OR Tambo International Airport Issues Urgent Travel Advisory Amid Passport Control Delays
Johannesburg – Passengers flying through O.R. Tambo International Airport are being warned of longer processing times at passport control, impacting both arrivals and departures. In a notice released by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), international travellers are advised to arrive at least three hours earlier than usual to complete all formalities without missing flights.
The advisory, dated 10 October 2025, apologises for the inconvenience and promises regular updates as the situation improves. This comes amid ongoing challenges with the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) biometric systems, which have caused similar backlogs in the past. With South Africa’s busiest airport handling millions of passengers yearly, these delays could disrupt holiday plans and business trips, prompting calls for swift fixes to avoid broader travel chaos.
The issue highlights broader problems in South Africa’s border management, where technical glitches and high volumes often lead to frustration for flyers. As the summer travel season ramps up, experts urge passengers to plan ahead and stay informed through official channels.
Details of the Passenger Travel Advisory
The advisory from ACSA states that O.R. Tambo is currently facing extended queues at passport control points. “O. R. Tambo International Airport is currently experiencing longer processing times at passport control, affecting both arriving and departing passengers,” the notice reads. To mitigate the impact, international passengers are strongly recommended to check in at least three hours before their scheduled departure.
ACSA has expressed regret for the disruption: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.” They assure travellers that updates will be shared as improvements occur, encouraging people to monitor the airport’s website and social media for real-time information.
This is not the first time such warnings have been issued. Similar notices in December 2024 advised extra travel time due to system failures, with ACSA deploying more staff to help manage crowds.
The current advisory echoes those measures, aiming to keep operations smooth despite the hiccups.
Reasons Behind the Delays at Passport Control
The root cause appears to be technical issues with the BMA’s biometric passport control system, which processes fingerprints and facial recognition for faster checks. When glitches hit, the system slows down, forcing a switch to manual procedures that take longer.
This leads to long queues, especially during peak hours when flights from Europe, Africa, and beyond converge.
In past incidents, like the December 2024 outage, the BMA confirmed the problem and moved to manual mode to keep things moving.
Holidaymakers faced hours of waiting, with some missing connections. While the exact trigger for the October 2025 delays is not detailed in the notice, social media posts suggest similar tech woes, with passengers reporting frustration over slow scans and system crashes.
High passenger volumes also play a role. O.R. Tambo handles over 21 million people a year, making it Africa’s busiest hub. With international travel rebounding post-Covid, any hiccup amplifies delays. ACSA has responded by adding personnel to guide crowds and speed up non-biometric steps.
Advice for International Travellers
To avoid stress, ACSA urges arriving three hours early – more than the usual two for international flights. This gives buffer time for check-in, security, and the slowed passport lines. Domestic passengers seem unaffected, but those connecting internationally should factor in extras.
Travellers are also advised to check flight status via the ACSA app or website before heading out. [1] For those already at the airport, patience is key, as staff work to clear backlogs. If delays cause missed flights, airlines like SAA or British Airways may rebook, but it is best to confirm policies in advance.
Community tips from recent posts include bringing water, snacks, and entertainment for waits, and using priority lanes if eligible through loyalty programmes.
Families with kids or elderly members should seek assistance from airport helpers.
Impact on Passengers and Broader Travel Sector
These delays have left many frustrated, with social media buzzing about “chaos” at passport control.
Holidaymakers heading home or abroad face added anxiety, especially during busy periods. Business travellers worry about tight schedules, while tourists might rethink South Africa as a hub.
The travel industry feels the pinch too. Airlines report more complaints, and tour operators advise clients to build in buffers. Experts say fixing the biometric system could save hours and boost tourism, which contributes billions to the economy.
The BMA has assured that systems are “fully operational” in past fixes, but recurring issues suggest a need for upgrades.
ACSA promises to keep communicating, urging understanding as they resolve it.
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