Smooth Arrival Experience for International Travelers at Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town – International visitors arriving at Cape Town International Airport can anticipate a greatly improved arrival experience, thanks to an expanded immigration staff capacity.
The Border Management Authority’s (BMA) immigration team, in partnership with the BMA, the Western Cape government, and the City of Cape Town, has nearly doubled its workforce.
This initiative was officially launched on Monday, 18 August 2025, by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis remarked: “A more streamlined and swift experience at the airport means tourists can reach Table Mountain before dusk, ensuring local tour guides in Langa retain business and avoid delays.”
“Collaborative efforts contribute to the prosperity of the entire tourism sector.
“We are excited to support this initiative focused on enhancing the visitor experience, which is vital for fostering the tourism economy and promoting long-term job creation.”
The City and Western Cape government will assign at least 48 assistant port control officers to nearly double the immigration processing capability at Cape Town International Airport.
“This progressive partnership signifies our confidence in the BMA, which continues to make considerable strides in improving border control despite facing significant resource challenges and a budget shortfall of R4.3 billion,” stated Minister Schreiber.
“In light of these obstacles, the WCG and COCT have proactively moved to enhance immigration capacity at the airport, strengthening national security while encouraging tourism growth and job creation in the region.
“This exemplifies effective collaboration among government leaders to tackle enduring challenges for the collective benefit.”
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed, “The Western Cape Government is proud to deploy 24 officials to elevate operations at CTIA.
“This initiative aligns with our regional economic strategy to boost tourist arrivals through various efforts, including the Air Access programme, expanding direct flights, supporting small businesses, and enhancing capacity at this vital gateway.
“These dedicated individuals will not only improve operational efficiency but will also serve as ‘ambassadors’ for our province, warmly welcoming visitors and enriching their experiences in Cape Town and the Western Cape.”
In total, both the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government will provide 24 personnel each, increasing the overall immigration processing capacity at Cape Town International Airport from 66 to 114.
Assistant port control officers will take on various responsibilities, including customs processing.
Among the secondees are city law enforcement officers; these trained personnel will also be equipped to perform safety duties such as search, seizure, arrest, and detention if illegal activities are detected.