Peter’s Post
Our travel expert answers queries on routes and destinations around the world
PAPERS FOR ASIA
I am going on a cruise of South East Asia in October, visiting China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. What are the visa requirements and do I need any vaccinations? — Priscilla Hlabangana
You will not need to obtain visas in advance for stays of up to 30 days in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore. For the other countries, you must apply for visas directly with their representative offices in SA. You can apply for a Chinese visa from the Embassy of China in Pretoria on phone 012 431 6500 or the consulate in Cape Town on 021 674 0579. The Japanese Embassy in Pretoria is at 012 452 1500; in Cape Town it’s 021 425 1695. The South Korean Embassy in Pretoria can be called on 012 460 2580. The Vietnamese Embassy is on 012 362 8119.
There are no special health requirements for visitors to Hong Kong or Japan. However, health authorities in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and South Korea require that you are vaccinated against yellow fever if you are coming from an endemic country or have travelled through an endemic country. South Africa is not an endemic country.
Closer to your departure date, check with your cruise company for any changes to the itinerary or special temporary visa arrangements they may have made for passengers. You can also check the South African department of foreign affairs website, dfa.gov.za, which has a listing of requirements for all foreign destinations.
DRUGS IN THE UAE
I have hypertension and use prescription medication. What is the exact procedure when taking medication out of SA to the United Arab Emirates? — Arlene Cameron
The UAE has very strict anti-drug laws and a number of commonly used drugs are banned. If at all possible, it is best not to travel with any drugs. However, if you need prescription medication daily there are a number of precautions you should take. The most important of these is to ensure that your medications are not on the banned “narcotics” list. This consists of a group of drugs that the UAE authorities believe could lead to addiction if not controlled. This includes common anti-depressants, sleeping tablets, painkillers and hormone replacement therapy. Some of them are available over the counter in other countries. If your medication is not on this list, you should carry it in your hand luggage, packed in the original packaging and with a valid prescription. To check that your medication can be carried legally and is not on the banned list, contact the UAE Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department on +971 2 611 7240 or e-mail drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae.
BUS FROM JOZI
I am a single retired man looking for a bus tour anywhere in Southern Africa from Johannesburg. — Basil Ritson
There are a number of interesting tours from Johannesburg, mainly taking in the Kruger Park and other natural attractions. Viator Tours offers three- and four-day visits to the park and Mpumalanga’s other scenic natural attractions, travelling by luxury coach. Prices start at around R7 000 per person. Another popular package is a three-day tour to Victoria Falls with return flights from Johannesburg and two nights’ accommodation. You get a guided tour of the falls and see some great wildlife along the Zambezi River. The tours are priced from R12 000.
Finally, there is a five-day tour to the Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. After flying to the falls, you explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park’s lush rainforest trails. Enjoy a river cruise and explore the game reserve. Tour prices start at R21 000 plus a $310 departure tax ( viator.com).
If you want to see a bigger slice of South Africa, you could opt for a 15-night trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town with Afrizim Tours.
This trip takes in the Blyde River Canyon, the Kruger Park, Swaziland, the Wild Coast, the Garden Route, the Klein Karoo and the Cape Winelands. This scheduled tour with English guides accommodates up to 26 people and offers accommodation in threeto four-star hotels for R20 910 per person. Afrizim also has three- and four-day trips to the Kruger Park visiting natural sights such as the Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger Park ( afrizim.com).