If you're planning a trip to South Africa, it’s important to understand the different ports of entry and what you’ll have to present at the border.
This article provides a detailed overview of the key ports of entry for travellers, helping you plan your journey with ease.
What are the major airports in South Africa?
South Africa boasts several international airports that cater to flights from around the world.
Each airport requires travellers to present their passport and completed Travel Declaration upon arrival. You may also need a visa, depending on your nationality.
If you’re flying to South Africa from the U.S. or UK, you’ll probably arrive at one of South Africa’s two busiest airports:
O.R. Tambo International Airport: Located in Johannesburg, this is South Africa's largest and busiest airport, serving as a major hub for international travel. Cape Town International Airport: The second-largest airport in the country, it serves the popular tourist destination of Cape Town.
Some other South African airports include:
- King Shaka International Airport: Situated in Durban, this airport connects travellers to South Africa's east coast.
- Lanseria International Airport: A smaller airport near Johannesburg, offering international flights.
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: This airport serves the Kruger National Park area, ideal for safari enthusiasts.
- Dawid Stuurman International Airport: Formerly known as PEZ International Airport, located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), it provides access to the Eastern Cape.
- Polokwane International Airport: This airport serves the Limpopo province and is located in Pietersburg.
- Pilanesberg International Airport: Located near the famous Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City Resort.
- Richards Bay Airport: Located on the northeast coast, serving KwaZulu-Natal.
- Upington International Airport: A regional airport in the Northern Cape, ideal for travellers heading to the Kalahari region.
South Africa airports FAQs
What is the flight time between the UK and South Africa?
The average flight time between London, UK, and Johannesburg, South Africa, is around 11 hours. Direct flights are available from major UK airports like London Heathrow, but travellers opting for connecting flights might experience longer travel times.
What is the flight time between the USA and South Africa?
The average flight time between New York and Johannesburg is approximately 15 hours for a direct flight. For travellers flying from other cities like Los Angeles or Chicago, or those taking flights with layovers, the journey can extend to 18–20 hours. Flights from the USA often connect through European hubs such as London or Amsterdam before continuing to South Africa.
Which airlines offer direct flights to South Africa?
Several airlines offer direct flights from both the UK and the USA to South Africa.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and South African Airways frequently operate non-stop flights from London to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
For U.S. travellers, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines provide direct routes from major hubs like New York and Atlanta.
What are the major seaports in South Africa?
For travellers arriving by sea, South Africa has several international seaports.
These ports handle both commercial and passenger ships, with your passport and a completed Travel Declaration required for entry. A visa may also be requested.
Major ports include:
- Port of Cape Town: One of the busiest ports in South Africa, handling international cruise ships and commercial vessels.
- Port of Durban: Known as the busiest port in Africa, Durban is a major hub for both cargo and passenger ships.
- Port of East London: Located on the southeast coast, this port handles cargo and a limited number of passenger ships.
- Port of Nqgura (Coega): A deep-water port near Port Elizabeth, primarily focused on industrial shipping.
- Richards Bay: A major port for bulk cargo, also capable of handling passenger vessels.
- Saldanha Bay: The deepest natural port in South Africa, mostly used for bulk exports, but also welcoming international visitors.
- Alexander Bay: A smaller seaport near the mouth of the Orange River.
Where are the land border crossings to enter South Africa?
If you're travelling to South Africa by land, you’ll need to cross through one of the official land border posts.
Just like arriving at airports and seaports, travellers crossing the border by land must present their completed Traveller Declaration, a passport, and possibly a visa.
Key South African land border crossings include:
- Beit Bridge: This is the busiest border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe, handling thousands of travellers daily.
- Komatipoort: Situated near the Mozambique border, it's a major entry point for tourists heading to the Kruger National Park.
- Vioolsdrif: A key crossing point between South Africa and Namibia.
- Ficksburg Bridge: This border post connects South Africa to Lesotho, with a scenic route into the Maloti Mountains.
- Golela: Located near the Swaziland border, providing access to KwaZulu-Natal.
- Caledonspoort: Another entry point into Lesotho, popular with travellers heading to the Drakensberg Mountains.
If you have any questions regarding the Travel Declaration, feel free to contact our customer support team who will be happy to help you.
