Flying soon? There's a new travel rule for South Africa you need to know about

Before you start dreaming about beach sunsets or ticking off your packing list, there's one more piece of travel admin to add. From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa must complete a mandatory online traveller declaration before they travel (rather than the old-school paper option).

This is part of SARS' digital customs system and the good news is it’s designed to make customs processing quicker and easier once you arrive.

Who needs to complete it?

Pretty much everyone.

• If you’re a South African citizen, resident, or international visitor…you need one.
• If you’re travelling by air, road, rail or sea…you need one.
• If you’re a child…you need one (although parents and guardians can help out here!).

The only major exemption is for passengers simply transiting through South Africa without leaving the international transit area.

READ: Can you take a power bank on your next flight?

When do you need to do it?

The declaration must be completed no more than 24 hours before your departure. If you're flying to South Africa with connecting flights, complete it within 24 hours before the final leg of your journey into the country.

What information will you need?

There's no need to declare everyday personal belongings like clothing or toiletries. However, you should have these details ready:

• Passport or travel document
• Flight or travel details
• Contact information
• Details of anyone travelling with you
• Any goods, currency or other items that need to be declared

What happens next?

Once you've submitted the form, you'll receive a confirmation from SARS with instructions for your arrival or departure. Keep it on your phone or print a copy, just in case.

If the online system isn't available because of technical issues or there's no internet access, assistance and limited paper forms will still be available at ports of entry.

Why the change?

SARS says the new digital system will streamline customs and reduce paperwork at South Africa's ports of entry, making travel a little smoother once you've completed this extra step.

For more information or to complete your traveller declaration, visit the official SARS Traveller Management System before you travel.

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