From 1 July 2026, SARS requires every traveller entering or leaving South Africa, by air, land, sea or rail, to complete an online traveller declaration before departure. This applies to South African citizens and residents, foreign visitors, business travellers, and children and infants (a parent, guardian or assisting person may complete it on a child’s behalf).
Timing: Submit no earlier than 24 hours before departure from the country being left. If connecting into South Africa, submit no more than 24 hours before the final flight into the country.
What you’ll need: Passport or travel document details, travel itinerary, contact details, details of travelling companions, business details if travelling for work, and details of any goods, currency or bearer negotiable instruments to declare.
How to submit: Via the SA Traveller Management System, desktop, iOS or Android. SARS issues an email confirmation on submission, which should be kept accessible (on phone or printed) for Customs on arrival or departure.
Failure to submit, or submitting a false declaration, can result in delays, penalties, detention or forfeiture of goods, or other Customs enforcement action.
Our team is on hand to help clients understand what applies to their trip. Full details are in the guide below.
This is a plain-language summary for general information. For the official rules and form, visit www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration.