Anyone entering or leaving South Africa is now required to complete an online traveller declaration before travelling after new rules introduced by the South A...
Anyone entering or leaving South Africa is now required to complete an online traveller declaration before travelling after new rules introduced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) came into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The mandatory declaration applies to travellers using air, land, sea and rail border crossings and forms part of the country’s digital customs management system.
The new requirement follows the rollout of the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), which was first introduced on a pilot basis at selected airports in 2022 as part of SARS’ modernisation programme. The system was later expanded to sea and land ports. During the pilot phase, completing the declaration was voluntary, but it has now become compulsory for most travellers entering or leaving the country.
According to SARS, travellers must submit the online declaration no more than 24 hours before departing from the country from which they are travelling. The revenue service said the declaration forms part of the Customs process and helps travellers meet their legal obligation to declare goods, currency and other relevant items in their possession before arriving at a South African port of entry or exit.
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“The declaration forms part of the Customs process and helps travellers meet their legal obligation to declare goods, currency and other relevant items in their possession,” SARS said. It added that the system is designed to make it easier for travellers to comply with Customs formalities before arriving at a port of entry or exit.
The mandatory declaration applies to South African citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals travelling by air, land, sea or rail. Where a traveller is a minor or unable to complete the declaration independently, a parent, legal guardian, caretaker or another assisting person must complete the form on their behalf.
SARS said there are limited exemptions to the new requirement. Travellers who qualify for specific paper-based exceptions will not be required to complete the online declaration. In addition, air and sea passengers who are only transiting through South Africa without leaving designated transit areas are exempt from the process. All other travellers must submit their information through the online platform.
For travellers arriving in South Africa on a multi-stop journey, SARS said the declaration must be completed within 24 hours before departure on the final leg of the trip to South Africa. To complete the declaration, travellers must provide passport or travel document details, travel information, contact details, information about any travelling companions where applicable, and declarations relating to goods, currency or bearer negotiable instruments. Where prompted, additional details about declared items must also be provided.
The revenue service said ordinary personal effects intended for a traveller’s own use do not need to be declared. However, travellers must declare goods, currency or other items that exceed the permitted traveller allowance or require Customs attention. SARS said goods worth up to R5,000 per traveller may be imported without paying duty or VAT. Additional goods valued up to R20,000 may still be allowed but could attract duty and VAT. Where the total value exceeds R25,000, normal Customs duties and VAT will apply. SARS noted that this allowance may only be used once every 30 days and does not apply to goods imported by people returning after being outside the country for less than 48 hours.
After submitting the online declaration, travellers will receive a confirmation from SARS containing instructions for arrival at the relevant port of entry or exit. The revenue service advised travellers to keep the confirmation on their mobile phone or carry a printed copy and follow instructions and signage at border posts. If electronic submission is not possible because of a system failure, lack of internet access or another reasonable reason, assistance may be provided by Customs officers or through self-service terminals where available. Paper declarations will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.
SARS also warned that travellers are legally required to provide complete and accurate declarations. The revenue service said failure to declare goods, currency or other relevant items, or making a false declaration, may result in delays, detention or forfeiture of goods, penalties or other enforcement action. In addition to the online declaration requirement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has brought into operation Section 30 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act. From July 1, 2026, domestic and foreign travellers carrying cash, goods, currency or bearer negotiable instruments above R100,000 when crossing South Africa’s air, land or sea borders must declare them through the Customs and Excise traveller management system. SARS will receive these declarations and make them available to the Financial Intelligence Centre as required under the new regulations.
