Clearing Customs in South Africa

[Flying mermaid]

We are flying Qf63 to Johannesburg arriving 16:15 and then domestic Comair BA6221 to Durban at 18:00. I assume we will need to pick up our luggage and clear customs in Johannesburg and then check in again. Is this easy to do?

 

[Flying mermaid]

Thank-you for moving me to the right section. I thought I better make my question less open ended.

1. Do we have to clear customs in Johannesburg, or can we check through to Durban and clear customs there. ? Which is the better option if both are allowed.

2. We appear to arrive at Terminal A and depart again from Terminal B. Do we need to physically take our luggage and check in, or is there a baggage drop in terminal A which allows us to do this (similar to arrving in Sydney and continuing to a domestic port?)

3. Is 2 hours going to be tight to do this, or (if we arrive on time - always a big unknown) is it a reasonable time?

 

[Wezza]

I don't know if you've already travelled, but anyway...

1. You will have to clear customs in Jo'burg. When I went there, it was all very casual. Stamped passport, picked up my bag & then out the door.

2. The terminals are all under 1 roof. Once you exit the international section, you go up the escalators then turn left to the domestic check in.

3. 2 hours should be enough time as long as your inbound flight is on time.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Terrific - thanks very much. We leave in about 3 weeks. I am prepared to have to stay overnight if the flight from Aus is delayed.

 

[Wezza]

Be careful of the guys offering help with your bags or giving directions in the terminal, they will help you then ask for a big tip.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Thanks again - I am a bit nervous generally and will not be taking any jewellery etc. I left South Africa in 1976 and this is a first trip back to see mother/brother etc. It should be a fascinating experience! Did you have any trouble with items stolen from luggage by baggage handlers? We plan to lock the cases and not have anything of worth in them.

 

[Wezza]

No problems at all actually, I went in 2010 for the World Cup. I didn't wear any expensive jewellery either, I think it's best to keep a low profile. I was surprised that I never had to fill out an arrival immigration card to enter South Africa! :shock: Maybe that's changed now, I don't know.

 

[Flying mermaid]

That's good to hear - I've heard some horror stories, but I think it is often a matter of luck

 

[I hate Alan]

Don't bother locking your bags, they use a nifty trick with a pen or screwdriver and slip the zip open and can redo. Pay for the bags to be glad wrapped here before leaving.

Safe travels.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Thought I would update this in case anyone wants the info. The whole thing was a breeze. Arrived in, cleared Immigration very quickly - the longest part was having a chat with the guy stamping the passports about his long shift. Luggage came very quickly and you just walk out. As previously said immediately on exiting the arrivals lounge you turn left and go up and escalator to the next floor where you can check in for Comair domestic. Going through security again there were very long queues, but it did all move quite quickly. We had plenty of time to sit in the Comair lounge - very crowded but heaps of nice looking food (we didn't eat as too full from the flight, but much nicer than anything in Qantas Domestic J lounges). We didn't shrink wrap the luggage but had no trouble on arriving or on our flight JHB to LHR.