south africa travel declaration form

South Africa Visa » Traveller Health Questionnaire to Enter South Africa

• Traveller Health Questionnaire to Enter South Africa

During the pandemic, South Africa introduced safety measures to protect foreign visitors and its citizens from coronavirus and other infectious diseases. The Traveller Health Questionnaire , THQ, was one of these measures.

As COVID-19 entry restrictions for South Africa have now been lifted, passengers no longer need to fill out the THQ before entering the country.

However, the SA government has now launched an electronic Traveller Declaration that expedites the customs process, and entry and departure from the country.

What is the Health Questionnaire for South Africa (THQ)?

The South African Health Questionnaire for South Africa was an online application that collected a visitor’s travel history. It was previously mandatory for all passengers arriving by air, land, or sea to fill out the THQ.

However, completing a THQ for South Africa is no longer a n entry requirement . The system is being replaced by the online Traveller Declaration system . Unlike the THQ, this form does not ask you to provide health information.

Instead, the Traveller Declaration asks passengers to provide :

• Passport data
• Travel details
• Contact information
• Details of any travel companions
• Entity details for business travel

The online system allows travellers to submit precise data about themselves and their possessions, to improve border security while streamlining customs and immigration operations .

By completing the electronic declaration, you avoid waiting in long lines at the airport or filling out paperwork while on the plane.

How do I make a South Africa Traveller Declaration?

Making a Traveller Declaration is a straightforward process . The online form is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Visitors or returning South African nationals must provide the personal details and travel information indicated above. You also need to indicate a current email address to receive

Once you’ve sent in the application form, you’ll receive a confirmation email in your inbox within 1-2 days.

When you receive the confirmation declaration, print a copy or download it to your phone. You can then show it to customs officers when you enter or leave South Africa.

What other documents do I need to enter South Africa?

Depending on your nationality you may need a visa to enter South Africa. Over 100 nationalities must apply for a South African visa.

The electronic South African visa is now available to passport holders from several countries.

Nationals from 50 countries can enter South Africa for stays of up to 90 days visa free.

All foreigners must have a valid passport to enter the African nation. Those who need a visa should make an appointment at their nearest embassy or consulate.

Health protocols to enter South Africa

All COVID-related health protocols to enter South Africa have now been removed. However, there are some other measures you should take to safeguard your health while in the country:

• Make sure you’re up-to-date with the required vaccines for South Africa
• Malaria and other illnesses brought on by insects, such filariasis, are widespread. Ensure that your lodging is bug-free. Apply repellant frequently.
• South Africa has a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection. Take action to lower your exposure risk.
• Travellers over the age of 1 coming from a nation where yellow fever is common must provide a certificate of yellow fever vaccine.
• In general, private hospitals have greater equipment than public ones. In remote places, your only choice is medical evacuation.

Although it is not mandatory to get travel insurance to visit South Africa , we strongly advise doing so. You should make sure the insurance covers medical care, including evacuation.

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Arrival in SA

Customs requirements for travellers.

The online declaration form (link coming soon) or the manual Traveller Card (also called a  TC01  form), needs to be completed by travellers arriving in South Africa who have goods in their possession to declare. To have an overview of the process and requirements at ports of entry, kindly  click here  .

If you would like more detail about the arrival process and the various allowances,  click here  to read the Traveller’s Guide.

Red or Green channel?

Travellers are encouraged on voluntary basis to complete the online declaration form (link coming soon) or the manual Traveller Card to declare goods in their possession. After reporting to Immigration, travellers within an airport environment must collect  their baggage and  proceed to Customs’ red or green channel (or to the Customs counter if there is no red or green channel).

The following Customs channels must be followed, depending on your circumstances:

Travellers in possession of any goods to declare including prohibited/restricted goods, goods exceeding the duty-free allowance, or are unsure whether goods their possession falls within these categories, must please proceed to the red channel.

Travellers who were unable to declared online pre arrival, will still have an opportunity to declare through Customs through the online declaration form or the manual Traveller Card.

Traveller on arrival are also expected to declare currency in their possession. The following link provide more information with regards to  currency or cash  SC-PA-01-06 – Excess Currency – External Policy .

Travellers may access the following link for more information about duty free allowance: Guide on Duty Free allowances for travellers.   

