When travelling to South Africa from a neighbouring country, understanding the entry requirements is crucial for a smooth journey.
In this post, you’ll find important details on crossing the border into South Africa, including the most popular entry points for land, air, and sea travellers. You’ll also find guidance on essential documents to carry on your journey.
Countries which border South Africa
South Africa shares borders with 6 different countries:
- Botswana – Found to the north, forming a border with the Kalahari region
- Eswatini – A small, landlocked nation along the eastern border
- Lesotho – A landlocked kingdom completely encircled by South Africa
- Mozambique – Lies northeast, with a coastline along the Indian Ocean
- Namibia – Situated to the northwest, separated by the Orange River
- Zimbabwe – Located to the north, near the Limpopo River border
Whichever country you’re travelling from, you must carry all the documents required to comply with South Africa’s entry rules. This applies even if you’re eligible for visa-free travel.
Crossing into South Africa
The arrivals process in South Africa is similar for travellers arriving by flight, sea, or land.
There are many ports of entry for South Africa, including 3 international airports, 8 seaports, and many land crossing points.
Direct flights from bordering countries
Travelling to South Africa by air is often the quickest option when setting off from one of its neighbouring countries.
Most direct flights from these regions arrive at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Here are some of the most popular routes:
| Departing from | Arriving in | Average flight time |
|---|---|---|
| Gaborone, Botswana Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) | Johannesburg, SA | 1 hour |
| Mbabane, Eswatini King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) | Johannesburg, SA | 1 hour |
| Maseru, Lesotho Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) | Johannesburg, SA | 1 hour |
| Maputo, Mozambique Maputo International Airport (MPM) | Johannesburg, SA | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Harare, Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) | Johannesburg, SA | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Windhoek, Namibia Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Johannesburg and Cape Town, SA | 2 hours |
Cruise ship travel to South Africa
South Africa is a popular stop for many cruise ship routes departing from many destinations. Here are the details of the most popular seaports for visitors.
Cape Town
Passengers arrive at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, located in the port’s Duncan Dock area. It’s close to the V&A Waterfront, a popular dining and shopping destination.
Durban
Cruise travellers arrive at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, near the Point Waterfront area. It’s just a short drive to the city centre.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
As there is no dedicated cruise terminal, ships dock in the city’s commercial quay. It’s located close to the major tourist attractions that Port Elizabeth has to offer.
Though ferry services from neighbouring countries are not common in South Africa, there’s a regular service that connects Cape Town to Robben Island.
Entering South Africa by land
South Africa’s land border is almost 3000 miles long, and contains many land crossing posts with its neighbours. Here are some of the most popular:
| Land crossing point | Region of South Africa | Border post opening times |
|---|---|---|
| Ramatlabama Border Post, Botswana | North West Province | 6 AM to 10 PM |
| Oshoek Border Post, Eswatini | Mpumalanga Province | 24 hours a day |
| Maseru Bridge Border Post, Lesotho | Free State Province | 24 hours a day |
| Lebombo Border Post, Mozambique | Mpumalanga Province | 6 AM to 10 PM for commercial traffic |
| Nakop Border Post, Namibia | Northern Cape Province | 24 hours a day |
| Beitbridge Border Post, Zimbabwe | Limpopo Province | 24 hours a day |
As part of the entry process, you may be subject to some vehicle checks if travelling by car.
Checklist for crossing into South Africa
Along with your passport and visa (if required), it’s essential that you meet all other requirements to be granted access to South Africa from a neighbouring country.
Here’s a checklist of some of the key documents needed for travel to South Africa from its neighbouring countries:
- Passport — Valid for at least 30 days following your intended exit date
- Visa — If needed for your visit
- South African Travel Declaration — Completed before travel.
Whether you’re travelling by land, sea, or air, you must declare certain goods on entry into South Africa as part of local customs checks for travellers arriving in the country.
You’re also advised to check health recommendations for visitors to South Africa before you travel.
