TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION
South Africa’s New Online Traveller Declaration: Who Must Submit It
Since 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online declaration. See who must file it and when.
August 7, 2026 at 9:23:29 PM
August 7, 2026 at 9:23:29 PM
🕒 32 min read
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Cape Town Harbour, South Africa
Travelling to or from South Africa now comes with an important new customs step.
Since 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa through airports, land borders, seaports and rail ports of entry are required to submit a traveller declaration online before travelling.
The declaration is completed through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), operated by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The rule applies broadly. It covers South African citizens, permanent and temporary residents, foreign tourists, business travellers, students, workers, families and most other people crossing the country's borders.
But the declaration is not a new visa.
It is a Customs declaration, designed to help travellers disclose goods, cash, currency, bearer negotiable instruments and other items that may require Customs attention.
There is also an important practical safeguard:
SARS says a traveller should not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they did not complete the declaration before reaching the port.
Customs officials and, where available, self-service terminals can assist people who were reasonably unable to submit the declaration in advance.
Still, SARS strongly recommends completing it before travel to reduce delays.
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