South Africa has introduced a mandatory digital customs declaration for international travelers, adding a new pre-travel requirement for anyone entering or leaving the country.
The new Customs Online Traveller Declaration became mandatory on July 1, 2026 and is administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS).
The online declaration is a customs requirement and is separate from visa applications, visa exemptions, or any electronic travel authorization. Instead, it is designed to streamline customs procedures by allowing travelers to declare goods, cash, negotiable instruments, and other items subject to customs control before arriving or departing.
The requirement applies to all travelers, including South African citizens, residents, and international visitors. It covers travel by air, land, sea, and rail.
Parents or legal guardians can submit declarations on behalf of children and infants traveling with them.
There are limited exemptions. Air and sea passengers who remain inside designated international transit areas and do not enter South Africa are not required to complete the declaration. SARS also says paper forms will remain available in exceptional circumstances, including technical issues, lack of internet access, or when travelers are otherwise unable to submit the form online.
Travelers must complete the declaration within 24 hours before departure from the country where their journey begins.
For connecting itineraries, the 24-hour window is based on the final nonstop flight into South Africa. For example, a passenger traveling from Paris via Doha or Dubai should complete the declaration within 24 hours before boarding the flight from the Middle East to South Africa.
The declaration can be submitted through the SARS online portal, the South African Traveller Management System mobile app, the SARS MobiApp for iOS and Android devices, QR code-based “Scan-to-Declare” services, or self-service kiosks where available at ports of entry and departure.
After submitting the form, travelers receive a confirmation containing customs instructions. SARS advises passengers to keep the confirmation readily available, either on a mobile device or as a printed copy, as customs officials may request it during arrival or departure procedures.
