Entry and Visa
To participate in the 2026 FISU World University Championships Rugby Sevens each delegation must comply with the entry regulations of the host country, South Africa.
This page outlines the procedures to follow based on your status, to ensure a smooth arrival.
Visa
All participants and officials requiring a visa to enter the host country must follow the official process outlined the National authorities.
1. General Requirements
Delegations are responsible for checking visa requirements and initiating the application process in a timely manner. You can consult the visa policy in:
https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/
2. Invitation Letters
To support visa applications, the Organising Committee will issue official invitation letters to registered participants. To obtain these letters:
- Submit the required passport information and personal details of your delegation members by June 30. 2026.
- If final team selection is pending, a long list of all potential athletes and officials may be submitted to avoid delays.
Late requests may not be processed in time. Please respect the indicated deadline provided in the event’s invitation letter or website.
3. Who Needs a Visa?
Visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the applicant. It is the responsibility of each delegation to verify the current regulations through the embassy or consulate of the host country in their respective country.
4. Points to Remember
- Make sure passports are valid for at least six months beyond the expected date of departure.
- Incomplete or inaccurate information may delay the issuance of invitation letters or the visa process.
- FISU and the Organising Committee cannot guarantee the issuance of visas; it remains at the discretion of the host country’s immigration authorities.
Entry Point
Official Entry Points
All participants will arrive at Cape Town International Airport, 30 km from Stellenbosch. This is the only international airport in the region.
A number of airlines have direct flights from Europe to Cape Town, others fly to Johannesburg, where participants can take a connecting domestic flight to Cape Town International Airport.
Volunteer chaperones with FISU signage will welcome participants, officials and guests on arrival, and assist with transfers from the airport to the accommodations.
Travel time to the hotels is approximately 40 minutes to Stellenbosch, and 30 minutes to Somerset West.
Teams, officials and guests will be transferred from the airport in buses and mini-buses.
Participant, guests and officials will be taken directly to the registration venue, prior to checking into their accommodations, and then transferred to their hotels.
Participants Travel plans
Delegation travel details should be submitted in advance through the FISU Global Management System (GMS), through the Arrivals & Departures Module, by July 30, 2026 to allow the OC to organise timely and efficient transfers to the accommodation sites.
Please note:
- Airport Transfers will be arranged to and from the airport by the OC in the week of the championship from Monday, August 31, 2026 – (arrivals) to Sunday, September 7, 2026 (departures).
- Separate or grouped transfers may be arranged depending on the size of the delegation and arrival schedules.
- If after the submission of the travel plan through the GMS or during the trip there is any incidence, delay or change, please communicate to the OC as soon as possible (TBC).
If travelling by other means (e.g., private car), the OC will provide details about arrival procedures and parking options where applicable.