International Conference Travel Information
Welcome to the General Assembly & 5th Annual Conference of African Astronomical Society (AfAS-2025) Travel Information page. Here, you will find essential details to help you plan your journey, including visa requirements, accommodation options, transportation, and local attractions.
Venue & Location
- Conference Venue: Emperors Palace Convention Centre , South Africa
- Address: Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park Johannesburg, South Africa
- City, Country: Gauteng, South Africa
- Dates: 23-28 March 2025
- Meeting Hashtag: #AfAS-2025
Visa & Entry Requirements
International attendees may require a visa to enter South Africa. We recommend checking with the nearest embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
- Visa Types: Business/Tourist
- Invitation Letters: If you require an invitation letter for your visa application, please contact: moleboge.lekoloane@afasociety.org
- Processing Time: Visa processing may take several weeks, so apply well in advance.
eVisa for Eligible African Countries
Certain African countries can apply for an eVisa through the South African Department of Home Affairs’ online portal. Eligible countries include:
- Algeria
- Cameroon
- Comoros
- Congo (Kinshasa) (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Congo (Brazzaville) (Republic of the Congo)
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mali
- Morocco
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of Guinea
- Senegal
- Uganda
For more details and to apply for an eVisa, visit the official website: https://ehome.dha.gov.za/
For more information, visit the official government website: Department of Home Affairs – Types of Temporary Residency Visas
Accommodation
Several hotels and accommodations are available near the conference venue. Recommended options include:
- Hotel: Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort (https://emperorspalace.com/)
For special conference rates, please use the booking code: AfAS-2025.
Transportation
Getting to Gauteng
- By Air: The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), located approximately 5-10 km from the venue.
- By Train: The Gautrain service provides easy bus access from the airport to the venue.
- By Road: Taxis, ride-sharing services, and public buses are available from the airport and major stations. (Uber, Bolt, inDrive)
Local Transport
- Public Transit: Metro, buses, and minibus taxis are available for easy access to the venue.
- Taxi/Ride-sharing: Uber, Bolt, and local taxi services operate in the city.
- Car Rentals: Available at the airport and city locations.
Currency & Payment
- Local Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- ATMs: Readily available in the city and at the airport
Weather & Packing Tips
- Expected Weather: Warm days, mild evenings (Temperature range: 15-28°C), occasional showers
- Recommended Clothing: Smart casual
Local Attractions & Things to Do
Experience the vibrant province of Gauteng! From cultural landmarks and museums to exciting nightlife and diverse dining, Gauteng offers a wealth of attractions. Discover the heart of South Africa’s “Place of Gold” while connecting with the astronomy community.
Top attractions include:
- Apartheid Museum – A moving journey through South Africa’s history
- Constitution Hill – A key heritage site
- Gold Reef City – A theme park with a historical mine tour
- The Cradle of Humankind – A paleoanthropological site that is located about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the site is home to the largest known concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world.
For more details on local attractions, visit Visitor Home – Gauteng
Emergency Contacts
- Local Emergency Number: 10111 (Police), 112 (General Emergency)
For any further inquiries, please contact the conference organizing team at: nombali.qodi@afasociety.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to AfAS-2025 in Gauteng! Safe travels!