New Mandatory SARS Online Traveller Declaration: What South African Travellers Need to Know

From 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) introduced a significant change to the customs process for international travellers. Individuals entering or leaving South Africa are now required to complete an Online Traveller Declaration before travelling. The requirement forms part of SARS’ broader customs modernisation programme and replaces the traditional paper-based customs declaration for most travellers.

Although many South Africans are familiar with customs declarations completed upon arrival or departure, the new system shifts this obligation to an electronic platform that must be completed before commencing the relevant leg of the journey.

Why has SARS introduced the online declaration?

The Online Traveller Declaration forms part of the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), an integrated digital platform designed to modernise customs administration and strengthen border management. The electronic declaration is intended to allow SARS to receive customs information before travellers arrive at the border, enabling earlier risk assessment, more efficient customs processing and improved compliance with South Africa’s customs legislation. Please take note that this declaration does not replace immigration, passport or visa requirements. It is a customs declaration that assists SARS in administering the Customs and Excise Act.

Who must complete the declaration?

The requirement applies to all persons travelling into or out of South Africa by air, land, sea or rail and includes South African citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals. Parents or legal guardians must complete the declaration on behalf of minor children or persons who are unable to complete it themselves. Travellers who remain within an international transit area and do not formally enter South Africa are exempted from this requirement.

When must the declaration be submitted?

The declaration must be submitted within 24 hours before departure. For travellers flying to South Africa on connecting flights, the declaration should be completed within 24 hours before departure of the final flight to South Africa. If your circumstances change after you have submitted the form, for example your travel details or declared goods, you should update the declaration before passing through Customs.

What information will you need?

Completing the declaration is relatively straightforward provided you have the necessary information available beforehand. Travellers should have the following details ready:

• passport or travel document details;

• personal identification information;

• contact details;

• travel itinerary (flight, vessel or vehicle information where applicable);

• details of accompanying travellers, if relevant;

• an indication whether the trip is for personal or business purposes;

• details of any goods requiring declaration;

• details of cash, traveller’s cheques or other negotiable financial instruments that are legally required to be declared; and

• any supporting information requested regarding commercial goods or business-related items.

Ordinary personal clothing and personal effects for normal travel generally do not need to be declared. However, goods exceeding travellers’ allowances, commercial goods, restricted items and reportable amounts of cash must still be declared in accordance with customs legislation.

How do you complete the declaration?

SARS has provided several convenient methods for submitting the declaration:

1. Visit the SARS Online Traveller Declaration portal.

2. Use the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile application.

3. Use the SARS MobiApp.

4. Scan the QR codes displayed at participating ports of entry.

5. Where available, use self-service kiosks located at ports of entry or exit.

The practical process is as follows:

• Complete the electronic declaration.

• Submit the required information.

• Receive an electronic confirmation by email.

• Save the confirmation electronically or print a copy.

• Follow the customs instructions contained in the confirmation when arriving at or departing from the relevant port.

What happens if you fail to complete the declaration?

The legal obligation to declare goods and currency has always existed. The principal change is that the declaration is now generally made electronically before travelling rather than on paper at the port of entry. Failure to comply may result in delays during customs clearance, referral for additional customs inspection, possible seizure or forfeiture of undeclared goods or currency where customs legislation has been contravened or administrative or legal consequences where false, incomplete or misleading declarations are made.

SARS has indicated that travellers who are genuinely unable to submit electronically – for example due to internet connectivity or system failures – may receive assistance from customs officials or, in limited circumstances, complete a paper declaration where permitted.

Practical recommendations

With international travel becoming increasingly digital, South African travellers should incorporate the Online Traveller Declaration into their standard pre-travel checklist.

Before travelling, ensure that you:

• complete the declaration within the prescribed 24-hour period;

• accurately disclose any goods or currency that must be declared;

• retain your electronic confirmation on your mobile phone or in printed form;

• update the declaration if your circumstances change before travelling; and

• allow additional time at the airport or border if you are carrying commercial goods or items requiring customs inspection.

Final thoughts

The new Online Traveller Declaration represents another step in SARS’ ongoing digital transformation of customs administration. While the process introduces an additional pre-travel requirement, it is intended to streamline border processing and improve compliance with South Africa’s customs legislation. For both business and leisure travellers, becoming familiar with the system before departure will help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother experience when crossing South Africa’s borders.