Online Customs form - SOUTH AFRICA

[PANTHER TRACKERS]

If you are travelling to SA, or just passing through, please note there is a mandatory online customs form now in place.

SARS

 

[franzfmdavis]

I am traveling to South Africa soon and went to the SARS page to review the form. The headline information on the page says that it’s not yet mandatory. Has your experience with people traveling there been different? In other words, have you seen them require completion of the form? Thanks so much.

!

 

[BRICKBURN]

As of March 2025, the South African Customs online traveller declaration system is not yet mandatory, but it is expected to become mandatory in the near future. The system has been successfully implemented at all South African air, land, and sea ports, and travellers are encouraged to use it voluntarily
.
The online declaration system allows travellers entering or leaving South Africa to complete and submit a traveller declaration before their journey, receiving electronic confirmation via email

. This system replaces the manual declaration process, making it easier for travellers to declare goods, including currency, in their possession
.
While the system is currently optional, there are conflicting reports:

1. Some sources indicate that it remains in a pilot phase and voluntary

• Others suggest that it may already be mandatory at certain checkpoints, with one traveller reporting that a check-in agent advised the online form was mandatory in January 2024

1. .Given these inconsistencies, it's advisable for travellers to:

1. Check the official SARS website for the most up-to-date information before travel.
2. Consider completing the online declaration as a precaution, even if it's not yet mandatory.
3. Be prepared to fill out a manual Traveller Card (TC01 form) if necessary
4. .

As the situation may change, travellers should stay informed about the latest requirements when planning their trip to South Africa.

perplexity.ai