Effective July 1, 2026, all travelers entering or leaving South Africa via air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveler declaration before traveling.
This includes South African citizens, residents and foreign travelers. A parent, legal guardian, caretaker or another assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or a person who cannot complete it themselves.
Air or sea travelers who are only transiting through South Africa and who do not leave the designated transit area are excluded from submitting a traveler declaration.
Travelers must submit the online declaration no more than 24 hours before departure from the country from which they are traveling. If travelers are traveling to South Africa on a journey with stops, the declaration must be submitted no more than 24 hours before departure on the last leg of the journey directly to South Africa.
Travelers can submit their declaration through the SARS website on the Traveler Management System or the South African Traveler Management System (SATMS) App downloaded from their mobile device’s store, or by using a quick response code on a device that can connect to the internet. At ports where available, self-service kiosks may also be used.
Travelers will not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they have not completed a declaration before arriving at a port of entry. Customs officials, supported by self-service declaration terminals, will be available to assist travelers who were unable to submit their declarations before traveling. SARS encourages all travelers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and complete their declarations in advance.
Further information is available here.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.