‹ Back

New SARS Travel Rule: What Every Traveller Needs to Know Before Leaving or Entering South Africa

 

 

If you're planning an international trip, there's an important new requirement you need to know about.

As of 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires most travellers entering or leaving South Africa to complete an online Traveller Declaration before they travel. This digital process is now a mandatory part of the country's customs procedures and is designed to make border crossings faster, more efficient, and more secure.

 

What Has Changed?

Previously, the online traveller declaration system was available on a voluntary basis while SARS tested and expanded the platform. That pilot phase has now ended.

 

From 1 July 2026, travellers are legally required to submit their declaration online before travelling, unless they qualify for one of the limited paper-based exceptions provided by SARS.

 

Who Needs to Complete the Declaration?

The new requirement applies to almost everyone travelling across South Africa's borders, including:

South African citizens

Permanent residents

Foreign visitors

Business travellers

Holidaymakers

 

The declaration is required whether you are travelling by:

Air

Land

Sea

Rail

Parents or legal guardians must also complete declarations on behalf of children and infants travelling with them.

 

When Should You Submit It?

SARS requires travellers to submit their online declaration within 24 hours before departure.

If you're travelling to South Africa with connecting flights, the declaration should be completed within 24 hours before the final leg of your journey directly to South Africa.

 

What Information Will You Need?

Before completing your declaration, have the following ready:

Passport or travel document

Travel itinerary

Contact details

Details of travelling companions (where applicable)

Information about any goods you need to declare

Currency or bearer negotiable instruments that exceed declaration thresholds

If you have nothing requiring declaration, you can submit a "Nil Declaration" instead.

 

How Do You Complete the Declaration?

Travellers can submit their declaration through:

The SARS Traveller Management System on the SARS website

The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile app

The SARS MobiApp

QR codes available at ports of entry

Self-service kiosks where available

 

After submission, you'll receive an email confirming your declaration along with instructions for what to do when you arrive at your departure or arrival port. Keep this confirmation on your phone or print a copy, as customs officials may ask to see it.

 

Do You Have to Declare Everything?

No.

Ordinary personal belongings for your own use, such as clothing and personal effects, do not need to be declared.

However, you must declare goods, cash, or other items that exceed your duty-free allowances or require customs attention.

 

What Happens If You Don't Complete the Declaration?

Failing to submit the required declaration, or providing false information, can have serious consequences.

 

Depending on the circumstances, SARS may:

Delay your customs clearance

Detain or confiscate undeclared goods

Impose administrative penalties

Take further enforcement action under customs legislation

Submitting your declaration before travelling can help avoid unnecessary delays at the border.

 

The move to mandatory online traveller declarations is part of SARS' broader effort to modernise South Africa's border management systems through digital customs processes.

 

While it does add one more step before international travel, completing the declaration online should make your journey through customs smoother and reduce paperwork at ports of entry.

 

If you're travelling internationally, make the online traveller declaration part of your travel checklist, right alongside your passport, visa, and boarding pass.

 

For more information or to complete your declaration, visit the official SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration page: SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration