FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Africa Now Requires an Online Traveller Declaration Before Every Border Crossing
Nairobi, Kenya, August 22, 2026 — Xtreme Republic Tours is advising all travellers with South Africa on their itinerary that a new government requirement took effect on July 1, 2026. Anyone entering or leaving South Africa, whether by air, land, sea, or rail, must now submit an online form before travelling, regardless of nationality or how many times they have visited the country before.
The requirement was introduced by the South African Revenue Service through what it calls the South African Traveller Management System, and the form itself is known as the Customs Online Traveller Declaration. It began as a voluntary pilot at a handful of airports back in 2022 and has since been expanded to sea and land ports and made compulsory for every crossing.
What the form actually covers
The declaration is a customs formality rather than an immigration or visa requirement, and it does not replace or affect any visa a traveller may already need. Its purpose is to collect the information South African customs has traditionally gathered on arrival cards and verbal declarations, now moved online and required in advance. Every traveller must state what goods and currency they are carrying, and anyone entering or leaving the country with more than one hundred thousand South African rand in cash, other currency, or bearer negotiable instruments must declare that amount specifically.
The rule applies broadly. It covers South African citizens and residents as well as foreign visitors, and a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult may complete the form on behalf of a minor or a traveller unable to do so themselves. The only travellers exempt are those transiting through a South African airport or seaport who remain inside the designated transit area and never formally enter the country.
Timing and how to submit it
Travellers must complete the declaration no more than twenty four hours before departure. For a journey with connecting flights, the clock starts from the final leg that lands directly in South Africa, not from the very first flight of the trip. The form can be submitted through the SARS Traveller Management System on the SARS website, through the SATMS mobile application, or by scanning a Scan to Declare QR code available at participating ports. Self service kiosks are also being rolled out at major ports of entry for travellers who reach the border without having completed the form in advance. Once submitted, SARS sends an email confirmation with instructions for what to present on arrival or departure.
Overland travellers take note
The requirement applies at every individual border crossing, not once per trip. A traveller driving a circuit that crosses into and out of South Africa more than once, for example a Cape Town to Victoria Falls overland route that passes through Botswana or Zimbabwe, must submit a fresh declaration at each crossing rather than a single form for the whole journey.
No one turned away for a missed form
South Africa has been clear that a traveller will not be denied entry or exit solely for arriving without a completed declaration. Customs officials and self service terminals at the border are available to assist anyone who was unable to submit the form beforehand. That said, Xtreme Republic Tours recommends completing the declaration in advance regardless, since it is designed to speed up the customs process and travellers who arrive with it already done can generally expect a smoother passage through the border.
What this means for guests booking with Xtreme Republic Tours
Any guest travelling to or from South Africa on a Xtreme Republic Tours itinerary, whether flying directly into Cape Town or Johannesburg or joining a regional overland route that crosses South African borders more than once, should plan to complete the Customs Online Traveller Declaration within the twenty four hours before each relevant departure. Our team will continue to include a reminder of this step in pre departure guidance for every affected itinerary.
For more information or help preparing for an upcoming trip that includes South Africa, travellers are welcome to reach out to Xtreme Republic Tours directly.
About Xtreme Republic Tours Xtreme Republic Tours is a Kenya based, licensed tour operator and online travel agency arranging safari, adventure, and cross border journeys across East and Southern Africa.
Media Contact Xtreme Republic Tours xtremerepublic.com
