South Africa's Traveller Declaration

South Africa's Arrival Card Traveller Declaration

Since 1st July 2026, everyone entering or leaving South Africa by air, land or sea must submit an online Traveller Declaration up to 24 hours before departure. It is free, takes a few minutes on your phone, and covers your goods, currency and travel details.

South Africa has quietly been testing this system since 2022. From 1 July 2026 it is compulsory for everyone, backpackers included, so here is exactly what it is, how to complete it, and what you actually need to declare before you land.

What Is South Africa's Traveller Declaration?

It is an online customs declaration that replaces the old paper form for almost everyone. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) piloted it at three major airports, King Shaka in Durban, Cape Town International and OR Tambo in Johannesburg, from 2022, then rolled it out to ports across the country. It became compulsory nationwide, across air, land and sea borders, from 1 July 2026. You can read the full detail on the official SARS Traveller Declaration page.

When Do You Need to Submit It?

No more than 24 hours before you depart. If your trip has connecting flights, the 24 hour window counts down to your final departure into or out of South Africa, not your first flight of the day. Submitting it too early just means doing it again closer to the time.

How Do You Actually Complete It?

You have four options: the SARS website portal, the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) app, the SARS MobiApp, or scanning a Scan-to-Declare QR code at self-service kiosks. All are free. You will need your passport details, your travel details, contact information, and details of anyone travelling with you. After you submit, SARS emails you a confirmation with instructions, keep it on your phone or printed and follow the signage when you land.

What Do You Actually Need to Declare?

Two things matter for most backpackers: goods and cash.

• Goods: you can bring in up to R5,000 worth per person completely duty and VAT free. A further R20,000 is allowed but may attract duty and VAT. Once the total value crosses R25,000, normal customs duty and VAT apply to everything over that. This allowance only works once every 30 days per person, and it does not apply if you are returning to South Africa after being away for less than 48 hours.
• Currency: you can carry up to R100,000 in local or foreign currency, or bearer instruments like traveller's cheques, without needing prior approval. Above that, you need to arrange approval in advance.

What Happens If You Do Not Declare?

SARS is explicit that failing to declare, or submitting a false declaration, can lead to delays, detention or forfeiture of your goods, penalties or other enforcement action under customs law. For a backpacker with a normal amount of gear and cash, the declaration itself takes minutes and avoids all of that.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Paper declarations still exist, but only in three situations: a SARS systems failure, no internet connectivity at the port you are crossing, or you are genuinely unable to complete it electronically. For almost every traveller with a phone and signal, the online route is the only practical one.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this mandatory for tourists, or just residents?

Everyone. Citizens, residents and visitors crossing by air, land or sea all need to submit a declaration, and parents must submit one for children and infants too.

Do I need to declare if I have nothing to declare?

Yes. The declaration itself is the requirement, not just a form for people carrying dutiable goods. Everyone submits one, even with an empty suitcase and a debit card.

What if my flight has a layover before South Africa?

Submit it within 24 hours of your final departure into or out of South Africa, not your very first flight of the journey.

Is there a fee to submit a Traveller Declaration?

No. Submitting the declaration itself is free through the SARS portal, the SATMS app, the SARS MobiApp or a Scan-to-Declare QR code. You would only pay if your goods exceed the duty-free allowance.

Where do I actually go to submit it?

The official SARS Traveller Declaration portal is the only place to submit it. The official FAQ page covers edge cases in more detail if your situation is not straightforward.

Planning a trip through South Africa? BudgetBro tracks spending in over 160 currencies and works offline, so the rand sits alongside every other currency from your trip in one place. Always check the official SARS site close to your travel date, since customs rules can change at short notice.