Arriving in a new city can feel overwhelming, especially after a long-haul flight. Thankfully, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is modern, efficient, and traveler-friendly. To make your arrival smooth, here’s a step-by-step guide covering immigration, customs, transport, and practical tips.
1. Landing at Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is South Africa’s second-busiest airport after Johannesburg’s OR Tambo. It serves direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and connecting flights from across Africa.
Once you disembark, clear signs in English guide you through the arrival process.
2. Immigration & Passport Control
Your first stop is immigration, where you’ll present your documents to a border official.
Documents to Have Ready
- Valid Passport (must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date with 2 blank pages)
- Visa (if required, otherwise you’ll receive a visitor’s permit stamp)
- Proof of Accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Return or Onward Ticket
- Yellow Fever Certificate (if traveling from or through an affected country)
👉 Tip: Double-check the number of days stamped in your passport. Most visa-free travelers get 90 days, but always confirm.
3. Collecting Your Luggage
After immigration, follow the signs to baggage claim. Cape Town International is compact, so baggage carousels are easy to locate. Free luggage trolleys are available.
4. Clearing Customs
At customs, you’ll pass through one of two channels:
- Green Channel: For travelers with nothing to declare.
- Red Channel: If you’re carrying restricted items or large sums of money (over R25,000 in cash or equivalent foreign currency).
South Africa has strict laws on importing animal products, plants, and firearms.
5. SIM Cards & Connectivity
Staying connected in Cape Town is easy. Several mobile providers have kiosks in the arrivals hall.
- Providers: Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C.
- Cost: SIM cards are inexpensive (R50–R200) and data packages are affordable.
- Registration: South Africa requires RICA registration, which means showing your passport when purchasing a SIM card.
👉 Tip: Many hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but having a local SIM is useful for maps, Uber, and WhatsApp.
6. Currency Exchange & ATMs
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).
- ATMs: Located in the arrivals hall, offering the best exchange rates.
- Currency Exchange Counters: Available, but rates are less favorable.
- Cards: Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in Cape Town.
👉 Tip: Withdraw some cash for taxis, markets, and tips, but rely on cards for most payments.
7. Transport Options from the Airport
Cape Town International is about 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. Travel time varies between 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
a) MyCiTi Airport Shuttle
- Runs between the airport and Civic Centre in downtown Cape Town.
- Affordable (around R100 per trip).
- Safe and reliable with free Wi-Fi.
b) Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber/Bolt)
- Popular and safe.
- Pickup zones are clearly marked outside arrivals.
- Costs between R200–R400 depending on destination.
c) Taxis
- Metered taxis are available but more expensive than Uber.
- Confirm the fare before departure.
d) Car Rentals
- All major rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget) operate at the airport.
- Recommended if you plan to explore the Cape Peninsula or Garden Route.
👉 Tip: Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides inside the terminal. Stick to official apps or counters.
8. Safety & Security at the Airport
Cape Town International is modern and secure, but follow standard safety precautions:
- Keep an eye on your bags at all times.
- Use ATMs inside the airport rather than outside.
- Only use official transport options.
9. Accessibility & Facilities
- Currency exchange desks
- ATMs & banking services
- Duty-Free shops for last-minute gifts or travel essentials
- Restaurants & cafés open 24/7
- Car rental offices
- Tourism Information Desk offering maps, brochures, and booking assistance
10. First Impressions of Cape Town
As you drive from the airport into the city, you’ll see Table Mountain rising in the distance—a breathtaking welcome to the Mother City. Within 30 minutes of landing, you can be checking into your hotel in the City Bowl, Camps Bay, or Sea Point, ready to begin your adventure.
Final Thoughts
Arriving in Cape Town is the first step of your South African adventure, and with this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect at Cape Town International Airport. From clearing immigration and customs to getting your SIM card, exchanging money, and choosing the best transport into the city, being prepared makes your journey smooth and stress-free.
With the logistics out of the way, you’ll be free to focus on what truly matters: exploring the beauty, culture, and energy of Cape Town.