Prohibited Goods

The importation of the following goods into South Africa is strictly prohibited:

• Narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form
• Fully automatic, military and unnumbered weapons
• Explosives and fireworks
• Poison and other toxic substances
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000
• Goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act (for example, counterfeit goods)
• Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright
• Penitentiary or prison-made goods

Restricted Goods

Certain goods may only be imported if you are in possession of approval from relevant authority. Such goods on approval will require permit, letter of authority etc.  Examples are:

• Firearms / Weapons
• Excess currency (cash, banknotes etc.)
• Unprocessed minerals (e.g. gold, diamonds, etc.)
• Animals, plants and their products (e.g. animal skins, dairy products, honey)
• Medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician)
• Herbal products (Department of Health permit required)

Duty-free allowances

The following goods may be imported duty free as accompanied baggage duty free (without payment of applicable duties and VAT):

• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person
• No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person
• No more than 50ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette per person
• No more than 2 litres of wine per person
• No more than 1 litre in total of other alcoholic beverages per person

In addition to personal effects and the above consumable allowances, travellers are allowed new or used goods in his/her accompanied baggage to the value of R5 000 per person during a period of 30 days after the absence of 48 hours from South Africa.  The tobacco and alcohol allowance is not applicable to persons under the age of 18 years. Crew members are not entitled to any consumable allowances.

Can I bring personal medication under the duty-free allowance?

Travellers may import their personal medicaments provided they are in possession of authorised letter from the medical doctor. 

Handmade articles for commercial purposes

Apart from penitentiary or prison-made goods, travellers from the South African Customs Union (SACU) or the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are allowed to bring into South Africa handmade articles of leather, wood, plastic, or glass if the goods do not exceed 25 kg in total, without the payment of duties and taxes.

Flat-Rate Assessment

Over and above the duty-free allowance, you may choose to pay customs duty at a flat-rate of 20% on goods which you acquired abroad or in any duty-free shop. The total value of these additional goods, new or used, may not exceed R20 000 per person or R2000 for crew members. Flat-rate goods are also exempted from payment of VAT.   Should the value of the additional goods in question exceed R20 000 or should you decide not to make use of this facility, the flat-rate assessment falls away and the appropriate rates of duty and VAT must be assessed and paid on each individual item.

 It should be kept in mind that in certain cases goods may be liable to rates of customs duty in excess of 20%; others could be subject to lower rates, while some goods may be free of duty. In addition, 15% value-added tax will be payable on the added-tax value (ATV) of goods assessed by tariff.   It must, however, be noted that the application of this provision is subject to the total value of goods declared under the entire rebate item not exceeding R25 000. In other words, all consumables, the duty-free allowance of R5000 and the items to be assessed on the flat rate must in value not exceed R25 000.  The flat rate allowance will be granted an unlimited number of times during the 30-day cycle after an absence of 48 hours or more from the country provided the goods do not exceed R20 000.

Customs duties and taxes are payable in South African Rand. Payment can be made in cash, by debit or credit card.  Travellers must ensure a receipt is issued for payment of applicable duties and VAT on goods in their possession.

Temporary Imports

Customs as part of risk-based approach may require travellers to lodge surety (deposit) to cover the potential duty/tax on goods temporarily imported into South Africa. Such surety amount is refundable on re-export of such goods after customs verification process.   

Related Documents

Customs-G001 – Travellers Guide new – External Guide

DA 306 – Application for release of goods in terms of Section 38 1 a of the Customs and Excise Act Act 91 of 1964 – Externa

SC-PA-01-03 – Duty Free Allowances for Travellers – External Guide

SC-PA-01-06 – Excess Currency – External Policy

SC-PA-01-09 – Completion of Traveller Card – External Manual

SC-PA-01-11 – Traveller Processing – External Policy

TC01 – Traveller Card – External Form

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April 17, 2024

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South African Revenue Service Introduces an Online Traveller Declaration System

• October 17, 2022 October 17, 2022
• AFRICA TOP 10

The new system will simplify passenger movement at South African airports, SARS said, and will come into effect from 1 November 2022. The system aims to collect travel information and, in return, grants a traveller pass via email, said SARS. It requires that all travellers – including South African citizens and residents, children and infants – leaving or entering South Africa by air complete the declaration. SARS said that once completed and submitted, travellers will receive a pass before they board. The new online system will be rolled out in all South African international airports, starting with OR Tambo International Airport from 1 November, and then to others in the first quarter of 2023, the revenue service said. When departing from South Africa, residents are further required by SARS to register valuables before their trip – this can be done at the customs office in international departures before handing luggage in. However, tourists to South Africa can reclaim Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the goods bought during their visit to the country, added SARS.

