ohannesburg – Travellers entering or leaving South Africa are now required to submit an online customs declaration before travelling, but failing to complete it in advance does not mean they will automatically be denied entry to or departure from the country.
The new requirement, introduced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1 July 2026, forms part of the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), replacing the traditional paper-based customs declaration process for most travellers.
SARS says the system is intended to help travellers meet their legal obligation to declare goods, currency and other relevant items.
Passengers will not be denied access to South Africa or prevented from leaving solely because they failed to complete the online declaration before travelling. Instead, they may be directed to complete the declaration at the port of entry.
“All travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling,” SARS said.
Legal obligation
“The implementation adopts a whole-of-government approach to strengthen data integration and facilitate Inter-agency risk management, thereby enhancing the monitoring, analysis, and reporting of cross-border activities. The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) enables travellers to meet their legal obligation to declare goods in their possession, including currency through convenient digital channels such as the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration Portal, the SATMS mobile application, and Scan-to-Declare QR codes. Through convenience and digital accessibility, SATMS promotes voluntary compliance to simplify the declaration process and enhance the overall traveller border experience.”
It added: “Travellers will not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they have not completed a declaration before arriving at a port of entry.’
The clarification comes after concerns among travellers about what would happen if they arrived at an airport or border post without having submitted the online form.
Travellers who have not completed the mandatory form will be directed by SARS Customs officials to self-service declaration terminals to complete the process.
SARS says the online declaration should normally be completed within 24 hours before departur
What must travellers declare?
The electronic system allows travellers to declare goods and currency in their possession, including goods subject to duties, restricted or prohibited items and goods being temporarily imported or exported.
SARS says the system is designed to support “efficient and compliant traveller processing” by allowing declarations to be submitted before arrival or departure.
Travellers can complete the declaration through the SARS website, SATMS mobile application, SARS MobiApp or QR codes available at customs ports. Self-service facilities and assistance from SARS officials are also available at ports of entry.
The new system has nevertheless attracted criticism and confusion among some travellers.
Businesswoman Magda Wierzycka questioned what exactly travellers are expected to declare when leaving the country.
“In desperation, I have taken photos of my suitcase contents with the Cape Town skyline in the background. Can we upload photos? SARS, please clarify,” Wierzycka said, according to Newsday.
SARS, however, maintains that the digital system is intended to modernise customs procedures, improve risk-based screening and make border processing more efficient.
The key takeaway for travellers is that the declaration is mandatory, but forgetting to complete it beforehand does not automatically mean being turned away. Travellers can still complete the declaration at the border, although doing so may add time to their journey.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
