Anyone travelling into or out of South Africa must now complete a mandatory online traveller declaration before their journey, following the nationwide rollout of the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new digital customs declaration system.
The new requirement came into effect on 1 July 2026 and applies to travellers using all South African ports of entry and exit, including airports, land border posts, seaports and rail crossings. The move replaces the traditional paper customs declaration process with an online system aimed at modernising border management, improving compliance and reducing delays.
According to SARS, the Online Traveller Declaration forms part of its broader customs modernisation programme and is expected to make border processing more efficient while strengthening the country’s ability to monitor goods and currency entering and leaving South Africa.
Who needs to complete the declaration?
The declaration is mandatory for South African citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals travelling into or out of the country.
The requirement applies regardless of whether travellers are flying internationally, crossing a land border by vehicle, arriving by ship or travelling by rail.
Parents and legal guardians may complete declarations on behalf of children travelling with them, while only certain passengers transiting through South Africa without leaving the designated international transit areas are exempt.
What travellers need to do
Travellers must complete the Online Traveller Declaration within 24 hours before beginning their journey to or from South Africa.
The declaration can be completed online before arriving at the airport or border post through the SARS Traveller Management System, the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile application, or the SARS MobiApp.
Once submitted, travellers receive a confirmation email which SARS recommends keeping readily available, either digitally or in printed form, should customs officials request proof during the journey.
Information required
The declaration requires travellers to provide details, including:
- Passport or travel document information.
- Travel itinerary.
- Contact details.
- Information about accompanying travellers.
- Details of goods or currency that must be declared.
Most travellers carrying only personal belongings for normal use will not need to declare those items. However, travellers must declare goods, cash or other items that exceed customs allowances or are subject to customs controls.
Why SARS introduced the new system
SARS says the online declaration system is intended to simplify customs procedures while improving border security and compliance.
The digital platform replaces manual paperwork, allowing customs officials to process declarations before travellers arrive at ports of entry. Officials believe this will reduce waiting times, improve risk management and help detect undeclared goods and currency more effectively.
The system has already been piloted at major international airports, including OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport, before being expanded nationwide.
What if you forget to complete it?
Although travellers are encouraged to complete the declaration before travelling, SARS says those who are unable to do so because of technical difficulties or limited internet access will still receive assistance at ports of entry.
Self-service facilities and customs officials will be available to help travellers complete the declaration where necessary. However, completing it in advance is expected to speed up the customs clearance process significantly.
Another step before travelling
For South Africans travelling abroad or visitors planning a trip to the country, the Online Traveller Declaration now joins passports, visas and flight documentation as part of the essential pre-travel checklist.
With the system now mandatory across all ports of entry and exit, travellers are advised to complete the declaration before leaving for the airport or border post to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother customs experience.
The introduction of the mandatory Online Traveller Declaration represents one of the most significant changes to South Africa’s customs procedures in recent years, as SARS continues its efforts to digitise border management and improve the movement of legitimate travellers while strengthening customs enforcement.
