New Declaration Required to Enter South Africa Complete Before Entry

[Killo]

I got these from my outfitter today and im leaving for Mozambique the 13th of July

Anybody nows anything about these

https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/865152/new-mandatory-travel-rules-for-anyone-entering-or-leaving-south-africa/

 

[BRICKBURN]

It looks like South Africa is jumping on the electronic bandwagon for Customs Declaration. It's not a permit.

https://tools.sars.gov.za/sarsonlinequery/traveller

https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/

https://www.sars.gov.za/latest-news/required-online-traveller-declarations-from-1-july-2026-2/

 

[Llano Estacado]

We leave next Saturday- tried to complete the form but it will not allow itself to be dated more than a day in advance.

 

[MontanaPat]

It's not clear to me what you must declare. If you are bringing in a rifle, scope, binos etc they easily exceed the free R5000 limit. Do you all interpret this to mean we will have to pay VAT / import duties on our firearms even though they are not for permanent import? It does say that you do not need to decalre ordinary personal effects for your own use, could that include firearms?

 

[Trophyhunter01]

The SA government sites explains what you must declare and what does not need to be declared.
Cannot complete more than 24 hours before.
Their website also states that if not completed on line you will still be allowed entry, but complete the form at point of entry on a kiosk, would expect some delay in that line at entry.
Hoping to get some feedback was we pull out soon. I am sure it will be fine , in my most sarcastic tone. What could go wrong with a new system?
Good luck, safe travels, good hunting.

 

[Killo]

Bump

 

[godwincp]

I completed this form a month ago for my July 13 flight- so is this a new form or do I need to do it again??

 

[slam8031]

I flew into JNB on 21 June and left 1 July 2026. I didnt have any form and there was no kiosk and there wasn’t anyone asking if we did. Last summer I filled it out on line the day before arrival to JNB but I was never asked for it.

 

[slam8031]

We also travelled into Botswana and Zimbabwe and Zambia and had no issues at border crossings in terms of these types of forms.

 

[Philip Glass]

It's not clear to me what you must declare. If you are bringing in a rifle, scope, binos etc they easily exceed the free R5000 limit. Do you all interpret this to mean we will have to pay VAT / import duties on our firearms even though they are not for permanent import? It does say that you do not need to decalre ordinary personal effects for your own use, could that include firearms?

No it would be cash or newly purchased goods.

 

[Philip Glass]

I would hope we can keep this thread alive with those who are going soon and their experiences. I had a response in FB from a guy there now and there was no mention of this form on arrival.
For me, I'd keep the link handy and just see what happens on the trip.

 

[Pheroze]

I completed this form a month ago for my July 13 flight- so is this a new form or do I need to do it again??

That’s frustrating. The website says not more than 24 hours before, but I don’t know how you deal with it now. Perhaps your PH can help you figure this out?

 

[Killo]

I will call Gracy Travel Monday and keep you guys updated

 

[Trophyhunter01]

Most of us 24 hours out are on a plane or mid travel with poor to no connection and trying to connect to a sub par SA website. Sounds like part of the journey.

 

[jpr9954]

From the US State Department on the SARS traveler declaration:

Message for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Pretoria, South Africa (July 7, 2026)


Location: South Africa


Event: The South African Revenue Service announced that, as of July 1, 2026, all travelers entering or leaving South Africa must submit their traveler declaration online before they travel, unless they qualify for one of the limited paper-based exceptions. The declaration forms part of the Customs process and helps travelers meet their legal obligation to declare goods, currency, and other relevant items in their possession.

Travelers must submit the online declaration no more than 24 hours before departure from the country from which they are traveling. Travelers with children or infants must also complete declarations on their behalf.


For instructions on how to complete the declaration, please visit the South African Revenue Service’s, “Customs Online Traveller Declaration” website.


For travelers with questions on the declaration process, please visit the, “FAQs for the Required Online Traveller Declarations from 1 July 2026” website.


Please note that Mission South Africa is unable to assist U.S. citizens in completing their declarations or in answering questions regarding the process.

 

[jpr9954]

Most of us 24 hours out are on a plane or mid travel with poor to no connection and trying to connect to a sub par SA website. Sounds like part of the journey.

I understand it can only be submitted within 48 hours of arrival. My own experience is this actually means the day you leave the US and the day you arrive in South Africa. In other words, you have to submit it the morning or day that you are leaving for South Africa.

Another thing I've noticed is that ask for a location where you will be in South Africa. I used the outfitter's or safari camp's location.