South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) is intensifying preparations to streamline the flow of travellers and goods through the country's 71 ports of entry ahead of the festive season. These include 52 land borders, 10 international airports and nine sea ports.

To enhance efficiency and minimise delays, the BMA implements its festive season plans with other law enforcement authorities such as the South African Police Service, South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), traffic authorities, including border communities, and all other relevant stakeholders with interest in border matters to ensure smooth operations and a seamless experience for visitors.

Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the BMA, says key ports of entry such as OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and land borders, such as Beit Bridge and Lebombo, are allocated additional resources due to the expected significant increase in traffic at those ports of entry.

Land and air border procedures

Upon arrival, tourists undergo standard inspections by customs and border officials to ensure compliance with immigration and customs regulations. Immigration officials verify passports and visa validity, where applicable, before visitors proceed to port health where they are subjected to thermal screening to check their temperatures.

Temperature screening is implemented at air, land and sea ports. Travellers arriving from yellow fever-endemic areas must have valid relevant certificates. Health facilities with trained staff are available at all border posts to handle medical emergencies. Travellers are encouraged to delay travel when unwell.

Travellers including South African citizens and residents entering or leaving South Africa by air, land or sea, can now complete and submit an online traveller declaration and receive electronic confirmation before they travel. If you need assistance with the declaration, send an email to travellerescalations@sars.gov.za. Every traveller's legal obligation is to declare goods, including currency, in their possession.

Certain items and substances may be prohibited or restricted. Although exempt from the SARS declaration, laptops require separate screening during security checks because their components are too dense for X-rays to penetrate effectively.

Travellers with children, including infants, must complete the declaration on their behalf.

Travelling with minors

The BMA has established rules for travelling with minors to ensure child safety and prevent child trafficking.

South African minors

Minors travelling with both parents on South African passports need only a valid passport. Unless specified, a birth certificate is unnecessary.

For a child travelling with one parent, the following is required:

• A valid passport
• Copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Parental consent letter
• Copy of the absent parent’s passport or ID and their contact details
• Where applicable, a court order granting full parental rights or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased

No birth certificate is required if a child’s passport includes parents’ details.

Minors travelling with someone other than their biological parents must carry:

• A valid passport
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Parental consent letter(s)
• Copies of the parents’ or guardians’ passports and their contact details.

Foreign minors

Foreign visa-exempt minors need only a valid passport. Those from visa-required countries must have a valid passport and approved visa with parental consent details.

For more information, including requirements for unaccompanied minors, visit the BMA’s website: www.bma.gov.za

Ensuring safety and integrity at South African borders

The BMA has outlined measures to enhance safety, security and integrity at South Africa’s ports of entry. These initiatives aim to protect travellers, ensure compliance and prevent illegal activities.

Security measures at borders include:

• Detection systems: Advanced scanners inspect luggage, vehicles and trucks for illegal items including firearms, explosives and drugs. To ensure accuracy, scanned declarations are cross-verified.
• Border surveillance: Surveillance teams and the SANDF patrol key areas, including a 10 kilometre radius known as the Border Law Enforcement Area. They also strategically monitor vulnerable regions with damaged fencing.
• Risk assessments and profiling: Passenger movement systems at ports of entry and data analysis help detect overstays, fraudulent visas and flagged individuals. These efforts have led to multiple interceptions of criminals and travellers attempting illegal entry.

Regulating goods and vehicles

Travellers must adhere to strict regulations regarding goods and vehicles:

• Prohibited items: Dangerous substances, including drugs and firearms, are strictly forbidden.
• Vehicles: Those driving vehicles across borders must present valid registration papers or a letter from the financing bank if the vehicle is financed. Proof of ownership or authorisation for cross-border travel for rented vehicles is also required.
• Combatting corruption: To address bribery and corruption, the BMA has implemented vetting of officials. Regular checks ensure staff cannot acquire assets beyond their lawful income.
• Reporting mechanisms: Corruption incidents can be reported via the BMA website (www.bma.gov.za) or emailed to info@bma.gov.za
• Anti-fraud and corruption hotline: A toll-free hotline will launch in early December, offering travellers a secure platform to report misconduct. The number is 080 122 9019. The BMA invites the public to report all illegal acts on this hotline.