How Long Does It Take To Clear Customs In Johannesburg

As the date of your departure approaches, please read this important information to ensure that you have a smooth arrival in Cape Town

Border Control and Baggage Collection

It typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes to clear South African customs and collect your baggage.

It is a good idea to have a print copy of your return flight itinerary ready when you pass through customs. The officials may request a copy as proof that you are not planning to visit South Africa for more than 90 days (or 180 if you have applied for an extended visitor's visa or volunteer visa).

If you are still uncertain about your visa status, please visit our Visa Information page ASAP!

Customs

IMPORTANT: As you go through customs, please mention "tourism" as your purpose of visit. Your purpose in the country falls under the conditions for a visitors visa. If you mention "internship," your customs official may confuse this with employment and request to see a South African Work Permit.As long as you have a valid passport, (and a valid Visa if required) and have at least 2 clean visa pages in your passport, you won't have any problems with customs.

Point of Entry

Arrival in Cape Town
If your point of entry in South Africa is Cape Town, once you've collected your bags you will proceed through the international arrivals area to meet the VACorps representative.

Arrival in Johannesburg & transferring to a Cape Town flight
If your point of entry into South Africa is Johannesburg, then you will need to re-check your bags in JHB but you do not need to leave the airport. However, you will need to transfer from Terminal A (International) to Terminal B (Domestic). When transferring between Terminals A and B you will have to proceed into the main airport before going through the domestic security checkpoint. Flights to Cape Town are about 2 hours in duration and once you land in Cape Town, you will proceed through the domestic arrivals area to meet the VACorps representative.

Lost Luggage

If you're in Cape Town and your baggage is lost, please find the VACorps representative waiting for you at the arrivals area so that we are aware that you have arrived and can assist you with the documentation you will need to complete with the airline to receive your missing luggage.

Flight Delays and Missed Flights

If your flight is delayed, don't stress! We'll be tracking your flight to make sure we're on top of any flight time changes. With this being said, please notify us of your delay via email info@vacorps.com so that we are 110% aware of your delayed arrival.

If you miss a connecting flight in Europe, The Middle East or Johannesburg, please email info@vacorps.com and send us your updated flight information.

Exiting the Arrival Gates

There will be a VACorps representative waiting for you at the arrivals area of either the International or Domestic terminal. Before you begin your journey to South Africa, we will send you an "Upon Arrival" email that identifies which member of the VACorps staff will be meeting you at the airport. If you have not been informed please email your Program Advisor so we can provide you with the correct information.

If you have a problem finding the person picking you up DO NOT leave the arrivals area. We may be delayed due to traffic. Please wait at the arrivals area and we will find you (which is why we ask that you send a photo of yourself prior to arrival)!

There is free WiFi at the Cape Town airport, and we suggest that you send a WhatsApp message or Facebook message the person who is picking you up.

As you Leave the Airport

The airport is a safe place to withdraw money from an ATM and/or exchange foreign currency. We suggest that you withdraw or change approximately 2000 South African Rands. Credit Cards are widely accepted in South Africa but it's always convenient to have some cash on your possession.

After leaving the airport, you will be transferred directly to your place of accommodation. If you are staying with Rent-a-Room and arrive during working hours, then you will go through a check-in procedure with a Rent-A-Room representative, and be given a "Welcome Pack" from both Rent-a-Room and from VACorps.

If you are not staying with Rent-a-Room, you will only be given a VACorps welcome packet upon arrival.

Someone will help you connect to the Wi-Fi at your home. Your South African Sim Card will be in your welcome pack. Insert it into your phone ASAP.