Before you go · Cape Town
Cape Town essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Visas and the ETA
South Africa launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in 2026, run by the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority. Which nationalities need an ETA, a visa or neither is set by Home Affairs: check dha.gov.za before you book, and apply only through the official portal.
From the airport
Cape Town International Airport is run by ACSA (airports.co.za). The MyCiTi airport bus runs to the Civic Centre station in the city; taxis and hire cars are at the terminal.
The wind and the mountain
Summer runs from December to February, when the south-easterly wind can blow hard for days; winter, June to August, brings the rain. The cableway stops in high wind and cloud, and Chapman’s Peak Drive can close after rain: check tablemountain.net and chapmanspeakdrive.co.za on the day. The Atlantic is cold all year; False Bay is warmer.
Money
The currency is the South African rand. Cards are widely accepted; use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres.
Staying safe
Keep valuables out of sight, use registered taxis or ride-hailing after dark, and walk or hike in company. On the mountain, take water, warm clothes and a charged phone, and check SANParks notices. Your government’s travel advice has the latest.
Emergencies
From a mobile, dial 112. The City of Cape Town lists its emergency numbers on capetown.gov.za. See our health page for hospitals. Travel with insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need an ETA or a visa for South Africa?
It depends on your passport: check the Department of Home Affairs (dha.gov.za) before you book, and use only the official portal.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
By the MyCiTi airport bus to the Civic Centre, or by taxi or hire car.
Is the Table Mountain cableway open today?
It runs weather permitting: check tablemountain.net on the day.
What is the emergency number?
112 from a mobile phone.
Entry rules and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check dha.gov.za, airports.co.za, myciti.org.za, tablemountain.net and your government’s advice before you travel.