Success Stories

2026

[WHX JOHANNESBURG] Guide to Exhibiting and Traveling at the 2026 South Africa International Medical Device Exhibition

The jacarandas of Johannesburg are about to bloom, and Africa’s most influential healthcare event—WHX Johannesburg 2026—will also kick off in this “City of Gold.”

Author:

WHX JOHANNESBURG

2026 South Africa International Medical Device Exhibition

Johannesburg, South Africa

— October 6–8, 2026 —

October, spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The jacarandas of Johannesburg are about to bloom, while Africa’s most influential healthcare event— WHX Johannesburg 2026 will also kick off in this “City of Gold.”

Flowers bloom in their own time, and every journey calls for preparation. Before you set off, take a moment to review the key information below.

Exhibition Basic Information

Exhibition Name

WHX Johannesburg 2026

Exhibition Date

October 6–8, 2026

Exhibition Hall Name

Gallagher Convention Centre

Exhibition Hall Address

Midrand - 1685, Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa

Exhibition Schedule

Exhibition Setup Time

October 5, 2026, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

📣 Reminder: The booth setup and exhibit arrangement must be completed by 10:00 PM on the day of the event; any delays will incur substantial overtime charges. During the exhibition setup, please wear safety shoes and a safety vest; otherwise, you will be denied entry to the venue.

Exhibition Duration

⏰️ October 6:

Exhibitor entry: 08:00–17:15; Exhibition hours: 09:00–17:00.

⏰️ October 7:

Exhibitor entry: 08:00–17:15; Exhibition hours: 09:00–17:00.

⏰️ October 8:

Exhibitors enter the venue from 08:00 to 18:00; the exhibition is open from 09:00 to 16:00.

Exhibition closing time

October 8, 2026, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM

📣 Reminder: On the final day of the exhibition, packing up exhibits and dismantling booths is strictly prohibited before 4:30 p.m.; violators will be subject to penalties. Please ensure that all posters are removed from the wall panels; any residue or damage will incur additional charges.

Exhibition Participation Guidelines

1. Exhibitor Badge

The exhibition uses electronic badges, and the QR code is the sole admission credential. Please log in to the Customer Center to complete your online registration. After successful registration, open your email to activate your account, and you will be able to view your exhibitor e-badge. We recommend taking a screenshot and saving it in advance.

2. Intellectual Property and Booth Regulations

Exhibitors shall ensure that their exhibits, packaging, promotional materials, and booth displays do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others (including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and industrial designs), and are strictly prohibited from exhibiting samples whose intellectual property status is unclear.
The organizer reserves the right to resolve on-site intellectual property disputes, including requiring the removal of disputed exhibits; in cases of refusal to comply with corrective measures, the organizer reserves the right to close the offending booth.
Resale and unauthorized booth consolidation are strictly prohibited. Any violation will affect all future applications for Informa‑hosted exhibitions.

3. Safety Protection and Operating Procedures

During setup, dismantling, and the exhibition period, all personnel entering the exhibition hall must wear safety shoes (to protect the toes) and high‑visibility safety vests; it is also recommended to equip them with hard hats, protective goggles, and hearing protection.
During the setup period, please stay away from custom‑built booths, scaffolding, shelving, and other equipment that may pose a risk of falling objects, and prioritize your personal safety.
During the entire duration of the exhibition, please take care to safeguard both the exhibits and your personal belongings. The organizer shall not be held liable for any theft that may occur.

4. Exhibition Hall Code of Conduct

Food is strictly prohibited from being brought into the exhibition hall.
No one under the age of 18 may enter the exhibition venue at any time, including during setup, the duration of the exhibition, and dismantling.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the exhibition hall. Please use the designated outdoor smoking area.

5. Setup, Dismantling, and Exhibition Duration Regulations

Exhibition Setup: October 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. — Booth setup and exhibit placement must be completed by 10:00 p.m. on the same day; any delays will incur substantial overtime charges.
Carry out: On October 6–7, exhibitors may not leave the venue or pack up before 5:00 p.m.; on October 8, they may not leave or pack up before 4:30 p.m. Violators will be subject to a fine.
Exhibition Cancellation: October 8, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM. During dismantling, please be sure to remove all wall‑mounted posters; any residue or damage will incur additional charges.

6. On-site Order and Waste Management

During the exhibition setup, please keep empty containers and waste within your own booth; do not block aisles or encroach on other booths. After setup is complete, dispose of all waste collectively in the bins located outside the exhibition hall’s entrance and exit doors.
During the event, waste must be promptly removed and disposed of in the bins outside the venue after closing; no goods or packaging boxes are permitted inside the exhibition hall.
Special waste (oversized or overweight) must be reported in advance to the exhibition hall’s waste removal department to arrange for collection services.
External cleaning companies are not permitted to enter the exhibition hall; please contact ZF Cleaning for a quotation on cleaning services.

7. Material Transportation and Entry into the Venue

Materials must be delivered to the venue by the officially designated carrier, DSV Fairs & Events LLC, and the associated fees are to be paid through this carrier (email: jihad.khoury@dsv.com).
Exhibitors may bring items into the venue by hand, but the use of rental carts, flatbed trucks, or mechanical equipment for transportation is prohibited.
The exhibition hall and the organizer do not provide a proxy signature service; please ensure that your booth has staff present to sign for deliveries.
No temporary rental extensions will be provided on-site. For inquiries regarding pre‑event rental and delivery, please contact the on‑site service representatives of the exhibition contractor.

Visa Entry Requirements

The main types of visas available to Chinese citizens in South Africa include the TTOS tourist group visa (Trusted Tour Operator Scheme) and the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

TTOS tour group visa

TTOS was established by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, and travel agencies accredited through its review process can submit group visa applications centrally via a digital platform. The program aims to provide convenient, efficient visa services for group travel and has already benefited a large number of travelers from China and India.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

South Africa officially launched its ETA system on August 12, 2026, with China among the first countries to be eligible. This flagship digital reform initiative, spearheaded by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, integrates biometric verification, machine learning, and an upgraded electronic border‑control system, aiming to make entry faster and more secure. The ETA is valid for 12 months, allows multiple entries, and permits a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. At present, ETA holders may enter only through three designated international airports: Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport.

Portable materials

Please carry the original passport, visa page, hotel reservation, round-trip itinerary, and other relevant documents with you, and make photocopies as backups. Please ensure that the documents you carry are consistent with your visa type and purpose of travel. If you have any questions regarding the visa type or the documents you need to bring, please contact our company directly for confirmation.

Upon entry

Please cooperate with immigration officers during inspections and answer their questions truthfully. Mobile phones are not permitted in the arrival‑counter area. After clearing immigration, please carefully verify that your entry stamp is properly affixed and confirm the authorized length of stay.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

South Africa requires travelers arriving from yellow fever–risk countries, or transiting through airports in such countries for more than 12 hours, to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (commonly known as the “yellow card”). The certificate must be issued at least 10 days prior to departure to be considered valid, and South African airports do not provide vaccination services. If your itinerary involves any of these circumstances, please make arrangements in advance.

Customs declaration

Effective July 1, 2026, all travelers entering or departing South Africa must complete an electronic declaration within 24 hours of departure via the South African Revenue Service (SARS) website or the SATMS mobile app. The declaration must include information on personal identification, travel itinerary, and items being carried.

Duty-Free and Cash

Duty-free allowance for personal effects: R5,000 per person (excluding consumables)
Allowance for consumables: 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 50 milliliters of fragrance or 250 milliliters of perfume, and 2 liters of wine; other alcoholic beverages combined must not exceed 1 liter.
Cash exceeding R100,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared.
Prescription drugs must be dispensed with a valid prescription and are limited to a supply of no more than three months.

Outbound Travel Notes

The export of rhinoceros horns and ivory products is strictly prohibited. Under the South African Marine Living Resources Act, abalone, seahorses, and their derivatives may not be possessed or traded without a permit; when making a purchase, you must request from the seller an invoice bearing the permit number.

Local Living Tips

Time difference: South Africa is 6 hours behind Beijing time.

Weather and Recommendations: October marks South Africa’s spring, with Johannesburg enjoying mild temperatures—averaging around 13°C at night and 28°C during the day. It’s advisable to bring a light jacket to cope with morning and evening temperature differences, and to pack sunscreen as well. For business settings, formal attire is recommended.

Voltage/Outlet: Standard voltage is 230V, frequency is 50Hz, and the South African three‑round‑pin (Type M) plug is used. Be sure to bring a travel adapter, as appliances from China cannot be used directly.

Communication method: South Africa’s major mobile operators include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. It is recommended to activate international roaming or purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. South Africa’s international dialing code is 0027, and to call China from South Africa, use 0086.

Currency: South Africa’s currency is the rand (ZAR), and the recent exchange rate is approximately 1 Chinese yuan to 2.4 rand. Major retailers generally accept Visa and Mastercard, while UnionPay cards are accepted only in limited areas; it’s advisable to carry some cash as well.

Customs and Taboos: South Africa is a multicultural country with 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu. The local people are generally friendly. When conversing, please respect local customs and refrain from discussing sensitive topics such as race, ethnicity, or politics; avoid commenting on relations or conflicts between different ethnic groups or factions; and steer clear of criticizing local traditions and practices. South Africans who identify with Christianity tend to view the number 13 and Friday as unlucky. Locals revere their ancestors, so please honor their ancestral beliefs and avoid making inappropriate remarks. It is advisable to address people by their specific nationalities rather than using the generic term “Africans.”

Security Advisory

Johannesburg is Africa’s commercial hub and a city where both population and business activity are highly concentrated. During the exhibition, please note the following points:

Whenever possible, stay at a reputable hotel with comprehensive security facilities, and avoid going out alone at night.
When traveling, prioritize ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt, and avoid accepting rides from vehicles solicited at the airport or on the street.
It is recommended to travel in groups between the exhibition halls and the hotel, and to keep important documents and valuables on your person.
In the event of a march, demonstration, or large gathering, please do not linger or gather to watch; promptly detour and keep your distance.