Attending South African International Halal Showcase (SAIHAS)?

If you need a visa, start the process well before April 16, 2026, processing can take several weeks.

Citizens of many countries — including the United States, the United Kingdom, the EU and Malaysia — can enter South Africa visa-free as visitors for up to 90 days; your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure and have blank pages. South Africa has introduced an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but as of 2026 it applies only to a narrow set of nationalities (such as China, India, Indonesia and Mexico) entering via the main airports — visa-exempt visitors do not need it. Check the official Department of Home Affairs guidance for your nationality, and carry proof of your event registration and accommodation.

General guidance only, always confirm requirements with the official embassy/consulate for your nationality.

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), ~35km to centre

Lanseria International Airport (HLA), ~40km to centre

Vodacom and MTN (best coverage) or Cell C prepaid SIMs from the airport and stores — bring your passport, as SIM registration (RICA) is a legal requirement and sometimes needs proof of address/booking

eSIM: Airalo, Holafly and similar eSIMs cover South Africa — the easiest data-only option, no in-person registration needed

Plug: Type M (large three round-pin) is most common; newer buildings use the slimmer Type N (the ZA plug). A Type C europlug fits some sockets — bring a multi-adapter covering M and N · 230V / 50Hz

South African rand (ZAR)

South Africa is very card-friendly and a leader in contactless ('tap and go') — card and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, with no PIN needed under R500. Carry some cash for street vendors, local markets and tipping car guards.

📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.

🆘 Emergency: 112 (from any mobile — the operator routes you to the right service) · Police 10111 (police flying squad)

Johannesburg is spread out and built around the car, with low walkability, so visitors get around in three ways: the Gautrain rapid-rail spine (O. R. Tambo airport ↔ Sandton ↔ Rosebank ↔ Park Station / Joburg CBD, plus a line to Pretoria), and Uber or Bolt for everything off that line. The business districts, hotels and conference venues cluster in the safer northern nodes — Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch — which the Gautrain serves directly.

For the Gautrain, buy a reloadable Gautrain Gold Card at any station and tap in and out; it's the one piece of public transport visitors should rely on. Off the Gautrain network, default to Uber/Bolt rather than any street transport.

Use Uber or Bolt rather than flagging anything on the street: verify the car's plate, request pickups from inside hotels, malls and the terminal, and avoid travelling alone late at night. The informal minibus 'taxis' are a core part of local life but run confusing routes, are often unroadworthy, and are not suited to visitors.

• Al-Hamra Restaurant, Fordsburg
• Istanbul Kebab, Fordsburg
• Kashif's Fusion Food & Deli, Fordsburg
• Fordsburg Square food stalls, Fordsburg
• The Raj, Sandton

Approximate (Muslim World League method), confirm locally on the day.

Midrand

Johannesburg CBD

Newtown

Fordsburg

Fordsburg

Check the programme on the official event page and map out the zones you want to walk.

This event is aimed at: Halal certification bodies, Importers, distributors & wholesalers, Retail & procurement buyers, Halal trade buyers across Africa.