South Africa

South Africa's airport sector is primarily managed by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which operates the country's major international airports, including O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town, and King Shaka (Durban). The country serves as the primary logistics hub for Southern Africa. Sector regulation is overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), while consumer protection matters are governed by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008, which applies to air travel services.

• Passport validity: the passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended departure date and have at least two blank pages.
• Visas and ETA: many nationalities are visa-exempt for short tourist stays. On 12 August 2026 South Africa launched the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), starting with travellers from some visa-required countries (China, India, Indonesia and Mexico). Check what applies to your nationality on the Department of Home Affairs website.

South Africa does not have a specific aviation law with fixed automatic compensation (unlike the European EC 261/2004 regulation), but the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) protects passengers against unfair practices.

• Material assistance: for long delays or cancellations, airlines usually offer assistance (meals, communication and, if needed, accommodation) under their conditions of carriage; consumer law (the CPA) protects against poor service.
• Refunds: If the cause of the cancellation is operational and within the airline's control, the passenger is entitled to a full refund or rebooking.
• Dispute Resolution: The Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman acts as a mediator in disputes when an airline fails to provide fair compensation for damages caused by delays or denied boarding.

There is no national law mandating a minimum free baggage allowance; this remains a commercial decision for each airline.

• Regulation: Fares must be clear and transparent at the time of purchase.
• Hand baggage: weight and size vary by airline and class; SACAA handles the safety rules (what may or may not be carried). Checked baggage fees must be shown clearly at purchase, under consumer law (the CPA).

Bringing animals into South Africa is strictly controlled by the veterinary services of the Department of Agriculture.

• Import Permit: Obtaining a Veterinary Import Permit prior to travel is mandatory.
• Requirements: Animals must be microchipped, have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, and possess a health certificate issued by the country of origin, validated by the local veterinary authority.
• Quarantine: South Africa maintains quarantine facilities. Depending on the country of origin, animals may be subject to an isolation period. Dogs and cats from non-exempt countries must undergo specific rabies serology tests (RNATT).

South Africa has its own rules for travel by minors under 18, designed to prevent child trafficking.

• Documents: since 2019, foreign children are, as a rule, no longer required to show an unabridged birth certificate or consent letters; South African children still need the certificate.
• Authorisation: if the child travels with only one parent, alone or with another adult, carry the birth certificate and a consent statement from the other parent or guardian: immigration may ask for these documents.

Accessibility is governed by the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

• Assistance: Airports operated by ACSA offer assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), which must be requested from the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
• Accessibility: Airport infrastructure follows international universal design standards, ensuring access to check-in counters, restrooms, and adapted elevators.

• Airports Company South Africa (ACSA): https://www.airports.co.za
• South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA): https://www.caa.co.za
• Department of Home Affairs (Immigration and Visas): https://www.dha.gov.za
• e-Visa South Africa Portal: https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home
• Department of Agriculture (importing animals): https://www.gov.za/services/import/import-animals-and-animal-products
• National Consumer Commission (Consumer Protection Act): https://thencc.org.za