Travel Information

Welcome to Cape Town

SABEC 2027 takes place on 11 and 12 March 2027 at the UCT Graduate School of Business, Breakwater Lodge, Waterfront Campus, Cape Town. This page brings together what delegates need to plan their trip, from entry requirements to getting around the city. Accommodation information will follow soon.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for South Africa depend on your nationality. Please check them well before you travel. Visas, eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorisations cannot be issued on arrival, and travellers without the right documents may be refused entry.

Step 1: Check whether you need a visa

Many nationalities can visit South Africa without a visa for a short stay. Check the official list of visa exempt countries on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Step 2: Apply online if you are eligible

South Africa is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This is now the recommended online route for eligible travellers. Please check on the ETA portal whether your nationality is currently included.

Nationals of some other countries may apply for an eVisa instead. Processing times for eVisas can be long and unpredictable, so we recommend applying as early as possible. If your trip is time sensitive, please consider applying at a South African embassy or consulate instead.

Step 3: Apply at an embassy or consulate

If you are not visa exempt and cannot apply online, please apply at your nearest South African embassy, high commission or consulate. Processing can take several weeks, so apply as early as possible.

Letter of Invitation

Registered delegates who need a visa may request an official letter of invitation from the Organising Committee.

Passport requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure from South Africa. It must also have at least two blank pages.

Health Requirements

Travellers arriving from, or passing through, a country with a risk of yellow fever must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Please check whether this applies to you before you travel.

Getting to Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the city’s main airport, with direct international flights and regular domestic connections from Johannesburg and Durban. The airport is about 20 kilometres from the V&A Waterfront, roughly 25 minutes by car outside peak traffic.

Getting Around

Ride hailing

Uber and Bolt operate widely across Cape Town and are a convenient way to travel from the airport and around the city.

Metered taxis

Licensed taxis are available at the airport. Please use official ranks only.

MyCiTi bus

The MyCiTi bus service links the airport to the city centre, with connecting routes to the V&A Waterfront. Payment is by myconnect card.

Getting to the Venue

UCT Graduate School of Business
Breakwater Lodge, Waterfront Campus
Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001

Practical Information

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted.

Time Zone

South African Standard Time (UTC+2).

Electricity

230V. South Africa uses Type M and Type N plugs, so most visitors will need an adaptor.

Water

Tap water in Cape Town is safe to drink.

Weather

March is late summer in Cape Town. Expect warm, mostly dry days, with cooler evenings and occasional strong winds. Bring a light jacket.

Tipping

A tip of 10 to 15 percent is customary in restaurants.

Emergency Numbers

Police 10111, Ambulance 10177, or 112 from any mobile phone.

Staying Safe

Cape Town is welcoming, but like any large city it calls for sensible care. Keep valuables out of sight, use registered transport, avoid walking alone at night, and ask your hotel for local advice.

What to find in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in Africa, and the conference venue sits at the heart of it. Delegates staying on before or after SABEC 2027 can explore the following.