Travelling to South Africa? Here’s What You Need to Know About the New SARS Declaration

Planning a South African safari? Alongside your flights, accommodation and travel documents, there’s one more thing to add to your pre-travel checklist: the new SARS traveller declaration.

Since 1 July 2026, everyone entering or leaving South Africa by air, road, sea or rail has been required to complete an online customs declaration through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS).

The process is straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing before you travel. Here’s what you need to do.

Who needs to complete the declaration?

Everyone entering or leaving South Africa must be covered by a declaration, including South African citizens, international visitors, children and infants. This applies even if you have nothing to declare.

The declaration is part of South Africa’s customs process. It does not replace your visa or any other entry requirements.

The main exception is for passengers transiting through South Africa who remain in the designated international transit area, or on board their aircraft or ship, without entering the country.

When should you complete it?

Your declaration must be submitted within 24 hours before departure.

If you’re travelling to South Africa with a connecting flight, the 24-hour window is calculated from the departure of your final flight into South Africa. For example, if you’re flying from London to Johannesburg via Doha, you’ll need to complete your arrival declaration within the 24 hours before your flight from Doha to Johannesburg.

Leaving South Africa? You’ll need to complete a new declaration for your departure.

Our tip: set a reminder for the day before you travel, and remember to update your declaration if your plans change before you go through customs.

How do you complete the declaration?

You can submit your declaration in three ways:

• Online: Through the official SARS Traveller Declaration portal (https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/)
• Mobile app: Using the free SATMS MobiApp, available for Android and iPhone.
• QR code: Scan a declaration QR code at a participating port to access the online form.

Before you begin, have the following information ready:

• Your passport details.
• Your flight or other transport details, including your departure and arrival points.
• Your reason for travelling.
• Your South African accommodation details.
• A personal email address you can access while travelling.
• Details of any goods or currency you need to declare.

If you’re staying at a safari lodge or hotel, the property name and town are sufficient for the South African address field. Parents and guardians should also have their children’s passport details handy.

Once you’ve submitted the form, SARS will email you a confirmation with instructions for the port. Keep it accessible on your phone or print a copy to take with you.

What do you need to declare?

You don’t need to list each everyday item in your suitcase. Personal belongings such as your phone, laptop and camera generally don’t need to be declared simply because you’re travelling with them.

However, certain goods and equipment are subject to customs requirements. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Purchases made abroad: Customs duty and VAT allowances may apply to goods you’re bringing into South Africa. These allowances have specific conditions, so check the [SARS guidance on traveller allowances](https://www.sars.gov.za/guide-to-duty-free-allowances-for-travellers/) if you’re planning to bring back shopping or valuable purchases.
• Professional or specialist equipment: Items such as film equipment, broadcast equipment and exhibition goods may need to be declared. If you’re taking expensive equipment out of South Africa temporarily, consider checking whether it should be registered with customs before departure.
• Cash: More than R100,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency, in cash or relevant negotiable instruments must be declared and requires prior approval.
• Restricted or prohibited goods: Certain medicines, plants, live animals and hazardous materials may require permits or may not be permitted at all. Check the relevant requirements before travelling.

If you’re unsure whether something needs to be declared, consult SARS before your trip. It’s always better to check in advance than encounter an unexpected complication at the border.

Duties and payments

Completing the declaration is free, but customs duties and VAT may apply to goods exceeding the applicable allowances. Any charges can be paid online by Visa or Mastercard, or at the port. Keep your declaration confirmation and proof of payment handy.

What if you forget?

SARS has confirmed that travellers won’t be refused entry or departure solely because they haven’t completed the declaration before arriving at the port. Customs officials and self-service terminals can provide assistance where available.

However, the declaration is a legal requirement, so completing it beforehand is still the best approach. Normal customs checks apply, and missing or false declarations can result in penalties or other enforcement action.

One last thing before you travel

At Seolo, we want your journey to be as smooth as your time in the bush. Adding the SARS declaration to your pre-travel checklist is a simple way to help avoid unnecessary last-minute stress.

Complete your declaration within the 24 hours before travelling, keep your confirmation handy, and make sure your passport and other travel documents are in order.

Then you can focus on what really matters: looking forward to your South African adventure.

Ready to get started? Visit the [official SARS Traveller Declaration portal](https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/) for the declaration form, FAQs and latest guidance.

Please note: This article provides general travel information. Customs requirements and allowances depend on individual circumstances and may change. Always consult SARS for the latest official guidance before travelling.