BMA Ensures Smooth G20 Delegation Arrivals

With the G20 Leaders’ Summit just a day away, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed that all designated Ports of Entry across South Africa have remained stable, fully operational, and incident-free as high-level delegations continue to arrive.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the authority has successfully facilitated arrivals of several world leaders, including European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Malaysian President Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, European Council President António Costa, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, China’s Premier Li Qiang and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among others. More arrivals are expected as summit activities intensify.

Over the past week, BMA teams have managed the arrivals of delegates attending the G20 Sherpa Meeting, the G20 Social Summit, and the B20 Summit. Despite increased traveller volumes and heightened security demands, all processing has remained efficient and uninterrupted.

Key airports, including OR Tambo International, Lanseria International and Waterkloof Air Force Base, are receiving dedicated ICT support to maintain seamless systems operation. Special G20 processing counters are fully staffed to handle the high volumes associated with the summit.

Enhanced security measures are in place across all operational zones, supported by routine SAPS security sweeps and strict access-control protocols. Unattended luggage continues to be attended to in line with international security standards.

To strengthen operational readiness, additional BMA personnel have been deployed, and senior officials remain on-site to oversee operations. High-visibility patrols, crime-prevention efforts and screening-point searches form part of a layered security approach to ensure compliance and safety.

Land Ports of Entry serving as contingency support points for ground transport remain in close coordination with regional and international partners. Patrols along port corridors have also been intensified to prevent traffic bottlenecks and ensure a smooth flow of movement.

The BMA says it remains committed to delivering world-class border operations throughout the G20 Summit.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity through Operation HI-TIVISE on 0801 229 019 or via the BMA website.