OR Tambo Immigration Wait Times
Jun 16, 22, 3:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 17
OR Tambo Immigration Wait Times
Hi all!
I was wondering if those who have recently flown into JNB can comment on the non citizen wait times going thru immigration. I’ve been extremely spoiled these past couple of years with absolutely no wait in lines however with travel getting back to pre pandemic levels I’m sure that’s changing. Just wondering if it’s time to book a VIP service to help with arrival formalities. Thanks for the help!
I was wondering if those who have recently flown into JNB can comment on the non citizen wait times going thru immigration. I’ve been extremely spoiled these past couple of years with absolutely no wait in lines however with travel getting back to pre pandemic levels I’m sure that’s changing. Just wondering if it’s time to book a VIP service to help with arrival formalities. Thanks for the help!
Jun 18, 22, 4:29 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,026
Jun 18, 22, 7:38 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 17
Jun 24, 22, 3:22 pm
#7
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,179
If it’s a true connection (so you can get bags checked through) or you’re carry on only then no need to go through regular immigration, just a transit immigration check which is normally pretty quick.
if you do have to do regular immigration I went through this week at 08:40 and there was no queue at all. But that’s after speed walking from the plane to get in front of F and J…
if you do have to do regular immigration I went through this week at 08:40 and there was no queue at all. But that’s after speed walking from the plane to get in front of F and J…
Jul 18, 23, 7:25 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,026
The absolute most I have ever waited is 40mins. JNB seems to one of those airports that people worry about being insanely slowly, but it really isn’t that bad. If you really want to witness Home Affairs in their full incompetent glory, try Beitbridge crossing into SA or any city office. 😱
Aug 20, 23, 9:48 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Mileageplus
Posts: 216
Hi. I am traveling Sep 21 on QR to JNB and have a separate ticket on MK to MRU the same day. My arrival into JNB is 955am and the MK flight departs 135pm. I have checked bags which QR will likely not transfer to MK so I will need to go through immigration and customs. I see this new declaration online form but it seems to be only if you have items to declare. Apart from the cost of my iPhone and clothes and luggage, I will have nothing of value. I assume as it is voluntary (at this time) I do not need to fill in the electronic form for this occasion.
So assuming I use the "green" lane at customs without this online form, does anything think I will have any issues with my connection time?
So assuming I use the "green" lane at customs without this online form, does anything think I will have any issues with my connection time?
Aug 20, 23, 10:30 am
#12
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,179
I agree that I don’t think the declaration form is relevant for ‘regular’ travellers. Unless your inbound is very late (towards two hours or more) then that is straightforward.
Aug 20, 23, 10:44 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,026
Agree - connection time is plenty comfortable and you can safely ignore the declaration form.
Aug 23, 23, 4:30 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Mileageplus
Posts: 216
Thanks for your (both) responses. I feel more comfortable now. My passport (US) has more than two years on it and I have two full blank pages side to side, so I should be good to enter the country (South Africa) without using the online declaration and proceed to MK for check in and then security clearance to the onward flight.
Aug 25, 23, 2:55 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,508
SARS staff were patrolling the departure lines on Thursday morning asking people to fill up the declaration forms. I just said "yes" and waved my phone at them and they didn't ask for anything more (I hadn't done diddly squat).