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SARS has introduced a new online travel declaration system for South Africans & its residents.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says it will implement an "online traveller declaration system" that will go into effect on November 1, 2022. According to SARS, the new system will be applicable to all South Africans travelling abroad and says that it will simplify passenger movement at South African airports.

According to SARS, the system's goal is to collect travel information and in exchange, grant a traveller pass via email. It requires that all South Africans and residents leaving or entering South Africa by air complete the declaration.

Once completed and submitted, travellers will receive a pass before boarding.

Rollout of the new SARS Traveller Pass

The new online system will be implemented in all South African international airports, beginning with OR Tambo International Airport on 1 November 2022 and will further rollout to other airports in the first quarter of 2023.

More information on the SARS Travel Pass

While SARS has not updated their website nor given us a way to find out more information, travellers can expect instructions upon arrival in South Africa from 1 November should all go according to plan. This information will serve to guide and inform travellers on what to do.

If you are in the industry and want to know more, SATSA, the inbound industry association, is inviting the entire industry (members, non-members, and stakeholders) to join its CEO, David Frost, and a panel from SARS for an “ Introduction of SARS's online traveller declaration system webinar ” that will unpack the system and what it means for travellers: The webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. To register, go here.

For the rest of you, TaxTim will keep you updated with further information on the new travel declaration system from SARS as soon as it lands!

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South africa to introduce traveller declaration system.

South Africa is to introduce a new online traveller declaration system to “simplify” the entry process for travellers.

The system, which will be first introduced at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International airport in November, will require all travellers leaving or entering South Africa to complete and submit an online traveller declaration.

The online system will collect this information and then email a “traveller pass” to passengers before departure.

“Upon arrival in South Africa, there will be instructions at the airports that will guide and inform travellers what to do next,” said the South African Revenue Service in a statement.

After being introduced at Johannesburg airport, the online system will be rolled out to South Africa’s other international airports in the first quarter of 2023.

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South Africa

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact South Africa’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity requirements

To avoid problems at immigration, your passport should:

• be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa
• have 2 blank pages

You can read more about South Africa’s  Immigration Regulations on the Department of Home Affairs’ website .

Dual nationals

If you hold South African citizenship, you must use your South African passport to enter and exit the country. It is illegal for a South African citizen aged 18 or over to enter or leave the country on a foreign passport. For more information about South African passports, see the South Africa Department of Home Affairs .

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit South Africa for tourism or business for up to 90 days.

Check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure you do not overstay.

For more information on visas, contact the South African High Commission .

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

Check UK customs requirements before buying products to take back to the UK.

Taking money into South Africa

There are limits on how much currency you can bring into South Africa:

• cash in South African rand – up to 25,000 rand per person
• combinations of cash in other currencies – up to 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent)

If you’re taking more than this, you need to declare it when you enter South Africa.

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South Africa Entry Form

In an effort to streamline border control and ensure the safety of both travellers and residents, the South African Revenue Service has introduced the online Traveller Declaration system .

This page provides a comprehensive guide to:

• Understanding the Traveller Declaration
• Its purpose
• The implementation timeline
• Who needs it
• The customs declaration requirements
• How to submit the Traveller Declaration application online

Traveller Declaration, an entry form for South Africa

The Traveller Declaration is an online South Africa entry form . This digital system is designed to facilitate the collection of information about a traveller's identity and their travel details.

You will also be able to easily pre-declare goods and cash that you are bringing into or taking out of South Africa thanks to the new system.

When fully implemented, the system will:

• Use pre-arrival data to improve an efficient risk management strategy
• Allow users to have a "green lane" experience, meaning that you will be able to skip lengthy customs queues
• Permit you to have a smoother boarding process.

The online pre-declaration will enable travellers to proceed quickly, stress-free, and without incident upon arrival and departure. Nevertheless, those travellers who prefer to manually fill the paper form can request the paper forms at the terminals.

Why is the online South Africa Traveller Declaration being implemented?

The implementation of the online South Africa Entry Form serves multiple purposes. It aims to strengthen South Africa's border management system and ensure the safety of both visitors and residents.

