The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) wishes to alert all South Africans living abroad, business travellers, tourists, and international visitors to an important new travel requirement introduced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa are required to submit an online SARS Traveller Declaration before they travel. This applies to travel by air, road, rail, and sea and is now a mandatory part of South Africa’s Customs process.
Who must complete a declaration?
- South African citizens
- Permanent residents
- Foreign visitors
- Business travellers
- Children and infants (completed by a parent or legal guardian)
The only general exemption is for travellers transiting through South Africa by air or sea who remain within the international transit area and do not enter the country.
When should you complete it?
Your declaration must be submitted no more than 24 hours before departure.
If your journey includes connecting flights to South Africa, submit your declaration within 24 hours before the final leg of your journey to South Africa.
What information will you need?
- Passport or travel document details
- Travel itinerary
- Contact information
- Details of accompanying travellers (where applicable)
- Information relating to goods, currency, or bearer negotiable instruments that require declaration.
Please note that ordinary personal belongings for your own use do not need to be declared. However, goods exceeding your duty-free allowance, commercial goods, and currency or financial instruments that meet declaration thresholds must be declared.
Once your declaration has been submitted, SARS will send you an electronic confirmation with Customs instructions. Save this confirmation on your mobile device or print a copy, as Customs officials may request it upon your arrival or departure.
The new digital system is designed to simplify Customs procedures, reduce paperwork, improve border efficiency, and strengthen border security while making international travel smoother for everyone.
Complete your declaration through the official SARS Traveller Management System before you travel:
Safe travels from the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA.