Owais Crawford
Johannesburg Airport, also known as O.R. Tambo International Airport, is the largest airport in South Africa. It is a common transit airport for those flying to an African country south of the equator. The airport has two terminals: Terminal A for international flights and Terminal B for domestic flights. The airport is open 24 hours, and staff are accommodating to overnight sleepers. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars throughout the terminals, and WiFi is available. If you are leaving the airport, Uber is available for transport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | O.R. Tambo International Airport |
| Location | Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa |
| Terminals | Terminal A (international flights), Terminal B (domestic flights), and the Central Terminal Building |
| Facilities | Over 100 shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, WiFi, airport lounges, transit hotel, nearby hotels, luggage storage |
| Visa Requirements | Not required for U.S. citizens or for transit between international flights |
| Luggage | Luggage retrieval can take up to 45 minutes; luggage may need to be re-checked for domestic flights |
| Immigration and Security | Queues can be long during busy morning periods; 90 minutes to 2 hours is usually sufficient |
| Transportation | Gautrain for airport transfers, Uber for backup |
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What You'll Learn
International-domestic connection minimum time: 90 minutes
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport has a minimum connection time of 90 minutes for international-to-domestic flights. This is the shortest connection time allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It is advisable to leave more time than this, especially if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add at least an extra hour to the MCT to account for potential delays.
Once you have deplaned, follow the crowd to the immigration hall. Then, proceed to the designated desks, which often have shorter queues, and have your bags re-tagged. Next, head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area). At the top of the escalators, turn right when facing the Vodacom store, and the departures security checkpoint will be right in front of you.
It is recommended to clear customs and re-check your bags rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB. JNB is a 'high pilferage' airport, so it is advisable to have your luggage wrapped for extra security. You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags arrive quickly.
If you need to spend the night at the airport, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is accommodating to overnight sleepers. There is a transit hotel inside the terminal, and several nearby hotels offer day-use rooms. Economy-class passengers can also pay to access one of the first-class airport lounges.
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Luggage wrapping and security
Johannesburg Airport, also known as O.R. Tambo International Airport, is considered a ''high pilferage' airport, with a reputation for baggage pilfering. It is therefore recommended that you wrap your luggage in security film before your arrival at the airport. This can be done at most airports, but Australian airports, for example, do not offer this service. If you are unable to access luggage wrapping services at your airport, you can purchase the wrapping material and do it yourself at home before leaving for the airport.
If you are transferring flights at Johannesburg Airport, you may need to collect and re-check your luggage. To avoid this, you can ask the check-in agent at your point of departure to tag your bag only to Johannesburg. However, this may not always be possible, as security may be outside the transit area, and you may need to go through customs to reach it. In this case, you will need to go through passport control, pick up your bag, and clear customs. You can then re-check your bag at SAA outside of baggage check.
It is recommended that you allow for 3 to 4 hours of connection time at Johannesburg Airport, as the biggest delay you might face is often waiting for your luggage. Queues for immigration do not usually take too long, but you may have to wait up to 60 minutes at passport control if there are only a few agents working. If you are transferring to a domestic flight, you should be aware that the check-in and bag drop for some airlines close 55 minutes before the flight departs, and boarding starts 30 minutes before.
While Johannesburg Airport is considered safe, it is always important to remain vigilant. It is recommended that you do not leave your phone, wallet, or other valuables unattended, and that you keep your backpack on your front to reduce the risk of pickpocketing.
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Transit hotels and nearby accommodation
There are several hotels near Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport, which offer a range of amenities and facilities.
Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre
Located 10 kilometres from the Rhodesfield Gautrain station, the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre is just a 10-minute drive from the airport. The hotel offers modern event facilities, locally sourced menus, personalised service, and 248 spacious rooms and suites. There is also a boutique building with 36 rooms and apartments opposite a spa and wellness centre.
Protea Hotel by Marriott
Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport offers a blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Located in Kempton Park, the hotel provides a free airport shuttle service and features an outdoor pool, a fully serviced business centre, and an aviation-themed international fusion restaurant. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym and nine venues for conferences, meetings, and events.
Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
Just 500 metres from the airport terminals, Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a complimentary shuttle service, outdoor pool, gym, uncapped WiFi, comfortable rooms, and dining options. The hotel has 366 tastefully furnished en-suite rooms, accommodating solo, business, group, and family travellers.
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is a luxury hotel located a few metres from the airport terminal entrance. The hotel offers a spa, a fitness centre, a heated pool, 24-hour room service, and a unique dining experience. It also has seven boardrooms and two conference rooms, accommodating up to 80 guests.
Garden Court Airport Hotel, Premier Airport Hotel, and other options
In addition to the above-mentioned hotels, there are a few other options near the airport, such as the Garden Court Airport Hotel and the Premier Airport Hotel. These hotels offer varied room rates and comfort levels to suit different needs and budgets.
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Facilities and amenities
Johannesburg Airport, also known as O.R. Tambo International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in South Africa and all of Africa, serving as a gateway to the popular destination of Kruger National Park. The airport boasts a wide range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of its numerous travellers.
Terminals
The airport has two main terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, which are housed within the same building and interconnected, allowing passengers to move between them without exiting the building. Terminal A handles all international flights, while Terminal B is dedicated to domestic flights within South Africa.
Parking
There are several parking options within walking distance of both terminals, including open-air and multi-storey car parks. Certain levels require advance booking, while others offer free parking for the first 20-30 minutes. Short-term parking is charged hourly, while long-term stays are charged at a daily rate.
Transportation
The airport offers a variety of transportation options, including car rentals, with hire companies located in the P2 car park, and luxury chauffeur services. It also serves as a hub for 44 airlines, providing direct flights to destinations worldwide.
Lounges
Johannesburg Airport features numerous lounges, such as the Bidvest Lounge, British Airways Slow Lounge, and South African Airways Lounge. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including runway views, workstations, charging points, complimentary food and beverages, entertainment, WiFi, comfortable seating, and showers. Access methods vary and may include pay-at-the-door options, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible passengers.
Religious Facilities
The airport caters to religious needs with a 24/7 Christian chapel located on Level 2 of Terminal B, offering prayer and worship services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. A Muslim prayer facility is also available around the clock, with a Friday prayer service held just after noon, located in the basement parkade near Terminal A arrivals.
Additional Amenities
Johannesburg Airport provides a diverse range of shops, including jewellery, clothing, African arts and crafts, health and beauty, and duty-free shopping. Essential services such as banks, foreign exchange, pharmacies, a clinic, a post office, and a VAT refund point are also available. Additionally, the airport offers internet access, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotel accommodations.
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Immigration and customs
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport has two terminals: Terminal A for international flights and Terminal B for domestic flights. Both terminals are connected by a central terminal building that handles check-in, luggage, and transfers between the two.
Immigration
When arriving at Johannesburg Airport, passengers should follow the signs for "International Connections" or "International Transfers" to reach the immigration hall. This is separate from the Baggage Claim/Exit signs, which lead to Immigration & Customs. The airport has a reputation for long queues at immigration, with travellers reporting long waits at passport control. There are 19 booths for foreigners and 18 stations for South African passport holders.
Customs
It is recommended that passengers clear customs and re-check their bags before exiting the airport. Johannesburg Airport has a reputation for being a 'high pilferage' airport, so it is advisable to wrap luggage in security film.
Transit
For those with connecting flights, it may be possible to bypass immigration and customs. If travelling on the same airline or between two airlines with baggage agreements, passengers can go directly to the transfer desk and will not need to collect their bags or go through immigration.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum connection time is 90 minutes. However, it is recommended that you allow for more time, especially if you are arriving during the busy morning period.
It depends on your nationality and your final destination. For example, a Pakistani traveller en route to Mozambique from Johannesburg Airport will need a transit visa. However, a U.S. citizen does not need a visa to enter South Africa.
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport has over 100 shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. There is also a transit hotel inside the terminal and several nearby hotels. If you want to leave the airport, you can check out some sightseeing options in Johannesburg or explore things to do in the city on Tripadvisor.
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