Removals to South Africa
If you are planning on moving to South Africa, we've the knowledge and expertise to tailor your move to your specific needs.
We know that your removal is only part of your move, so we also have information about South Africa Visas.
Prohibitions and restrictions
In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items:
- Firearms & ammunition
- Inflammable goods & substances
- Plants & plant material
- Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise
- Narcotics and dangerous goods
- Offensive materials
- Alcohol & Tobacco

Moving household belongings to South Africa
Shipments of household goods and personal effects are usually allowed duty free entry, as long as they have been owned and used for at least 12 months prior to importation. To move your items to South Africa, you will need a customs clearance form and a packing list, Britannia can help you with the appropriate import documentation. You will also need a residence permit (permanent or temporary) and a work permit to move to South Africa.
- Customs clearance - It generally takes 7 to 10 days for customs clearance and delivery. The time taken to clear goods through customs can be affected by government policy, X-raying of goods, physical inspection, volume of traffic and the levy of any import duties or taxes.
- Packing & delivery - Our removers can pack and wrap all your items to ensure that they are transported safely. If you choose a full door to door shipping service to South Africa, we can deliver the goods to your new home.
- Additional removal services – If you require additional removal services when moving to South Africa, Britannia is authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, and arrange international storage or pet transport.


South Africa removal transit times
Shared load (groupage) consignments usually take eight to 12 weeks door to door. However, this can vary depending on volumes being shipped, customs or immigration delays and prevailing weather conditions. Sole use containers usually take 21 to 36 days port to port.


Moving your domestic pets to South Africa
Britannia Goodwins can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pets from home to your new home in South Africa. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures, ensuring your pet's entry into the country is as smooth and trouble-free as possible.
Find out more about moving overseas with pets.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I had used you in the past for the company I worked for and was impressed
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
I was impressed the last time I used you
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Adam, Ant and Gaz were brilliant on the day. Couldn't fault them and certainly did Goodwins proud! Would use you again in the future and I would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing you could improve on as it went seamless
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Friendly and efficient
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommended by a friend
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Price
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Friendly and efficient
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Never seen something so well protected before
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
You came recommended at the local level by my parents and have a strong international presence
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Your team immediately put me at ease and I felt my goods would be really looked after. The quote was actually a little expensive that your competitor, but peace of mind was most important for me.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Honestly excellent and cannot praise them enough. Moving is always stressful and moving to California even more so. The items they sent are irreplaceable to me and they were extremely well contained. I have never seen something so well protected before -- Thanks Chris and Alan. Everything arrived exactly as it left. This was all managed by Matthew Myers who was excellent from start to finish
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Honestly hard to find any faults.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Thank you for making it so smooth and flawless
Email to Matt
I’m just dropping you a line (and some photos) to say I have received my goods from Stafford.
I’ll be honest, I have never seen something so well wrapped and protected before! Please can you pass on my thanks to the guys that collected my things, wrapped and shipped? I am very grateful for their care and diligence.
I would also like to thank you for all your efforts these past 2 or so months. It’s been a pleasure to work with you and I will definitely recommend yourself and Goodwins to others in my position. If you have a form or review you’d like me to fill out, please let me know.
All the best!
Sachin ReddyThese guys were excellent
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommendation from neighbours
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Conveniently located to the house I had sold
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Very professional
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
I cannot think of anything which would improve the service
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Moving house is a traumatic experience. Good professional team is necessary and these guys were excellent.
UK Quote
Complete the form below to get your UK Removals quotation
European Removals Quote Request
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International Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your International Removals quotation
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Self Storage
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UK Price Guide
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Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
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Britannia Goodwins is a trading name of John Bradshaw and Son Limited
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