20 October 2022 – Travelers are required by law to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa. The declaration process is in line with practices around the world and in compliance with the provision of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 which makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the Republic to declare any goods in their possession.
During November 2022, SARS will launch a pilot implementation of an electronic online portal for travelers to make declarations on a voluntary basis, well ahead of their arrival or departure to/from South Africa. This pilot will initially be implemented at the King Shaka International Airport. The new system will allow travelers to pre-declare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired. For travelers who choose not to use the on-line portal on their mobile devices, SARS will make available a paper form as well self-service counters at our terminals. A number of our Customs Officers will also have hand-held devices to assist travelers, and facilitate passage. Travelers will be permitted to continue to use the travelers card if they so choose.
