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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”Welcome!” tab_id=”1724447657570-19a3f5a8-1607″][vc_column_text]Your trip is just around the corner! Here’s what you need to know before you go…[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Vaccines” tab_id=”1724447657583-b8f39bb9-552b”][vc_column_text]Please consult your doctor or travel clinic, as well as the CDC (USA) and NHS (UK), for current travel and vaccine recommendations at least 6-8 weeks before your session. The US Embassy in South Africa details the most up-to-date COVID-19 requirements & recommendations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Visas” tab_id=”1724447659470-3fa69263-7a3c”][vc_column_text]Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and many other countries receive an automatic 90-day Visitor’s Visa for free upon arrival in South Africa*.
Please visit the South Africa Department of Home Affairs to check if you need to apply for a visa prior to entry, and check the U.S. State Department for more information on visa requirements and current travel advisories. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, please email info@globalvetexperience.com at least 2 weeks before submitting your visa application to request a letter of invitation.
*This is for informational purposes only- travelers are responsible for obtaining an appropriate visa.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Flights” tab_id=”1724447660185-d6eb08fa-bd57″][vc_column_text]
Booking your own flights gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred airport, departure time, and travel arrangements. You may book your flights to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday prior to your start date and depart on Saturday or Sunday after your end date. Once you have booked your flights, please upload your flight itinerary below so that we can arrange your airport transfers.
Destination Airport: Port Elizabeth International Airport
Airport Code: PLZ
Flight Itinerary:
Airport transfers are included in the program fee and arranged by GVE on your scheduled arrival and departure dates. If you require alternative arrival or departure dates, please contact info@globalvetexperience.com to request a special airport transfer (an additional fee may be charged for airport transfers outside of your scheduled arrival and departure dates).
*If your itinerary involves a long overnight layover at Johannesburg, there are several hotels in the area. We recommend:
City Lodge Hotel @ OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) This hotel is conveniently attached to the airport with signage for direction. https://clhg.com/hotels/152/City-Lodge-Hotel-OR-Tambo-International-Airport
Shoestrings Airport Lodge (backpackers hostel) – This lodge is about 1 mile from the airport with free shuttles for pick up and drop off. +27 (11) 975-0474[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Dietary, Medical & Emergency Contact” tab_id=”1724447660880-630fcfb5-7762″][vc_column_text]
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Please download WhatsApp to your smart phone and be sure to add your phone number and Emergency contact info in the appropriate portal tab.
You will be added to the WhatsApp group chat at least 48 hours before your session. Use this group chat to message the Program Coordinator in South Africa with updates during your travels, if your flight has been delayed, or if there are any other last-minute changes to your itinerary. Program Coordinator Phone: +44 7927 462407
You will need to collect your checked bags to go through Customs when you arrive in South Africa- you’ll need to re-check your bags after Customs if you have a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth.
Upon arrival at the Port Elizabeth Airport, you should collect your baggage and walk through the doors to the “Arrivals” area- a staff member wearing an “African Legends” t-shirt will be waiting for you. If you’re having trouble finding them, please contact the Program Coordinator via the WhatsApp group.
Immigration & Border Control may ask where you’ll be based during your session- the address is Coombs View Reserve, Drivers Bush Farm, Grahamstown 6140. Don’t forget your return flight ticket and evidence of sufficient funds (they may or may not ask for this at the border).[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Suggested Packing List” tab_id=”1724447662162-8282e634-07b1″][vc_column_text]Essentials:
Recommended items:
Other items (depending on personal preference, experience level and availability): journal, camera (w/charger), binoculars, headlamp, power bank, stethoscope, latex-free gloves (if latex allergy)
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Laundry facilities are available. We work with village dogs, farm animals and wild game, so work clothes may be permanently damaged or soiled.
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Checked baggage is occasionally delayed, so please pack clothes and toiletries for 1-2 days in your carry on, as well as any valuables. We also recommend locking, zip-tying, or plastic wrapping your checked bags.
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Travel tips: Think layers! Conditions can change dramatically from morning to mid-day to night and layers will help you stay comfortable whether the African sun is shining or not. This list can be adapted to suit your session length and the season- in South Africa, September-April can be very warm while May-August are cooler months; we recommend checking retrospective weather forecasts from the previous year for a rough idea of what to expect. Consider interchangeability- if everything you pack can be worn more than one way, you can pack much less. Also, dark clothes show less dirt and quick-drying clothes can be washed more often. As a general rule of traveling, only pack as much as you can carry![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Currency Exchange” tab_id=”1724447662819-3f8aec68-d505″][vc_column_text]We recommend exchanging at least $50 USD to South African Rand in your home country or in the airport. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the area, including most local activities and weekend destinations. Some activities are cash only, but ATMs are regularly accessible. Call your bank to find out about international ATM withdrawal, debit card, and credit card fees- most banks have a withdrawal fee plus a conversion fee for ATM withdrawals but only a conversion fee for debit or credit card purchases. Some “travel rewards” credit cards offer no international fees. If you decide to use a credit card for most purchases, you should also have access to an ATM card (this is cheaper and easier than exchanging money and safer than traveling with a lot of cash). If you plan to use a debit or credit card, tell your bank when and where you’ll be travelling so they won’t flag your card for unusual activity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”100px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]