South Africans travelling in or out of the country now have a new step to complete before they move through the border.

From Wednesday, 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service says all travellers entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online traveller declaration before they travel.

New Travel Declaration Now Required

According to SARS, the declaration forms part of the Customs process. It is meant to help travellers meet their legal duty to declare goods, currency and other relevant items they carry.

The system was first piloted at selected airports in 2022 as part of the South African Traveller Management System. It was later expanded to sea and land ports.

During the pilot phase, the process was voluntary. It is now mandatory.

Travellers must submit the declaration no more than 24 hours before leaving the country from which they are travelling.

Who Must Complete the Form?

SARS says the rule applies to anyone entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea or rail.

This includes South African citizens, residents and foreign travellers.

A parent, legal guardian, caretaker or assisting person must complete the declaration for a minor or someone who cannot complete it themselves.

There are some exemptions. Air and sea travellers who are only transiting through South Africa do not need to submit the online declaration, as long as they stay within designated transit areas.

Limited paper-based exceptions may also apply in certain cases.

What Travellers Need to Submit

Travellers must provide their passport or travel document details, travel information, contact details and details of travelling companions where needed.

They must also declare goods, currency or bearer negotiable instruments when required.

SARS says ordinary personal items for personal use do not need to be declared.

However, travellers must declare goods, currency or items that exceed their traveller allowance or need Customs attention.

The duty-free limit is R5,000 per person. Additional goods up to R20,000 may be allowed but can attract duty and VAT.

If the total value exceeds R25,000, normal Customs duties and VAT will apply.

Cash Over R100,000 Must be Declared

A further rule also took effect on 1 July 2026.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has started section 30 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act.

This means travellers crossing South Africa’s air, land or sea borders must declare cash, goods, currency or bearer negotiable instruments above R100,000 through the Customs and Excise traveller management system.

SARS warned that false declarations or failure to declare may lead to delays, penalties, detention or forfeiture of goods.