Hungry Lions - Family specialists

Visas and Passports:

The following information is applicable to British Passport Holders. All other passport holders should check with the relevant embassy prior to travel.

South Africa:  A visa is not required for a trip less than 3 months in duration.  Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your return date and  you are required to have a minimum of 2 unused pages facing each other for the temporary residence permit to be issued on arrival. If one parent wants to take a child to South Africa without the other parent, then a letter of consent must be written by the non travelling parent.

Mauritius:  A visa is not required for a trip less than 3 months in duration.  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

The Seychelles: No visa is necessary – a one month visitor permit will be issued on arrival.

Dubai: A 60 day visa will be issued on arrival.

Oman: A one month Tourist Visa will be issued on arrival for a small fee.

Health

Vaccinations are not required for passengers travelling direct to South Africa, Mauritius, The Seychelles or the Middle East. If, however, you are continuing your journey into Zambia, Botswana or Mozambique vaccinations will be required. 

If you are travelling from a Yellow Fever area you will need the relevant vaccination and certificate.

Malaria is prevalent in certain parts of Africa and if you are visiting one of these areas, it is imperative that you take anti-malaria tablets. Requirements regarding are health requirements are constantly changing, and so it is advisable to check with your GP or health worker prior to travel. Further health recommendations can be found on the website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

All the hotels and lodges are able to contact a doctor if you need one.  Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to cover all eventualities.

Safety and Security

Mauritius, The Seychelles and the Middle East are all very safe destinations to visit.

South Africa: The main tourist areas of South Africa are basically as safe as any other country as most of their crime occurs in the townships and isolated rural areas. However, there are certain common sense precautions to take – for example – do not leave jewellery, mobile phones or other valuables lying around in your room, do not leave suitcases in sight if you need to leave them in your vehicle, and take local advice on whether or not it is safe to be driving at night in a particular area or walking to a local restaurant.

Driving

It is not normally necessary to rent a car in Mauritius, The Seychelles or the Middle East as tours and taxis can normally take care of any excursions you may be making.

In South Africa they drive on the left hand side of the road.  You will need a new credit card style drivers licence or an international licence when collecting your car and it is also necessary to provide a valid credit card. Fuel must be purchased by paying cash. Garages do not accept credit card payments.