South African Revenue service Traveler Declaration

[Adipose]

I know the Traveler Declaration for South Africa was optional before and some people are telling me it still is. I have also been informed that it is now mandatory. Does anyone know what the actual situation is with this, and has anyone been asked upon arrival if this was done? I see this can be done online up to 24 hours before you travel. I am not exceptionally comfortable with disclosing that we may have cash prior to our arrival. https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/

 

[coreydb]

This mandatory procedure is not yet in affect. Also, this only applies for carrying cash over $10,000.

 

[Adipose]

This mandatory procedure is not yet in affect. Also, this only applies for carrying cash over $10,000.

Isn't the 10,000 amount on the U.S. side and not on the South African side?

 

[Hunt anything]

When you declare the amount of cash you will be carrying it will send you to a color coded line. If you have less than $1200 you will probably be sent to the green line, just regular scrutiny. If more most likely the red line.

When we traveled last year my daughter didn’t bother to fill out the form but my wife did ( we had $1500 each) and we were informed to go to the red line. We decided to just bypass it and claim ignorance if stopped. Didn’t make any difference as the red line wasn’t manned at all. The Delta flight arrives so late this may be the reason no one was around. Delta was the one pushing the registration.

This was in August last year so things have probably changed.

 

[spike.t]

Isn't the 10,000 amount on the U.S. side and not on the South African side?

Same ..in SA you have to declare if you are over usd 10 000 or equivalent in other currencies...here in zambia limit before having to declare is usd 5000 or equivalent in other currencies

 

[godwincp]

Flew Delta last September. Delta is the one requiring you to fill out the declaration- which I did. Went to the red line and the attendant couldn’t care less and just waved me thru. I had $5000 in cash. I just filled it out again for my July safari- on Delta again

 

[cgdemakis]

I Just flew Delta April 30. I filled out the form and didn't declare any amount even though I had cash. I didn't go through Delta's required item button on the web/app, just bypassed it and it did nothing there either. There was no red line/green line, the immigration line was the same as it was when I went in 2023 and 2024. Spent about 30 seconds at the window and walked through with zero questions.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I’m leaving tomorrow
Didn’t fill it out. Just clicked the Delta link saying I did. I’m using Africa Sky VIp meet and greet anyways to get me thru customs

 

[SETH RINGER]

DID IT A COUPLE YEARS AGO, DIDNT MAKE A DIFFRENCE. DIDNT DO IT A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, DIDNT MAKE A DIFFRENCE.

 

[Charlie64]

.

In & out of RSA for the past 20 years & never completed anything other than my SAPs paperwork. Plus I would never state or tell anyone how much cash I am coming in with ......... that's just asking for trouble.

.

 

[Wooster]

Good info. About to deal with mine now.

 

[Adipose]

Lots of opinions and most I would say I agree with, But I was looking for anyone that would know the actual law and what is required. Sounds like it is not mandatory with the exception if you are carrying cash in access of 10,000, is that correct? This is the first time in over 35 years I have had to think about this, but I heard things changed on June 1st of 2026. Just trying to be sure. Thank You.

 

[Philip Glass]

I know the Traveler Declaration for South Africa was optional before and some people are telling me it still is. I have also been informed that it is now mandatory. Does anyone know what the actual situation is with this, and has anyone been asked upon arrival if this was done? I see this can be done online up to 24 hours before you travel. I am not exceptionally comfortable with disclosing that we may have cash prior to our arrival. https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/

I was just there and did nothing.

 

[Rare Breed]

Good enough for me

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Just came thru last night. Nothing. I didn’t do it. No questions asked. I was using Africa Sky also and meet greet.

Some new things since last trip coming in and making a new thread on it.

 

[Sabre]

Just came thru last night. Nothing. I didn’t do it. No questions asked. I was using Africa Sky also and meet greet.

Some new things since last trip coming in and making a new thread on it.

My plan this year is to do similar to what you did. It sounds like this is Delta trying to push people to do it and like things haven't really changed for the countries themselves.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

for anyone that has filled out the SARS form, what did you out into the SO African id number?