New SARS Requirement: Online Traveller Declaration

Effective 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online Traveller Declaration before they travel.

This is now a standard part of the South African customs process. Here's what you need to know before your next trip.

What's changed?

SARS (the South African Revenue Service) now requires an online Traveller Declaration from anyone entering or leaving South Africa, with only limited paper-based exceptions. The declaration helps travellers meet their legal obligations around declaring goods, currency, and other regulated items.

Who does this apply to?

This requirement applies to:

  • South African citizens
  • Permanent residents
  • Foreign travellers visiting South Africa
  • Travellers journeying by air, land, sea, or rail

A parent, guardian, caregiver, or assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or someone unable to do so themselves.

Exemption: If you're simply transiting through South Africa by air or sea and staying within the designated transit area, you don't need to submit a declaration.

When to submit your declaration

Complete your declaration within 24 hours before departure from the country you're travelling from.
If you’re flying to South Africa with connecting flights, you only need to complete it within 24 hours before departure of the final leg of your journey.

How to submit your declaration

The declaration can be completed:

  • Online via the SARS Traveller Management System (TMS)
  • Mobile app: the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS)
  • QR code, scanned from any internet-enabled device
  • Self-service kiosks at selected ports, where available

Before you travel

  • Complete your declaration within 24 hours of departure 
  • Save a copy of your confirmation - digital or printed - as you may need to present it on arrival or departure 
  • Build this step into your pre-departure checklist to avoid delays at customs

What you’ll need:

You’ll need to have the following details available:

  • Passport or travel document details
  • Your travel itinerary
  • Contact information
  • Details of any travelling companions
  • Information on any goods, currency, or bearer negotiable instruments you need to declare

Before you travel

  • Complete your declaration within 24 hours of departure 
  • Save a copy of your confirmation - digital or printed - as you may need to present it on arrival or departure 
  • Build this step into your pre-departure checklist to avoid delays at customs

Need help?

For full details, visit the official SARS pages:

Still have questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team - we're here to help.