Advice for British travellers to South Africa has been renewed to reflect a national week of mourning following the death of former president Nelson Mandela.
Dignitaries from around the world are due to attend an official memorial ceremony at the FNB Stadium in Soweto today (Tuesday).
Mandela’s body will then lie in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and official memorial services will be held in all South African provinces and regions.
He will then be laid to rest in Qunu, Eastern Cape on Sunday.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “During this period of national mourning, you may experience some disruption to essential services, including travel disruption and possibly accommodation shortages, particularly in the Johannesburg, Pretoria and Eastern Cape areas.
“You should contact your airline, travel agent and accommodation provider to check if your travel plans are affected.
“There are currently restrictions on various roads in Johannesburg around former President Mandela’s home.
“British nationals attending memorial events or other large gatherings are advised to be vigilant and monitor local media and travel advice updates and follow advice given by local authorities.
“The South African authorities have advised parents who are bringing children under the age of 8 years to the memorial services held at any of the stadiums must write their mobile telephone number with a permanent marker pen on the inside of the children’s forearms.”