History of Relations
South Africa and Italy maintain excellent relations covering the full range of activities, both on a governmental level as well as in the private sector. President Mbeki met with President Ciampi during a working visit to Italy in July 2001. He also met with Prime Minster Berlusconi during the G8 Summit in Genoa, where the New Africa Initiative (NAI) was presented. Relations were considerably strengthened after the State Visit by Italian President Ciampi to South Africa, in March 2002. This was further strengthened during the visit of the Speaker of the South African Parliament, Dr. Frene Ginwala to Italy, in May 2002.
Apart from the Embassy in Rome, South Africa has a Consulate-General in Italy's commercial capital, Milan. There are currently four Honorary Consuls in Florence, Bologna, Bari and Venice respectively, with a further five Honorary Consuls to be appointed in the near future.
The Italian Government has given its full support for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), both from a bilateral point of view as well as in its capacity as a member of the G8.
Diplomatic Representation
South African Representation in Italy
H E Ms N G P O Tambo
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
South African Embassy
Italian Representation in South Africa
H E Mr V Schioppa
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Italian Embassy
Travel Info
Visa Requirements for South Africans
For more information contact the Consular Section of the Italian Embassy in Pretoria.
Health Requirements
May apply from time to time and the local Italian Embassy must be contacted in this regard.
For further information go to Travelers' Health.
Climate
Summer (May-September) is the hottest in the south. Spring and autumn are mild and sunny. Winter in the south is drier and warmer than in the north. Mountain regions are colder with heavy snowfalls in winter.
What to wear: Cool clothing in summer (except in mountains). Warmer clothes in south in winter but very warm clothes elsewhere. Alpine wear for mountain resorts.
For up-to-date weather information click here.
Precautions
Pickpocketing and baggage theft can occur especially at railway stations and airports.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Euro
For current exchange rates click here.
State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings
No Information