What you need to know about the South Africa traveller declaration system

South Africa recently announced traveller declaration system which has gone live.

Here are a few things you need to know

How it works

The new online Traveller Declaration System will be introduced at all South African international airports, commencing with King Shaka International Airport on the 29^th of November 2022. The system will be progressively implemented with other international airports planned during 2023. The system may be used on a voluntary basis during the pilot until further notice. The results of the pilot project will be used as we roll out the system in line with Customs legislation.

What do you do when you complete it?

Once you have completed the South African Traveller Declaration, a confirmation of your declaration will be emailed to you. It will contain instructions of what you need to do at the airport.

Remember to print it out or save it on your mobile device so that you may easily access it when needed. The same will need to be done for anyone you are travelling with, including children and infants.

Travellers are encouraged to use the new declaration system, which can be accessed via any device that has an internet connection.

What do you need to have

Passport
Travel details
Contact details
Travel companion details
Entity details for business travel

Before you travel

Travellers flying to and out of South Africa will need to complete a traveller declaration. The new traveller declaration process will collect your travel information and return a declaration confirmation via email. Upon arrival in South Africa, there will be instructions at the airport that will guide and inform you about what to do. Travellers leaving the country may follow the instruction received in their declaration with confirmation once they are at the airport.

How to submit

How to submit an online traveller declaration

Step 1: Book your flight to travel to or from South Africa.

Step 2: Once you have booked your flight, you are ready to submit an online traveller declaration.

Step 3: Select ‘Complete your declaration’, capture and submit your declaration. If travelling with family or friends, make sure a declaration is submitted for each person travelling. A valid email address must be captured by each traveller to receive a confirmation of declaration.

Step 4: Once you receive the confirmation of declaration via email, print it out or save it on your mobile phone for easy access when it is requested by customs officers at the airport.

Step 5: Undertake your trip to or from South Africa.

Steps to take when you arrive or leave SA

Arrivals – what to do when arriving at the airport

Step 1: On arrival at the airport, proceed to immigrations and collect your luggage.

Step 2: Next, proceed to the Customs Control area as per the instruction in your declaration confirmation.

Step 3: Exit the airport.

Departures – what to do when departing

Step 1: On arrival at the airport, proceed to the customs office to register goods for re-importation or go straight to the check-in area as per the instruction received in your declaration confirmation.