SARS Urges Free Traveller Declarations Via Official Channels

The South African Revenue Service warns travellers that third-party providers charge fees for declarations that are free to submit through SARS.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Africa

SARS Urges Free Traveller Declarations Via Official Channels

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The South African Revenue Service urged travellers to submit their digital traveller declarations at no cost through official channels rather than paying independent third-party providers. Since 1 July 2026, travellers crossing South African borders have been required to submit an online traveller declaration before departing.

Why it matters

Travellers who pay third-party providers for a service they can complete free of charge may incur unnecessary costs. The warning comes as South Africa's digital declaration system replaces older manual processes under the SARS Customs modernisation programme.

SARS states that declarations submitted through its official channels carry no charge, while third-party providers are not affiliated with the agency. The source does not specify what those providers charge or how many travellers have used them.

The players

South African Revenue Service (SARS)

South Africa's national tax and customs authority, responsible for administering the country's border declaration and customs modernisation programme.

The details

SARS said third-party assistance is optional and travellers are under no obligation to use it. Travellers declare goods and currency in their possession through the digital platform ahead of journeys by air, land, sea and rail. South Africa also scrapped the 60-day advance visa renewal rule for Kenyans and other foreign nationals.

1 July 2026: Mandatory online traveller declaration requirement took effect.
Thursday, the week of 12 November 2026: SARS issued its warning about third-party providers.

Travel Outlook

The digital traveller declaration forms part of the SARS Customs modernisation programme, which replaces manual border processes with online submissions. For South African border crossings, this shift moves the declaration step from the port of entry to before departure.

Travellers should submit their traveller declaration through the SARS website, the SATMS App, or the SARS MobiApp before departing, at no cost. Paying a third-party provider is optional and not required for entry.

The takeaway

Submitting the traveller declaration yourself through official SARS channels costs nothing and avoids unnecessary third-party fees. Check the requirement before every trip crossing a South African border.