Cape Town, South Africa
Smoking policy at Cape Town, Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Warnings & Caveats
South African law prohibits smoking in all general public areas of airports. Both the venue operator and the smoker can face substantial fines for violations. No one under the age of 18 may buy cigarettes or enter a designated smoking area. The free international Smokers' Lounge was closed for renovation from at least February 2020 until April 2022. Conditions can change, so verify on arrival.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) operates under South African law, which prohibits smoking in general public areas of airports. Smoking is confined to designated outdoor areas landside and a dedicated Smokers' Lounge in the international departures terminal airside. The situation has shifted over the years, so it's worth knowing the current state before you travel.
Before Security
Landside, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. No indoor smoking is allowed in the check-in halls, arrivals, or any general public space.
Outdoor designated zones are available outside the terminal entrances for departing and arriving passengers.
No specific named landside smoking rooms exist inside the building.
After Security
International Departures
The main airside option for international travelers is the dedicated Smokers' Lounge, located after passport control, opposite the Icons restaurant, just before the stairs leading down to the B gates. This lounge has internet access, reportedly elegant surroundings, and strong air extraction. It was closed for renovation from at least February 2020 and reopened in April 2022. As of late December 2022, multiple traveler reports confirm it is open and described as a large, well-ventilated space.
The Bidvest Lounge in the international terminal also has a paid indoor smoking area. You can access it by paying at the door, using a Priority Pass, or through a lounge membership program. This was the only airside smoking option available during the period when the free Smokers' Lounge was closed (confirmed by a traveler in May 2022).
Domestic Terminal
In the domestic terminal, there is a smoking area opposite Gate A12, also reported to be inside or adjacent to the restaurant area. This was confirmed by a traveler update from May 2018, so conditions may have changed.
Vaping
No specific vaping rules for CPT are mentioned in available sources. South African law generally treats vaping similarly to smoking in public spaces, so assume the same designated-area rules apply until you can confirm otherwise at the airport.
Transit and Layovers
If you have a layover and clear passport control into international departures, the Smokers' Lounge opposite Icons restaurant is your best free option. If you are transiting without clearing immigration, check with airline staff, as airside access to the lounge depends on your routing.
Bottom Line
Free airside smoking is available in the dedicated Smokers' Lounge opposite Icons restaurant after passport control in international departures (open since April 2022). If that lounge is ever closed again, the paid Bidvest Lounge is the fallback option airside.
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