Government

SARS clarifies new mandatory travel rule for people entering or leaving South Africa

Staff Writer

 ·7 Jul 2026

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has stressed that, while its newly implemented online travel declaration form is mandatory, travellers won’t be denied entry into or departure from South Africa if it hasn’t been completed.

Instead, these travellers will be directed by SARS Customs officials to self-service declaration terminals to complete the process.

From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.

SARS said the system has been implemented to strengthen data integration and enhance the monitoring, analysis, and reporting of cross-border activities.

It operates through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) and follows a trial period launched back in 2022.

Under the system, all travellers must now submit the online declaration no more than 24 hours before departing from the country from which they are travelling.

In SARS’ initial announcement of the rule change, the question of what happens if a traveller cannot complete the online form in time was left buried in its FAQ.

Here, the revenue service said that travellers who experience a systems failure, a lack of internet access, or “another reasonable ground” would be assisted at the port of entry.

“In limited cases, a paper declaration may still be used,” it said.

In its subsequent update, the tax service clarified that no one would be turned away for failing to complete the online form.

“Travellers will not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they have not completed a declaration before arriving at a port of entry,” it said.

“SARS Customs officials, supported by self-service declaration terminals, will be available to assist travellers who were unable to submit their declarations before travelling.”

SARS said it encourages all travellers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and complete their declarations in advance to ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience.