Shipping Dates and Transit Times to South Africa
How long does it take to ship furniture and personal belongings to South Africa?
We have sailings from the UK to South Africa at least once every 7 days.
The port to port transit time is around 26 days depending on your specific destination.
For more detailed schedules with specific dates and vessel names, please see our South Africa shipping schedule page.
Sailing and Transit Times for UK to South Africa
Destination |
Next Sailing |
Transit Time |
Cape town |
Under 1 Week |
24 Days |
Durban |
Under 1 Week |
30 Days |
Port Elizabeth |
Under 1 Week |
26 Days |
Customs and Quarantine Requirements in South Africa
COVID-19 & Entry Requirements
In order to travel to South Africa you are required to show a copy of a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours from the time of departure. Proof of a negative test means that you will not have to self-isolate on arrival in South Africa. If you do not produce a copy of a negative COVID-19 test you will be required to go into quarantine at a government facility at your own cost.
Please read the full entry requirements on the UK Government website here.
Clearance & Declarations
Click here for detailed information on arriving in South Africa, provided by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). There you will also find relevant customs declaration forms.
For full information on South African customs clearance and declaration, please see this PDF provided by SARS.
Immigrants and returning residents who are importing household and personal effects into South Africa must complete forms DA304 and PI160 and present them to the Department of Customs. You will also need to present your passport, residence permit and a detailed inventory.
So, whether you are moving from the UK to Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg you can be assured of a faster, safer and smarter move with 1st Move International. Simply fill in our quick quote form and start your international move to South Africa today.