Name: THE World Academic Summit 2026
Start: 2026-09-28T14:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-01T13:30:00+02:00
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Location and travel advice

Contents:

> Venue
> Visas
> Getting there
> Accommodation
> Safety advice and emergency contacts
> Frequently asked questions

THE is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for all our delegates.

To help you prepare for your upcoming visit, we encourage you to review the key information and travel advice below.

Before traveling, we recommend checking the travel guidelines and recommendations from your home country's embassy. Additionally, we advise consulting your primary care provider to determine whether any vaccinations or other health preparations are needed for your trip.

Venue

Cape Town International Convention Centre
Convention Square
1 Lower Long Street
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa

Visas

Some delegates may require a visa to enter the country. Please note that it can take several weeks to process a visa application so early application is recommended.

We can provide visa invitation letters for ticket holders when requested. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to events@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.

Please note that those travelling from or through the yellow fever belt (parts of Africa and South America) require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to apply for a visa.

We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy applies.

Getting there

By plane

The closest airport is Cape Town International Airport, about 20 km from the venue.

Delegates are strongly encouraged to pre-book airport transfers before travelling to Cape Town. If you have not arranged transport in advance, please use one of the registered taxi kiosks located inside the airport terminal.

Transfer services to the city centre, where the venue is located, can be booked via the airport website.

By ride-hailing apps

Internationally recognised ride-hailing apps where bookings are confirmed through the app are recommended. The most popular and widely available options are Uber and Bolt.

For travelling around Cape Town during your stay, Uber Black is the recommended option.

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay. Below you will find recommended event hotels as well as a map through which you can easily browse for other hotels at exclusively discounted rates near the venue.

Westin Cape Town

Convention Square, Lower Long Street, 8002 Cape Town

This 5-star hotel is located right next to the venue. Amenities include an airport shuttle, spa and fitness centre, indoor restaurant, free wi-fi, private parking and 24-hour room service.

We have secured the discounted price of ~US$359/night from 28 Sept to 1 Oct. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below.

Hotel Lola

67 Somerset Road, Green Point, 8005 Cape Town

Located about a 20-min walk from the venue, this highly rated boutique hotel offers free wi-fi and comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and a coffee machine.

Rates start at US$135/night. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below.

BlackBrick Gardens

2 Roodehek Street, Gardens, 8001 Cape Town

Located about a 10-min drive from the venue, this apartment hotel offers uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the city skyline. Amenities include a rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, air conditioning and free parking.

Rates start at US$83/night. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below.

Cape Heritage Hotel

90 Bree Street, CBD, 8000 Cape Town

Located just a 15-min walk from the venue, this award-winning boutique hotel offers free wi-fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and a rooftop jacuzzi pool.

Rates start at US$200/night. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below.

Amina Boutique Hotel

16 Whitford Street, 8001 Cape Town

Located about a 10-min drive from the venue, this 4-star boutique hotel offers free wi-fi, air-conditioning, room service, tea/coffee-making facilities and an outdoor pool.

Rates start at US$135/night. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below.

Rockefeller Hotel & Residence

12 Christiaan Barnard Street, Foreshore, 8000 Cape Town

Located just a 15-min walk from the venue, this 4-star hotel offers free wi-fi, room service, air conditioning, a fitness centre and rooftop pool.

Rates start at US$98/night. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below.

Safety advice and emergency contacts

To protect your personal safety, we recommend:

avoiding having valuables on show
taking safe and reliable transport, and travelling with colleagues or other delegates at night
being alert in crowded and tourist areas, airports, restaurants, pubs and bars and on public transport
keeping your card in sight and concealing your PIN when using ATMs and paying by card

South Africa's main emergency service number is 112. Call this number if you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main language?

South Africa has 12 official languages, with most citizens fluent in multiple languages. As Cape Town is cultural melting pot, you can expect to hear various languages spoken. English is the most widely spoken and the language of official business and commerce.

Which currency can I use?

South Africa’s currency is the rand (ZAR) with notes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations and supermarkets.

Which plug socket is used?

South Africa uses type D, M and N plug sockets. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. We would recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Will wi-fi be available?

Free wi-fi is available throughout the venue. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.

Are there data roaming charges?

Most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges through their network provider. We recommend buying an eSIM via Airalo, which offers 3GB of data for 7 days for US$9 and 5GB for US$11.50. Use our referral code TIMESH7718 for US$3 off. Check that your phone supports eSIMs before making your purchase.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Tap water in urban areas is safe to drink and cook with, however tap water in rural areas is not always safe.

Do you have any guidance for sexually diverse and gender diverse delegates?

South African law supports and protects the rights of South African citizens from our gender and sexually diverse populations. Discrimination against any participant based on gender (including non-binary) and/or sexuality is prohibited by South African law. For more information and advice for LGBTQ+ travellers, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association's website.

Is the venue accessible for delegates with mobility and physical disabilities?

The venue has been designed to be accessible by providing step-free access, with ramps, elevators and wide corridors suitable for wheelchair users. Accessible restrooms are available throughout.