VOLUNTEER COSTS & VISAS FOR THE ALGOA BAYWATCH

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to join the Algoa Baywatch Marine Conservation Project. Volunteers are selected after submission of their CV's plus covering letter of motivation, photograph of themselves and accepted on to the programme on completion of their application form.

Volunteers can apply from any country - including South Africa. South African volunteers, who are living in South Africa, should contact us either by email info@raggycharters.co.za, to find out more details.

Please check what Visa requirements would apply to you. This depends on the passport you have and length of your stay in South Africa.

The costs of volunteering are currently as follows:

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These prices include serviced communal accommodation, occasional meals, visits to selected local tourist attractions, plus share vehicle for transport whilst on assignment. The minimum length of volunteering for the Algoa Baywatch project is one month. Should you wish to extend your stay, the applicable monthly or weekly rate will apply.

Please note that prices are subject to change. Also note that should you elect to extend your stay with us, the additional costs will be determined on the monthly or weekly rates applying at the time.

The volunteer fee covers the following:

• All necessary documentation in support of your application for a volunteering visa made to the South African authorities

• Accommodation and shared transport whilst on local assignment and based at the volunteer house

• Boat trips with Raggy Charters

• Free internet access at the volunteer house

• Transport to the volunteer house from the Port Elizabeth Airport upon arrival

• Transport to the Port Elizabeth Airport upon departure

• An informal orientation on the domestic situation in the area

• Selected free activities (eg. Bayworld, SANCCOB)

Preferential rates for volunteers can be arranged for selected outings, on request.

A £200 / €200 non-refundable deposit is payable at the point of acceptance on to the programme. This amount is then deducted from the total amount owed. The overall balance is payable six weeks before your arrival on to the programme.

Costs which are not included in the volunteer fee include:

• Flights

• Insurance

• Medical costs

• Most food/drinks

• Use of telephone and fax

• Excess baggage costs

• Leisure time activities

VISAS AND PERMITS 

(Please enquire from the SA embassy closest to you regarding requirements to volunteer here in South Africa.)

For the majority of countries (most of Europe, Canada, and the US) no visa is required for those coming in to South Africa to volunteer for 90 days or less. For volunteers in this category, simply proceed to a port of entry with your passport and covering letter from The Baywatch Project. This will entitle you to a temporary residence permit, with a voluntary work amendment, for 90 days.

For a list of those countries from which volunteers do require a visa please contact your nearest South African High Commission/Embassy.

If you are from a country from which volunteers do not require a visa but are planning to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days, you have two options:

1) Proceed to South Africa with your passport and covering letter, at which point you will be admitted for an initial period of three months, within which you may apply for an extension of your permit, for a further three months (maximum). You will be charged for this service.

2) Apply for volunteer visa through your nearest South African High Commission/Embassy with the following:

• Cover letter from the Baywatch Project which will confirm the nature and period of your services and that it is not a paid post

• Medical Certificate

• Birth Certificate

• Passport valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of intended visit

• Police clearance certificate in respect of all applicants over 21 years of age, in respect of all countries where you have been a resident for one year or more, to be submitted within 12 months of the application, if not immediately available.

Visa applications take approximately three weeks to process and you should be prepared to stand in line for a while if you go to your nearest South African High Commission/Embassy.

NB. In the UK there is no such thing as a police clearance certificate, however, if you go in to your local police station they will tell you how to access information held about yourself on the police national computer. The certificate you get through this process is equivalent to a police clearance certificate.