Frequently Asked Questions.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. South Africa allows visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days for many countries, including most of the EU, the UK, the US, and much of the Commonwealth — but a number of countries (including several across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa) do require a visa in advance. Your passport should also be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date and have at least one blank page. We recommend checking your specific requirement directly with the South African Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African embassy/consulate well before booking travel, as visa policies and processing times can change. South Africa Department of Home Affairs Embassy of South Africa Visa Information Consulates General of South Africa in the U.S.

Our welcome reception takes place the afternoon/evening of Sunday, December 6, so we recommend arriving Saturday, December 5, or Sunday morning at the latest to settle in and join us. If you're staying for the optional excursions, plan to depart on Thursday, December 10 or later.

We've partnered with Business Flies as our official travel partner for the New Cities Summit. We recommend booking through our dedicated website, where delegates can access summit-specific rates and support: Business Skies.

Waterfall City is Africa's largest mixed-use development, spanning 2,200 hectares between Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng — South Africa's economic heartland, which generates around a third of the country's GDP. Built on a greenfield site with no legacy infrastructure, it was designed from the ground up around a live-work-shop-play philosophy, integrating residential, commercial, retail, healthcare, education, and public open space into one connected city. Once complete, Waterfall City will include more than 28,000 residential units and 2.5 million square metres of commercial and retail space, accommodating over 175,000 residents and workers, with a total development value estimated at R150 billion. It's been named World's Best Mixed-Use Development five times in six years at the International Property Awards, and more recently, Best Masterplan Africa. Waterfall City is managed by the Waterfall City Management Company (WCMC), working with developers and public and private partners to guide its continued growth. As host of the New Cities Summit 2026, it offers delegates a chance to see a smart city in action, living proof of what world-class new city development looks like. Learn more about Waterfall City here.

Yes! On Wednesday, December 9, we're offering optional excursions around Waterfall City, Johannesburg, and South Africa, organized through our travel partner. These aren't included in your summit pass and are booked and paid for separately. Details and booking options will be shared closer to the event.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries designated by the WHO as having risk of yellow fever transmission. If required, the vaccine must be received at least 10 days prior to arrival. We also recommend being up to date on routine vaccinations and consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic before your trip. South Africa CDC Health Information

Smart business casual is appropriate for all sessions. December in Johannesburg is warm (typically mid-70s to low-80s°F / low-to-mid 20s°C) with a chance of afternoon showers, so we recommend dressing in light layers and packing a compact umbrella or light rain jacket.

Yes, email us at info@cci.city, and our team will be happy to help.

See the Tickets page for the full breakdown by tier. Every pass includes full 2-day Summit access, talks and presentations, and lunch and beverages both days, with additional benefits (welcome reception, curated networking, Deal Room access, and more) scaling up by tier.

All ticket sales are final. We do not offer refunds or cancellations.

Group discounts may be available depending on group size. Please email info@cci.city to enquire.

All sessions will be conducted in English.

Yes. Sessions will be recorded, with recordings uploaded to our YouTube Channel after the event. We won't be livestreaming.

Yes, we have a list of recommended hotels in Waterfall City. Special summit rates are currently being negotiated; this page will be updated with hotel names and rates as soon as they're finalized.

Visit the CIF page and select "Apply as a Developer". Applications are reviewed and screened on a rolling basis.

Visit our Sponsors page to download the sponsorship brochure, or reach out to michael@cci.city to discuss partnership opportunities.

If you're interested in speaking, please email jeff@cci.city to enquire.

By attending the New Cities Summit, you acknowledge that photography and video may be taken throughout the event for use in future promotional materials, including our website and social media. If you have concerns, please speak with our team on-site.

As with any major international destination, we recommend the standard precautions: stay aware of your surroundings, use trusted transportation (including any shuttle or hotel-arranged transport), avoid displaying valuables, and keep to well-populated areas, especially after dark. Johannesburg and Waterfall City host large-scale business events regularly, and thousands of international visitors travel safely here each year. We recommend also checking your own government's travel advisory for South Africa before your trip.