Travel Advice: England in South Africa Cricket Tour

Four test Matches, five ODI Matches and two T20 official games are scheduled, and thousands of visiting supporters are expected to follow the games across South Africa.

As well as this article, please check out ourtravel advice for South Africa.

Passports, visas and travel insurance

If you're visiting South Africa on holiday for up to 90 days, you don't need a visa.

For more information on visas contact theSouth African High Commissionin London or theSouth African Department of Home Affairs.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa.

Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at Immigration to enter or exit South Africa.

The South African government does not accept British passports that have been extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under exceptional measures put in place in mid-2014. You will not be able to enter or exit South Africa on an expired British passport with an extension stamp.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. Make sure that your insurance policy covers any “adventure tourism” activities you want to do while in South Africa (like bungee jumping, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, abseiling, etc.).

If you lose your passport, or it's stolen, you'll need to get an Emergency Travel Document from the nearestBritish High CommissionorBritish Consulate.

At the matches

Match venues will be enforcing their standard conditions of entry. Prohibited items generally include: alcohol; drugs; glass bottles or breakable containers; metal containers, cans; offensive weapons, including potential missiles; and professional camera/video/ audio equipment. All match venues reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who is drunk and/or disorderly. Licensing laws are strictly enforced: even being mildly drunk can lead to being refused entry.

Please see the match venues' websites for further information:

Dec 26-30: 1st Test match,Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban

Jan 2-6: 2nd Test match,Newlands, Cape Town

Jan 14-18: 3rd Test match,Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Jan 22-26: 4th Test match,SuperSport Park, Centurion

Feb 3: 1st ODI,Chevrolet Park, Bloemfontein

Feb 6: 2nd ODI, St. George's Park, Port Elizabeth

Feb 9: 3rd ODI,SuperSport Park, Centurion

Feb 12: 4th ODI,Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Feb 14: 5th ODI,Newlands, Cape Town

Feb 19: 1st T20 International,Newlands, Cape Town

Feb 21: 2nd T20 International,Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Tips

There will be Christmas and New Year Holidays during the England in South Africa Cricket Tour 2015/2016. Many shops and service providers will be closed over these days, so make sure you have enough prescription medicines or any other items you may need.

South Africa has a very high level of crime. Be careful with personal possessions and travel documents in cities and other popular tourist destinations. Avoid carrying everything in one bag; only carry what you need; and leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes. Don't leave bags unattended in vehicles, cafes, pubs or clubs. Please be especially careful when drinking and never leave your drink out of your sight. Read through thesafety and security section on our travel advice.

As a visitor, you can drive in South Africa using a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months. You must carry your driving licence and passport when driving. The standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year. Read through theroad travel section on our travel advice.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal. You must wear a seat belt at all times. Take particular care when driving on untarred roads, 4WD tracks and desert/beach roads. Always make sure you have enough water and fuel.

Be sun smart

You'll get sun burnt far more quickly in South Africa than you will in the UK.

Rip currents are the main surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Take the following simple precautions:

don't swim on unpatrolled beaches or after hours always swim between the red and yellow flags don't swim after consuming alcohol or drugs always swim with a friend; never alone. wear appropriate swimming clothes, certainly not jeans

British consular offices

OurConsular offices in South Africasupport British nationals in need of assistance.

Emergency services numbers

In a life threatening or time critical emergency, call 111 and state whether you need Police, Fire or Ambulance.