SAA has informed the trade that the South African Border Management Authority (BMA) and Department of Home Affairs are in the process of rolling out the Biometric Movement Control Systems (BMCS) at all ports of entry before September 30.

The planned start date for the BMCS roll-out at OR Tambo International Airport is scheduled for this week (August 19-23).

“As we are all aware the BMCS takes longer to process customers, which will mean an increase per passenger processing time resulting in possible long immigration/emigration queues during peak operational periods. This will negatively impact international arrivals baggage collection and possibly result in passengers missing connecting flights,” SAA said in the notice.

Passengers have therefore been requested to check in early and proceed through security early, leaving sufficient time for immigration processes.

Travel News tried to contact the BMA for more information but the phones listed on its website went unanswered.