It also allows you to complete the mandatory goods and cash declaration in advance and eliminates the need to wait in long queues to complete an application at the port of entry.

The declaration form:

• Streamlines the process of entering and exiting the country by automating the collection of traveller information.
• Enhances border security by monitoring travellers and their belongings.
• Facilitates the tracking and control of imported and exported goods to prevent illegal trade and smuggling.

South African Traveller Declaration System timeline

The South African Revenue Service introduced the electronic South Africa Traveller Declaration system on a pilot basis in November 2022 . It was first piloted at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA).

Following the successful trial, the system was then implemented at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in February and March 2023, respectively.

After these trials, the system is being introduced at all other airports in South Africa , as well as at land border checkpoints (particularly Beit Bridge and Skilpadshek).

It is expected that the online declaration form will be mandatory to arrive and depart from all points of entry in South Africa by the end of 2023 .

Who needs the Traveller Declaration for South Africa?

By the end of 2023, all passengers both entering and leaving South Africa will need to complete and submit an online South Africa Traveller Declaration application.

This requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of their nationality , age, or purpose of visit. This includes tourists, business travellers, students, and those visiting friends or family in South Africa.

Nationals and residents of South Africa are not exempt. You will need to submit a South Africa Traveller Declaration application even if you have a South African passport or are resident in the country.

If you are travelling to South Africa with minors, you also need to complete a separate declaration on behalf of each child .

Electronic South Africa Traveller Declaration requirements

The online South Africa Traveller Declaration requirements state you must:

• Book a flight to or from South Africa
• Have a passport with at least 30 days of remaining validity after departure from South Africa.

Your passport must contain at least one blank page if you are a visa-exempt visitor. However, if you require a visa for South Africa, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages.

Please note that if you are travelling to South Africa as a family or with others, you also need to provide details of your travel companion(s) on your declaration.

How to apply online for the Traveller Declaration

The South Africa Traveller Declaration application is straightforward. Simply follow these steps:

• Access the online Traveller Declaration form
• Provide personal information: The online form will require you to enter your personal details, such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport information, and contact information.
• Supply travel details: Additionally, you'll need to provide information about your travel itinerary, including flight number and port of entry/departure.
• Declare goods and their estimated values: Remember to comply with the country's customs regulations and be aware of restricted or prohibited items (see information below).
• Review your application: Carefully review all the information provided in your Traveller Declaration form to ensure its accuracy. Inaccurate or incomplete information may result in delays or issues upon arrival in South Africa.
• Submit the application: Once you've reviewed your application, click the "Submit" button.

If you have any questions about the process of applying for the South Africa Traveller Declaration, please feel free to contact us. We will be more than happy to help resolve any doubts you may have.

South Africa Traveller Declaration processing time

A South Africa Traveller Declaration is usually processed in 1 to 2 days.

Therefore, we advise you to submit the Declaration a maximum of 2 days before your trip to allow for sufficient processing time.

If you have a last-minute flight to South Africa or have forgotten to submit your declaration, you should use the Priority Service . With Priority Processing, your application will be processed within the hour.

Embassy registration service for South Africa

If you’re a national of Canada, the UK, or the US, you have the option to sign up for the Embassy registration service at the moment of submitting your application.

This can be obtained when making payment for the Traveller Declaration , for an extra fee.

By signing up for this service, you’ll receive travel advisory updates from the embassy of your country in South Africa. You, as well as family and friends, will also be more contactable in an emergency.

What to do once you receive your South Africa Traveller Declaration

After you submit the online form:

• You'll receive a confirmation email containing your completed South Africa Entry Form. You should save this on your mobile device, as you'll need to provide it upon arrival in South Africa.
• We also advise you to print a copy of the completed declaration form and carry it with you when travelling. However, you can either show the form on your mobile screen or present a printed copy.

You also need to present your passport and any other required documentation to immigration and customs officials on arrival in South Africa. They may ask you questions about your visit, so be prepared to provide clear and accurate information.

South Africa ports of entry

This section provides comprehensive lists of each type of border crossing in South Africa. You’re required to show your approved declaration at all of these ports of entry.

Ports of entry - Air

South Africa has a number of international airports, all of which require a declaration form from each passenger.

