Online Traveller Declarations Now Required for South Africa Travel, With Tourism Operators and Hospitality Teams Urged to Brief Guests Before Arrival

Source: South African Revenue Service, 1st of July 2026

South Africa, July 2026, The South African Revenue Service has announced that, from 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa are required to submit their SARS online traveller declaration before they travel, unless they qualify for one of the limited paper-based exceptions.

The declaration forms part of the SARS Customs process and is used to help travellers meet their legal obligation to declare goods, currency and other relevant items in their possession.

For the tourism and hospitality industry, this is a practical travel update that should be added to pre-arrival and pre-departure communication. It affects travellers moving through South African air, land, sea and rail ports, including international visitors, South African citizens and residents, families, business travellers and guests on regional itineraries.

What SARS Has Announced

SARS has confirmed that travellers entering or leaving South Africa must now complete the traveller declaration online before travel.

The declaration can be completed through the SARS Traveller Management System, the South African Traveller Management System app, the SARS MobiApp, or supported QR-code and self-service channels where available.

Travellers will need to provide information such as:

- Passport or travel document details
- Travel details
- Contact details
- Details of travel companions, where applicable
- Entity details for business travel, where applicable
- Goods, currency or other items that may need to be declared

Once the declaration has been submitted, travellers receive confirmation by email. SARS advises travellers to save the confirmation on their mobile device or print it for access at the relevant port.

Why This SARS Update Matters for Tourism Businesses

This announcement is especially relevant for lodges, hotels, tour operators, safari companies, DMCs, transfer providers, travel agents and inbound tourism teams that assist guests before arrival or departure.

Travellers who are unaware of the SARS requirement may need support at the airport, land border, seaport or rail port, which can create delays or confusion during the travel process.

Tourism businesses should consider updating:

- Booking confirmation emails
- Pre-arrival guest emails
- Travel documents
- Agent information packs
- Safari and regional itinerary notes
- Guest information pages
- Departure reminders

This is particularly important for guests arriving from overseas, South African residents returning from travel abroad, families travelling with children or infants, travellers carrying currency or high-value goods, and regional itineraries that include cross-border movement.

What Travellers Should Do Before Travel

Before travelling into or out of South Africa, travellers should complete the SARS online traveller declaration and keep the confirmation available.

SARS states that travellers entering South Africa will receive Customs instructions in their declaration confirmation. Travellers leaving South Africa must follow the instructions received in their confirmation once they are at the port of entry or departure.

Travellers who need help with the process can contact the SARS Traveller Declaration team or request assistance at relevant service counters where available.

About SARS

The South African Revenue Service, or known as SARS, is South Africa’s tax, customs and excise authority. SARS is responsible for administering tax and customs legislation, supporting lawful trade and traveller movement, and helping travellers meet their Customs obligations when entering or leaving South Africa. The SARS online traveller declaration forms part of its Customs process and allows travellers to declare goods, currency and other relevant items before travel.