South Africa’s SARS Traveller Declaration is a customs declaration for goods, currency and related items. It does not replace a visa or the Department of Home Affairs ETA. The current electronic declaration rules took effect on 1 July 2026.
Verified
Run by South African Revenue Service. Last verified October 12, 2026.
Start here
- Traveller Declaration overview: who files, the transit exemption, fees and the filing window.
- Details to prepare: 12 selected preparation items and what to do with the confirmation.
Before you travel
- Cost: the declaration is free. Duties, VAT or a specific customs security payment may still apply to your goods.
- Coverage: citizens, residents and foreign travellers entering or leaving, including children and infants. No declarable goods means a Nil declaration, not no declaration.
- Timing: submit within 24 hours before departure. For inbound connections, use the final leg directly to South Africa; for departure, use the journey leaving South Africa.
- Pure transit: the exemption covers air or sea transit within the designated transit area or without leaving the original aircraft or vessel.
- Confirmation: save it on your phone or print it, then follow the Customs instructions. It is not an immigration permit.
Verified
Run by South African Revenue Service. Last verified October 12, 2026.