List of South African airports

• Bloemfontein Airport (Braam Fischer International Airport)
• Cape Town International Airport
• King Shaka International Airport
• Lanseria International Airport
• Nelspruit Airport (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport)
• O.R. Tambo International Airport
• PEZ International Airport (Dawid Stuurman International Airport)
• Pietersburg (Polokwane International Airport)
• Pilanesberg International Airport
• Richardsbay Airport
• Upington International Airport

Ports of entry - Sea

A completed South Africa Traveller Declaration is also required to enter South Africa by sea. Below is the full list of international sea crossings.

List of South African seaports

• Alexander Bay
• East London
• Port of Nqgura (Coega)
• Richards Bay
• Saldanha Bay

Ports of entry - Land

If you’re planning to enter South Africa by land, you must have a completed declaration form. Find the list of land border crossings below.

List of South Africa’s land border crossings

• Beit Bridge
• Caledonspoort
• Ficksburg Bridge
• Groblers Bridge
• Jeppes Reef
• Komatipoort
• Maseru Bridge
• Ramatlabama
• Skilpadshek
• Upington Station
• Van Rooyenshek

Other entry requirements for South Africa

In addition to the Traveller Declaration, there are other entry requirements that travellers must meet before entering South Africa.

These include obtaining a visa, if necessary, and completing a health questionnaire to ensure the well-being of visitors and residents.

Visa for South Africa

Depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay, you may need a visa to enter South Africa . There are different types of visas, including tourist, business, student, and work visas.

To determine whether you need a travel permit, you should consult the South African visa requirements .

If you require a visa, it's essential to apply well in advance of your trip , as the processing time can vary. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation during your stay.

Health questionnaire

To protect public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, travellers entering South Africa may be required to complete a health questionnaire .

This form collects information about your health status , recent travel history, and potential exposure to contagious illnesses.

Upon arrival in South Africa, you may also be subject to health screening procedures such as temperature checks or symptom assessments. If you are identified as potentially posing a health risk, you may be required to undergo further testing or quarantine measures.

In some cases, proof of vaccination against specific diseases, like yellow fever , may be required for travellers coming from or transiting through high-risk countries.

It's important to stay informed about any health-related entry requirements and ensure you have the necessary documentation before travelling.

Requirements for departing from South Africa

As stated above, you must complete a Traveller Declaration form when leaving South Africa. You must also comply with the:

• Customs declaration: If you have purchased goods or acquired items during your stay in South Africa that exceed the customs allowance, you must list these items on your declaration form. Ensure that you have receipts or documentation to verify the value of the goods.
• Exit formalities: Before departing, you will need to present your passport and boarding pass at the immigration counter. Be prepared to answer any questions the immigration officials may have about your stay in South Africa.

Finally, we advise you to arrive at the airport or port of departure well in advance of your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to complete the required formalities, go through security checks, and navigate any potential delays.

Basic customs rules for South Africa

Below is an overview of the basic customs rules that you should bear in mind when completing your South Africa Entry Form.

Declaration of goods

When entering or leaving South Africa, you must declare any goods you are bringing into or taking out of the country on the Traveller Declaration form.

This includes items for personal use, gifts, and commercial goods . Travellers must provide a list of these items, along with their estimated values in South African Rand (ZAR).

Duty-free allowances

Travellers are allowed to bring certain goods into South Africa duty-free, up to specific limits:

• No more than 2 litres of wine per person
• No more than 1 litre in total of other alcoholic beverages per person
• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person
• No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person
• No more than 50ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette per person

Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible for the cigarette and alcohol allowance.

In addition to personal items and the aforementioned consumable allowances, travellers are permitted to bring new or used products worth up to R5,000 per person into South Africa for a period of 30 days following a 48-hour absence.

Prohibited items

It is completely forbidden to bring the following into South Africa:

• Substances that are narcotic and addictive in any way
• Military-grade, fully automatic, and unnumbered weaponry
• Firearms and fireworks
• Other toxic substances and poison
• Cigarettes weighing more than 2 kg per 1,000
• Counterfeit goods)
• Illegal copies of any copyrighted works
• Penitentiary or prison-made items

You should familiarize yourself with this list before entering South Africa to ensure you are not carrying any such items in your luggage.

Restricted goods

South Africa has strict regulations on the import and export of certain goods , including:

• Firearms/weapons and ammunition
• Animal and plant products
• Medicine (except for personal use, alongside a certified letter or prescription)
• Herbal products (unless you have a Department of Health permit)

If you wish to bring these items to SA, you must have proof of approval from a relevant authority.

