SARS Online Traveller Declaration Now Required

SARS Online Traveller Declaration Now Required

SARS now requires everyone entering or leaving South Africa to complete an online Traveller Declaration before they travel. The requirement came into effect on 1 July 2026 under the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS).

The declaration forms part of the Customs process and helps travellers meet their legal obligations to declare goods, currency and other regulated items.

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Who needs to do this

This applies to:

  • South African citizens
  • Permanent residents
  • Foreign travellers visiting South Africa
  • Anyone travelling by air, land, sea, or rail

A parent, guardian, caregiver, or assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or someone unable to do so themselves. 

Exemption: If you're simply transiting through South Africa by air or sea and staying within the designated transit area, you don't need to submit a declaration.

Michelle Compton joins Smile 90.4FM to unpack South Africa's new SARS Traveller Declaration and what every business traveller needs to know before they fly.

We join Smile 90.4FM to unpack SARS' new Online Customs Declaration for business travellers

 

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When to submit your declaration

Complete your declaration within 24 hours before departure from the country you're travelling from.

If you’re flying to South Africa with connecting flights, you only need to complete it within 24 hours before departure of the final leg of your journey.

How can travellers submit the declaration?

You can complete your declaration through:

  • The SARS Traveller Management System (TMS) on the SARS website
  • The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile application
  • QR code access via an internet-enabled device
  • Self-service kiosks at selected ports where available
SARS Online Traveller Declaration Now Required

What you will need

Please have the following details available:

  • Passport or travel document details
  • Your travel itinerary
  • Contact information
  • Details of any travelling companions
  • Information on any goods, currency, or bearer negotiable instruments you need to declare

Get the full lowdown in our quick-guide infographic.

Before you travel

  • Complete your declaration within 24 hours of departure
  • Save a copy of your confirmation, digital or printed, as you may need to present it on arrival or departure
  • Build this step into your pre-departure checklist to avoid delays at customs

Need help?

For full details, visit the official SARS pages:

About Flight Centre Travel Group
The Flight Centre Travel Group is one of the world’s largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers. The company, which is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, has company-owned leisure and corporate travel business in dozens of countries, spanning Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Asia. ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) also operates the global FCM corporate travel management network, which extends to more than 100 countries through company-owned businesses and independent licensees, along with Corporate Traveller, the flagship business specific to the small-to-medium-sized enterprise sector. For more information, visit fctgl.com.

 

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