🔥 Trending South Africa's New SARS Traveller Declaration: A Step-by-Step Guide

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Online Traveller Declaration is a mandatory requirement for all individuals entering or leaving South Africa as of July 1, 2026 ³⁴. This declaration aims to streamline customs processes, enhance risk management, and improve the overall traveller experience ⁷.

What is the SARS Online Traveller Declaration?

The SARS Online Traveller Declaration is a digital system designed to allow travellers to declare goods, currency, and other relevant information before arriving at or departing from South Africa's ports of entry. It replaces the traditional manual declaration forms and is applicable whether you are travelling by air, land, or sea ¹⁷.

Who Needs to Complete the Declaration?

All individuals, including South African citizens, residents, and foreign nationals, who are entering or leaving South Africa, must complete the online traveller declaration ⁷.

How to Fill Out the SARS Online Traveller Declaration

The declaration can be completed online via the SARS website or through the SARS MobiApp, which is available for download on Google, Huawei, and Apple app stores ¹.

Here's a step-by-step guide to completing the declaration:

1. Access the Declaration System

• Online Portal: Visit the official SARS website dedicated to traveller declarations ¹.
• SARS MobiApp: Download the SARS MobiApp from your device's app store (Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery, Apple App Store) and navigate to the traveller declaration section ¹.

2. Start a New Declaration

• Once on the platform, you will typically be prompted to start a new declaration. You may need to create an account or log in, though some systems allow for guest declarations.

3. Provide Personal and Travel Details

You will need to input your personal information and details about your journey. This usually includes:

• Personal Information: Full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth.
• Travel Details: Flight/vessel/vehicle number, date of arrival/departure, port of entry/exit.
• Purpose of Travel: Tourism, business, transit, etc.

4. Declare Goods and Currency

This is the most critical part of the declaration. You will be asked to declare various items, including:

• Currency: You may voluntarily declare currency in your possession through the online form ². If you are carrying currency in excess of the prescribed limits, you must obtain written permission from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) before entering or leaving South Africa ².
• Goods: This includes items you are bringing into or taking out of the country that may be subject to duties, taxes, or restrictions. Examples include:
• New goods: Items purchased abroad that you are bringing into South Africa.
• Prohibited or restricted goods: Firearms, certain agricultural products, protected wildlife, etc.
• Commercial goods: Items intended for sale or business use.
• High-value items: Jewellery, electronics, or other valuable possessions that you might be taking out of the country and intend to bring back.
• Other Declarable Items: Information related to unaccompanied baggage or items being sent via cargo.

Important Note: Be honest and accurate in your declarations. Failure to declare items correctly can lead to penalties, fines, or confiscation of goods.

5. Review and Submit

• Carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure its accuracy.
• Once satisfied, submit your declaration. You will typically receive a confirmation, often with a reference number or a QR code. It is advisable to save or print this confirmation for your records and to present it to customs officials if requested.

Key Dates and Mandates

• Mandatory from July 1, 2026: The SARS Online Traveller Declaration became strictly mandatory for all individuals entering or leaving South Africa by any mode of transport ³⁴.
• Prior to July 1, 2026: While not strictly mandatory for all travellers before this date, SARS encouraged travellers to use the online system to help streamline processing, especially during peak holiday seasons ⁵⁶.

Benefits of Using the Online Declaration

• Faster Processing: Helps to expedite your passage through customs ⁷.
• Improved Traveller Experience: Reduces delays and simplifies the declaration process ⁷.
• Enhanced Risk Management: Allows SARS to better manage customs risks ⁷.

By completing the SARS Online Traveller Declaration accurately and in advance, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience when entering or leaving South Africa.