Enforcement of taxes

Goods brought into South Africa may be subject to taxes, such as Value-Added Tax (VAT) or customs duties , depending on the type and value of the goods.

Travellers are responsible for paying any applicable taxes, and failure to do so may result in penalties or the confiscation of goods.

Currency restrictions

There are limitations on the amount of currency, both local and foreign , that travellers can bring into South Africa. Travellers are allowed:

• Up to ZAR 25,000 in South African currency
• Up to US$10,000 (or equivalent) for combinations of cash in other currencies.

Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared. Be sure to check the latest regulations and restrictions on currency before travelling.

By understanding and complying with South Africa's customs rules and regulations, you can avoid potential issues, penalties, or delays during your visit .

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Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:

• your contact details change,
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• you are going back to your home country.

Learn More: Traveller Declaration

What you need to know.

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a form you need to fill out online before arriving and leaving South Africa to declare goods you bought, received, or acquired differently.

This travel declaration is not a visa.

You can also complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration on arrival. We advise you to do it online and in advance to avoid delays at the airport.

This document is valid during your entry and exit from South Africa. That means you will need to apply twice, once you enter the country and once when you leave.

You can apply online for this travel document with iVisa. We do all the paperwork for you, and our team will review your application to be 100% government-compliant so you can avoid rejections.

No traveler (South African citizens included) entering or leaving the country is exempt from completing this form.

Children also need to apply for the South Africa Traveller Declaration.

You can use this travel declaration at King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport.

We advise you to complete this form two days ahead to avoid any delays.

This form is required to transit through South Africa.

There are no COVID-19 requirements to enter South Africa.

iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.

Complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration online now!

Last updated: January 2023

Are you planning a trip to South Africa to discover the fantastic wildlife, pristine beaches, vibey cities, and diverse culture? Make sure you have the right travel documents to enter South Africa .

Besides a visa, if you need one, it’s necessary for travelers to fill out another document: the digital South Africa Traveller Declaration .

This magical destination is closer than ever since you can fill out the form online with iVisa to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa, via King Shaka International airport or any other South African international airport.

What is the South Africa Traveller Declaration?

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a form you have to fill out online before arriving and leaving South African territory to pre-declare goods you bought or received, or large amounts of cash .

The new declaration system is part of the SMART border initiative, and was launched in November 2022. The new system aims to improve travelers' experience and achieve socio-economic growth, to protect and facilitate legitimate trade in the country.

Entering South Africa without applying for this online declaration is still possible. However, you will have to declare your goods on arrival at the King Shaka International airport or other airports, which can take time.

The new traveler declaration system facilitates the process since you can fill out the document from the comfort of your home and get through customs quickly.

Fill out the South Africa Traveller Declaration online now

Who needs to use the online Traveller Declaration system for South Africa?

This declaration is mandatory for all travelers entering or leaving the country , which also includes South African citizens. The new system allows everyone to complete this form and pay applicable taxes online. You will be required to present this document at King Shaka International Airport , and soon at all other international airports in the country.

Your goods need to be declared in your declaration form if:

• Your or someone else's goods were bought in a place where duty has not been paid.
• Your goods are prohibited, restricted, or controlled.
• Your goods are meant to be fixed, processed, or renovated abroad. Besides declaring the items in the new Traveller Declaration system, ensure you have enough documents to prove that you own or have paid for these goods, such as a receipt.

Which goods are duty-free in South Africa?

Duty-free goods can be used or bought by a traveler entering or leaving South Africa as gifts or for personal use. The following goods are duty-free in South Africa:

• Used or new goods costing no more than 5000 South Africa Rand (about USD 295) per person.
• Two liters of wine bottles per person max.
• One liter of other alcoholic beverages per person max.
• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person.
• No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person.
• No more than 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette per person.

Which goods are restricted to import into South Africa?

According to the South African Revenue Service, the restricted goods are the following, meaning you must have a valid permit or letter of authority to import or export them:

• Firearms or other weapons.
• Gold coins.
• Excess currency (cash, banknotes, etc.).
• Unprocessed minerals (e.g., gold, diamonds, etc.).
• Animals, plants, and their products (e.g., animal skins, dairy products, honey).
• Medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician).
• Herbal products (Department of Health permit required).

