O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Arriving international passengers walk through designated corridors to passport control, claim their luggage in the baggage hall, and pass through customs into the public arrivals hall.

• Follow clear directional signage toward Passport Control upon disembarking.
• Present your passport, return ticket, and relevant visa or entry documents to the Department of Home Affairs border official.
• Collect checked baggage from the designated carousel in the baggage reclaim hall.
• Proceed through South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, selecting the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare or the Red Channel if you carry goods exceeding duty-free allowances.
• Exit into the main public arrivals hall on the ground level, where ground transport and information desks are located.

• Train

  Train (Gautrain)

  Rapid rail link directly connecting the airport to major hubs including Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria.

  Time:

  Typically 15 minutes to Sandton; 30 minutes to Pretoria

  Typical cost:

  Roughly ZAR 180-230 for an airport single fare

• Ride-hailing

  App-based Rideshare

  Uber and Bolt operate directly from designated pickup areas outside the terminal.

  Time:

  Typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Roughly ZAR 250-450 to central commercial districts

• Taxi

  Official Airport Taxi

  Metered taxis authorized by the airport operator available directly outside the terminal exits.

  Time:

  Typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Roughly ZAR 400-600 to Sandton or Rosebank

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  Major international and local car rental providers located in the central transport hub.

  Time:

  Varies by destination

  Typical cost:

  Varies by vehicle class and booking duration

Connecting between international and domestic flights involves transferring between Terminal A and Terminal B within the walking precinct.

• If arriving internationally and connecting domestically, you must collect your checked baggage, clear customs, and re-check bags at the domestic check-in counters in Terminal B.
• Clear domestic security screening in Terminal B before proceeding to your gate.
• Allow at least 2 to 3 hours between connecting flights to clear immigration, baggage collection, and security.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal complex.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi network from your device settings.
• Accept the terms and conditions on the landing page to connect.
• Free access is provided with time or data limits per session, with options to extend.

Banking, foreign exchange desks, and automated teller machines (ATMs) are readily available across both terminals.

• ATMs accepting international Visa and Mastercard cards are located in both arrival and departure halls.
• Official foreign exchange counters operate in the international arrival and departure areas.
• Electronic card payments are accepted almost universally across retail outlets and transport services in South Africa.

A broad range of dining outlets operate across landside and airside areas in both terminals.

• Options range from fast-food chains and grab-and-go cafes to sit-down restaurants.
• Landside dining options are available on the upper food court level between Terminal A and Terminal B.
• Airside options are accessible after clearing security or immigration.

Multiple airline and independent pay-per-use lounges are located airside in both international and domestic terminals.

• Independent lounges offer entry via lounge membership programmes or walk-in payment.
• Facilities include seating, refreshments, internet access, and business services.
• Check access policies and lounge locations post-security based on your departure terminal.

Several hotels are connected directly to the terminal complex by covered walkways, with additional options a short shuttle drive away.

• On-site hotels offer direct pedestrian access from the arrivals and parking structures.
• Nearby off-site airport hotels operate dedicated shuttle buses from the central transport plaza.
• A transit hotel is available within the international airside area for passengers not clearing border control.

Baggage services include wrapping, left luggage storage, and lost property handling.

• Luggage wrapping services are located on the departures levels prior to check-in.
• Left-luggage and storage facilities are available in the public precinct for a daily fee.
• For items lost onboard an aircraft, contact your operating airline; for items lost inside the terminal, report to airport security.

Basic family facilities including baby changing spaces and accessible toilets are provided across the airport.

• Baby care rooms and changing tables are located adjacent to main washroom facilities in both terminals.
• Strollers are typically available from select airline check-in desks upon request.

• ATMs and Currency Exchange
• Gautrain Station
• Car Rental Centre
• Pharmacy and Medical Clinic
• Left Luggage Storage
• Luggage Wrapping
• Religious Prayer Rooms
• Duty-Free Shops

Local emergency number: 112 (Mobile Emergency), 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance).

• Dial 112 from any mobile phone in South Africa for emergency assistance.
• A medical clinic operating within the terminal precinct can handle urgent health inquiries.
• Contact your country's local embassy or consulate in Pretoria/Johannesburg immediately if your passport is lost or stolen.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Airports Company South Africa - O. R. Tambo International AirportOfficial airport source
• Department of Home Affairs - Immigration ServicesGovernment source
• South African Revenue Service - Traveller CustomsGovernment source
• Gautrain Management AgencyOfficial transit source
• South African Tourism Official PortalGovernment source