South Africa Traveller Declaration: The SARS Online Form Required Since 1 July 2026
The South African Revenue Service online traveller declaration that every person entering or leaving South Africa has been required to submit since 1 July 2026: how to file it, what it covers, and what happens if you arrive without one.
What This Means for You
Whatever passport you hold, download the SATMS app or open the SARS portal the day before you fly, declare what you are carrying, and keep the confirmation. It is free, it is separate from your visa or ETA, and skipping it means a kiosk queue on arrival rather than refusal.
Overview
From 1 July 2026 the South African Revenue Service requires every traveller entering or leaving the country through an air, land, sea or rail port to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling. It replaces the paper customs form and applies to South African citizens and residents as well as foreign visitors, whatever their visa status.
What it is: A customs declaration, not an immigration document. It records the goods in your possession, including currency, and the answers determine whether you are directed to the green or red channel. It is separate from the visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation and the visitor's permit.
How to file: Through the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration portal, the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile app, or a scan-to-declare QR code. A parent, guardian or assisting person may complete it for a child or for someone unable to do so. After submission SARS sends a confirmation with instructions for the port; keep it on your phone or printed.
If you have not filed: SARS states that travellers will not be refused entry to or departure from South Africa solely because they did not complete the declaration in advance. Customs officials and self-service kiosks at the ports will help you complete it there. The practical cost is time in a queue.
Exceptions: Limited paper-based exceptions exist for travellers who cannot use the online channels; SARS' FAQ page sets them out.
Why it matters for visitors: Airlines and ground staff increasingly ask for the confirmation, the currency threshold for declaration is USD 10,000 or its equivalent, and undeclared goods above the duty-free allowance are seized. It takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Every traveller entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea or rail, including citizens, residents and visitors
- Submitted before travel through the online portal, the SATMS app or a QR code
- A parent or guardian may file for a minor
Required Documents
Passport details
RequiredNumber, nationality and travel dates as they appear on your ticket
Travel details
RequiredFlight or vessel, port of entry or exit, and dates
Goods and currency to declare
RequiredItems above the duty-free allowance and cash of USD 10,000 or equivalent
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Application Steps
Open the SARS portal or the SATMS app
Or scan a scan-to-declare QR code at the airport. All three are free.
Enter your passport and travel details
For arrival and, separately, for departure; both directions require a declaration.
Declare goods and currency
Anything above the duty-free allowance and cash of USD 10,000 or more.
Keep the confirmation
On your phone or printed, and follow the instructions it gives for the port.
Visa Fees
| Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SARS traveller declaration | ZAR 0 | Free |
Common Reasons for Refusal
Understanding these can help you strengthen your application
- 1Not applicable: SARS states nobody is refused entry for lacking a pre-submitted declaration
- 2Undeclared goods or currency found on inspection are seized and may be penalised
If your application is refused: You will receive a letter explaining the reason. In most cases, you can reapply immediately with a stronger application addressing the concerns raised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the South Africa traveller declaration mandatory?
Is the traveller declaration the same as the ETA?
Does the traveller declaration cost anything?
Do I need to declare on departure as well?
Can I file the declaration for my children?
Generate Your Documents
Create all required documents for your SARS Traveller Declaration application
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Important
Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.
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Official Sources
This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.
The customs declaration every traveller submits online before entering or leaving South Africa.
Exceptions, channels and what to do at the port.
Ninety days for British citizens, passport validity of 30 days beyond departure with two blank pages, yellow fever and children's documents.
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