13 February 2026

Cape Town: SANParks suspends Table Mountain National Park indemnity form requirement

last updated 13 February 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially suspended the recently introduced indemnity and visitor verification form requirement for Table Mountain National Park with immediate effect. For travellers, this means faster entry and a return to the simple, hassle-free park access most visitors are used to.

Why the forms were introduced - and why they’re gone

The indemnity and verification forms were originally rolled out to strengthen governance and visitor verification at busy Table Mountain National Park entry points. In theory, the idea made sense.

In practice, the extra paperwork created long queues, operational delays, and frustration, especially during peak travel periods. Visitors, tour operators and tourism partners quickly raised concerns - and SANParks has now responded.

The forms have been scrapped for now while a better, more modern solution is developed.

A digital system is coming next

This change doesn’t mean verification is disappearing entirely. Instead, SANParks is moving toward a fully digitised ID and passport verification system that will be introduced over the next 12 months.

The upcoming system is expected to include:

  • High-speed document scanning at park gates
  • Automated compliance checks
  • Faster processing times
  • A more seamless visitor experience

The aim is simple: maintain security and compliance without slowing down travellers.

What this means for your visit right now

For the moment, visiting Table Mountain National Park just got easier again.

Current situation at park gates:

  • No indemnity forms required
  • No additional verification paperwork
  • Standard entry procedures back in place
  • Faster and smoother access for visitors

If you’ve visited recently and experienced delays, this update will make a noticeable difference.

Why this matters for travellers

Table Mountain National Park is one of Cape Town's and South Africa’s most visited attractions, welcoming hikers, nature lovers, families and international visitors year-round. Any change that reduces friction at the gates is a big win for the overall visitor experience.

This move shows a clear shift toward traveller-friendly park management while still preparing for a smarter, more efficient digital future.

Bottom line

Right now, visiting Table Mountain National Park is simpler, quicker and more enjoyable again. And with a digital verification system on the horizon, the long-term outlook looks even better for travellers.

If Table Mountain National Park is on your Cape Town itinerary, you can once again focus on the views - not the paperwork.

 

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