New 24-hour SARS requirements for anyone travelling to and from South Africa

All persons entering or leaving South Africa are now required to submit a Traveller Declaration before embarking on their journeys.

On 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) imposed a new rule for all travellers, requiring them to submit an online declaration no more than 24 hours before they leave on their trip.

SARS clarified that the Traveller Declarations are processed free of charge through official SARS channels, and that any fees charged for the service are not affiliated with it.

It made these comments after it was made aware that independent third-party providers are charging individuals for assistance in completing their Traveller Declarations.

SARS stressed that these providers are not affiliated with the revenue service and that their charges are not SARS fees.

“Travellers can submit declarations directly through the SARS website, or the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) MobiApp,” it said.

“Travellers are encouraged to complete declarations before travelling and use official SARS channels for information and assistance, which is free.”

The implementation of the SATMS Traveller Declaration follows a trial period launched back in 2022, during which time it was optional, according to BusinessTech.

This changed on 1 July 2026, as the declaration is now mandatory for all travellers entering or leaving the country.

All declarations must be submitted within 24 hours. The only exceptions to this new rule include individuals who lack the means to do so.

According to SARS, the exception applies to travellers who experience a system failure, lack internet access, or have “another reasonable ground”.

However, this only applies to the online declaration. Anyone who cannot submit online will be required to fill in a paper declaration at a port of entry, such as an airport.

SARS said that persons would not be denied entry into or exit from South Africa if the declarations have not been completed.

These individuals will instead be directed by SARS Customs officials to self-service declaration terminals to complete the proicess.

Importantly, this process could result in travel delays, which the port authorities cannot be held liable for.

The revenue service said that the 24-hour window was a sufficient amount of time for it to conduct risk assessments and traveller processing activities before arrival or departure.

“The 24-hour submission window seeks to balance traveller convenience, data accuracy, and operational requirements,” it said.

New flights for South Africa

International airlines have been gradually expanding their services in South Africa to include new routes to popular destinations.

The most recent announcement came from Australian air carrier Qantas, confirming that it would launch a non-stop service between Sydney and Cape Town from October 2027.

The flights will run until at least March 2028, adding nearly 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa, on flights departing on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The expansion will follow Qantas’s acquisition of its new 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in late 2027, which will be part of the largest fleet renewal in the Australian airline’s history.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the fleet renewal will create new opportunities for its people.

“The arrival of our new 787s as part of our historic fleet renewal gives us the flexibility to grow our international network in places we know our customers want to travel,” he said.