Follow the route in the order you physically move: before you fly, through the airport, out to your transport, and into Cape Town.
Do not rush past immigration. If something is wrong with your passport, stamp, admission details or documents, deal with it before you leave the controlled area.
Before You Fly to Cape Town
Documents, visa, SARS declaration and eSIM, sorted before you land.
Landing at CPT
Aircraft door to immigration: the six-stop route and the corridor decision.
Immigration at CPT
Lanes, e-Gates, the 10-second stamp check and the peak-time planner.
Baggage & Customs
Carousels, missing bags and the 2026 SARS declaration.
Arrivals Hall & Meeting Points
The Information Desk, meeting points, services and late-night guidance.
Get Transport from CPT
Pre-booked transfer, Uber and Bolt at P1, taxis, shuttles and MyCiTi.
Car Rental at CPT
The pedestrian subway, the golf cart and road-trip checks.
Get Connected: eSIM & Money
Arrive online, and handle the rand, ATMs and porters.
First 24 Hours in Cape Town
Regroup, keep the first hour calm and choose what comes next.
Get the full Cape Town Airport Arrival Guide
A calm, step-by-step route from the aircraft door through immigration, baggage and customs into verified onward transport. Mobile-first, printable and offline-ready.
Get the full Arrival Guide on Payhip ↗October 2026 edition · 20 pages · Independent, not affiliated with ACSA
Airport procedures can change. Layouts, procedures, services, transport, fares and operating hours can change. Always follow current instructions from the airport, airline, immigration, Customs, security and transport providers.
Independent guide. Cape Town Flow is an independent publication, not affiliated with or endorsed by ACSA, the airport operator. The views are the author’s own.