South Africa Requires Online Traveler Declarations From July 2026

Key Point  

• South Africa now requires most travelers entering or departing the country to submit an online traveler declaration before travel, effective July 1, 2026.  

Mandatory Online Traveler Declarations from July 2026 

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made its online traveler declaration system mandatory for most travelers entering or leaving South Africa. Effective July 1, 2026, travelers must complete and submit an online declaration before travel unless they qualify for a limited paper-based exception.  

Key Changes 

Under the new requirement, travelers entering or departing South Africa by: 

• Air; 
• Land; or 
• Sea, 

must submit an online traveler declaration before travel.  

The declaration requires information such as: 

• Passport details; 
• Travel details; 
• Contact information; 
• Travel companion information; and 
• Business entity details for business travelers.  

Who Is Affected? 

The requirement applies to: 

• South African citizens; 
• South African residents; and 
• Foreign nationals entering or leaving South Africa.  

Declarations must also be completed for accompanying children and infants.  

Declaration Process 

Travelers can submit declarations through: 

• The SARS Traveller Management System website; or 
• The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile application.  

After submission, travelers receive an electronic confirmation containing customs instructions and should retain the confirmation for presentation to customs officials at the port of entry or departure. 

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