other proof of inoculation or must be inoculated at the airport in order to
be permitted entry. Travelers may obtain further information from the
Embassy of South Africa, 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
20008, telephone (202) 232-4400, or the South African Consulates in Los
Angeles, Chicago, or New York. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the
nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Political violence has significantly decreased in most
areas of South Africa since the establishment of a democratically elected
government in May 1994. Some public gatherings, however, have provoked
violent clashes between political factions, resulting in casualties. The
highest incidence of such political violence has occurred in the province of
Kwazulu/Natal.
Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted in these attacks,
some have been caught up in general disturbances. Some townships in the
vicinity of major cities, most notably Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town,
have been scenes of violent demonstrations and factional conflict. Areas
most frequented by tourists, such as major hotels, game parks and beaches,
generally have been unaffected by political or factional violence. In August
1998 and January 1999, however, American franchise restaurants in Cape Town
were bombed, and the possibility of renewed threats against American
interests cannot be discounted. Americans and American interests were not
obviously targeted during the year 2000. Bombing venues have included police
stations, courthouses and commercial venues, such as bars, restaurants and
shopping areas. Two of the targeted locations have American place names.
Random bombings continue to occur in and near Cape Town, with five in
August/September 2000. No person or group has taken responsibility for any
of the bombings. The South African government is taking steps to control the
violence, and is actively investigating all bombings.
While visiting game parks and reserves, leaving your vehicle or otherwise
being on foot can be dangerous, even in the presence of a guide. Between
July and September 2000 there were four incidents of wild animal attacks on
American citizens in the region, resulting in three deaths and one serious
injury.
CRIME INFORMATION: Although the vast majority of visitors complete their
travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that
criminal activity, sometimes violent, occurs on a routine basis. Crime in
South Africa is perceived to be a significant threat to the country's
overall stability and to the welfare of its citizens. Criminal activity,
such as assault and armed robbery, is particularly high in areas surrounding
many hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities.
American citizens should exercise particular caution in these areas.
Notwithstanding government anti-crime efforts, crimes such as carjackings,
muggings, "smash and grab" attacks on vehicles and other incidents are
regularly reported by visitors and resident Americans. Crimes against
property, such as car jacking, have also often been accompanied by violent
acts, including murder. South Africa has a very high incidence of rape.
Foreigners are not specifically targeted, although rape of foreigners has
occurred on rare occasions.
Travelers may also wish to consider avoiding local commuter and metro
trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria, as a number of
American passengers have been the subjects of muggings and violent attacks.
In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang
conflicts and vigilante violence in the townships near Cape Town. Travelers
should use extreme caution when traveling in, to, or through affected areas.
Credit card fraud, counterfeit U.S. currency, and various check-cashing
scams are frequently reported. Do not permit anyone to "assist" you with ATM
transactions.
Beware of schemes in which a caller from South Africa (who is usually not
South African) attempts to win the confidence of an unsuspecting American,
who is then persuaded to either provide privileged financial information or
travel to South Africa to assist in a potentially lucrative business
venture. Those contemplating such transactions are urged to contact either
the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of State before
providing personal financial information or making any financial
commitments.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets
A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa provide
useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel
in the region in general. Both are available by mail from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via
the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of
Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
TRAVEL TO THE FORMER "INDEPENDENT HOMELANDS": Travelers should avoid
nighttime travel and use caution when driving in the former "independent
homelands" of Transkei and Ciskei, which have been incorporated into the
provinces of Eastern Cape and Kwazulu/Natal. Some areas, such as the "wild
coast" in the former Transkei, have significant levels of crime and
inadequate medical services. This situation, though improving, has caused
problems for foreign travelers to the area. Travelers may contact the U.S.
Consulate General in Cape Town or the U.S. Consulate General in Durban for
further information before embarking on trips to these areas.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the
vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may be limited elsewhere.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the
United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment
for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often
expect immediate cash payment for health services, but usually do accept
credit cards. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face
extreme difficulties.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies
overseas, including provision for medical evacuation and for adequacy of
coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical
evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or
whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition
of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of
Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax:
(202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health
precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's International Travelers Hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(877-394-8747), fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet
site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those
in the United States. The information below concerning South Africa is
provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Road conditions are generally good. Many drivers travel at very high rates
of speed, however, and poor lighting on rural roads and insufficient
regulatory control regarding driver licensing and vehicle maintenance pose
dangers to travelers. A number of Americans have been killed in highway
accidents since the mid-1990's, only occasionally caused by the fact that
driving is on the left in South Africa.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to
foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific
information concerning South Africa driving permits, vehicle inspection,
road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the South Africa National Tourist
Organization offices on 1-800-822-5368.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed the government of South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority as
Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for
oversight of South Africa's air carrier operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's
Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S. Department of
Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability
as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD
policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to
that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more
severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
South Africa law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South
Africa are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and
heavy fines.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and
international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or
visiting South Africa are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of
the nearest U.S. Consulate and obtain updated information on travel and
security within South Africa. The U.S. Embassy is located at 877 Pretorius
Street Arcadia in Pretoria, telephone (27-12) 342-1048, fax (27-12)
342-5504. Note: The U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg provides most
consular services for Americans in the Pretoria area.
The Consulate General in Johannesburg is located at No. 1 River Street
(corner of River and Riviera Road), Killarney, Johannesburg, telephone
(27-11) 644-8000, fax (27-11) 646-6916. Its consular jurisdiction includes
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern, North West, and Free State provinces.
The Consulate General in Cape Town is located at Broadway Industries Center,
Heerengracht, Foreshore, telephone (27-21) 421-4280, fax (27-21) 425-3014.
Its consular jurisdiction includes Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern
Cape Provinces.
The Consulate General in Durban is located at Durban Bay House, 29th floor,
333 Smith Street, telephone (27-31) 304-4737, fax (27-31) 301-0265. Its
consular jurisdiction includes Kwazulu/Natal province.
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