PASSENGER landing forms (DHA 55) have been reintroduced in South Africa.
Previously known as BI-55 forms, the landing forms are aimed at ensuring visitors do not overstay their visit to South Africa.
Kagiso Siko, SA Customs and Immigration manager at OR Tambo International, says for foreign visitors, the most important function of the form is to ensure that all foreign nationals are safe and accounted for by being traceable through records maintained by the department.
Siko told Tourism Update Online that when the forms were collected by customs officials on arrival in South Africa, they were taken to a central point and captured in the immigration system and became accessible to both Immigration and Home Affairs.
All foreign nationals visiting South Africa from June 14 have been expected to complete the DHA 55. The forms are handed to immigration officials who have the authority to refuse entry to all foreign nationals not in compliance with the DHA 55.
Kagiso confirms that only foreign nationals have to complete these forms. Passengers who travel on foreign passports but have a South African permanent residence stamp in their passport do not need to fill in the form.
Mike Christoph, Operations Manager at Lanseria Airport, says all foreign nationals are required to fill in a landing form in the arrivals lounge at that airport and that most charter companies are issuing the landing forms to foreign nationals on board their aircraft.
All commercial airlines contacted by Tourism Update Online are aware of the implementation of the new passenger landing forms and confirm that the crew will distribute them on board the aircraft.
By Rachael Penaluna