Which goods are prohibited to be imported into South Africa?

According to the South African Revenue Service ‘SARS), the flowing goods are strictly prohibited to import/export:

• Narcotics and habit-forming drugs in any form.
• Fully automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons.
• Explosives and fireworks.
• Poison and other toxic substances.
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1000.
• Goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act (for example, counterfeit goods).
• Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright.
• Penitentiary or prison-made goods.

Complete the Traveller Declaration online

How long is the South African Traveller Declaration valid for?

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a Single Entry document so every time you want to enter or leave the country, you’ll have to fill it out again.

By applying with iVisa , you’ll get the Traveller Declaration in less than a few hours. However, we advise submitting an online traveller declaration at least two days in advance .

Documents needed to fill out the online declaration form for South Africa

• Passport - You must provide your passport details.
• Email address - You’ll receive the Traveller Declaration via email and must present it to the customs officers.
• Payment method - A credit or debit card to pay the iVisa processing fees.

Fill out the form online now!

Do I need this declaration if I’m transiting through South Africa?

Yes, you do. This document is required to transit through South Africa .

How can I fill out the South African Traveller Declaration online?

You just need to follow these simple steps to obtain the Traveller Declaration online with iVisa:

Step 1 : Complete this application form with your personal and travel details. Review all your application information carefully.

Step 2 : Once you fill in the information, you can pay the fee. You can use a credit or debit card.

Step 3 : Receive your Traveller Declaration via email, and get ready to travel!

We will contact you if we need any more information about your application. Once the document is approved, you will receive it via email. You can have it on mobile devices. However, it is also recommended to carry a printed copy of the declaration .

Apply online with iVisa

What are the costs and processing time of this South African Traveller Declaration?

iVisa offers three options to process your application. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

Standard Processing: This option is the most affordable. It takes 24 hours for a fee of USD $30.99 .

Rush Processing: If you need your Traveller Declaration a little faster than usual, this option takes up to 8 hours for a fee of USD $56.99 .

Super Rush Processing: This is the fastest option. You can obtain your document in just 4 hours for a fee of USD $95.99 .

Complete the form online here!

Must children also submit an online Traveller Declaration?

Children also need to apply for this declaration . In this case, the parents or guardians can complete the document using the online system.

COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa

There are currently no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements in South Africa.

Where can I learn more?

In case you have questions about the South African Traveller Declaration or other travel documents. In that case, you can reach out to our outstanding customer support team online or by email at [email protected] . They are available 24/7 to assist you in case you run into any difficulties.

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Our Company is accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has a validated IATA Agency Code. If you want to check this information you can verify our membership using our bearing No. 23716873 at http://store.iata.org/ieccacfree .

Remember that the customer service team at iVisa is here 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our service.

How long does it take to apply for a South Africa Traveller Declaration?

It will only take around 10 minutes to fill out our simplified form online.

Start your application here!

What do I need to apply for a South Africa Traveller Declaration?

One of the great things about this form is that you don’t need to submit any documents. You only need to provide the following information:

• Passport details.
• Travel details.
• Contact details.
• If you are traveling with family members, you need their passport numbers.
• If you are traveling for business purposes, you need to provide information about the company/entity receiving you.
• Any goods, cash, or BNI(Bearer Negotiable Instruments) entering or leaving the county.

Do you have all this information? Apply now!

Can I get the South Africa Traveller Declaration for free?

Yes, you can. There is no government fee that you will need to pay.

We charge a small fee but remember that by applying beforehand with iVisa, you can avoid any delays or errors, including saving time at immigration. Our team of experts will also review your application to minimize the likelihood of errors to guarantee you a smooth entry to South Africa.

Apply here!

Do children also need to obtain a South Africa Traveller Declaration?

Yes, children need to obtain this travel document to enter South Africa.

Travel with all your family to South Africa! Start your application with iVisa.

How long is the South Africa Traveller Declaration valid?

This document is valid during your entry and your exit from South Africa. That means you need to apply twice; when you’re entering the country and leaving it.

Do I need the South Africa Traveller Declaration to transit through the country?

Yes, you do. This document is required to transit through South Africa.

What are you not allowed to import into South Africa?

Are there any covid-19 requirements to enter south africa, who can i talk to if i have more questions.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service agents if you have further questions, they’re available for you 24/7.

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How do processing times work?

Where can i read more.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services