Online Customs form - SOUTH AFRICA

[RogerHeintzman]

Has anyone else heard of this new form to be completed before entering SA? I just read about it yesterday. Suppose to start March 2025.
I've read it is required then again it is not mandatory. My PH hasn't heard of it.

Any clarity would be helpful for all members here.

Thanks,

 

[PANTHER TRACKERS]

If you are travelling to SA, or just passing through, please note there is a mandatory online customs form now in place.

SARS

 

[franzfmdavis]

I am traveling to South Africa soon and went to the SARS page to review the form. The headline information on the page says that it’s not yet mandatory. Has your experience with people traveling there been different? In other words, have you seen them require completion of the form? Thanks so much.

!

 

[BRICKBURN]

As of March 2025, the South African Customs online traveller declaration system is not yet mandatory, but it is expected to become mandatory in the near future. The system has been successfully implemented at all South African air, land, and sea ports, and travellers are encouraged to use it voluntarily
.
The online declaration system allows travellers entering or leaving South Africa to complete and submit a traveller declaration before their journey, receiving electronic confirmation via email

. This system replaces the manual declaration process, making it easier for travellers to declare goods, including currency, in their possession
.
While the system is currently optional, there are conflicting reports:

1. Some sources indicate that it remains in a pilot phase and voluntary

• Others suggest that it may already be mandatory at certain checkpoints, with one traveller reporting that a check-in agent advised the online form was mandatory in January 2024

1. .Given these inconsistencies, it's advisable for travellers to:

1. Check the official SARS website for the most up-to-date information before travel.
2. Consider completing the online declaration as a precaution, even if it's not yet mandatory.
3. Be prepared to fill out a manual Traveller Card (TC01 form) if necessary
4. .

As the situation may change, travellers should stay informed about the latest requirements when planning their trip to South Africa.

perplexity.ai

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I will be arriving in Joburg this Sat night and will post if I can on it

 

[PARA45]

Following, I'll be in SA this coming June.

 

[coreydb]

Pls keep us posted to the particulars. I go every year and things seemed to change with this administration

 

[Safariman5000]

Following

 

[KuduKiller]

Has anyone else heard of this new form to be completed before entering SA? I just read about it yesterday. Suppose to start March 2025.
I've read it is required then again it is not mandatory. My PH hasn't heard of it.

Any clarity would be helpful for all members here.

Thanks,

I literally posted a question about it within the last week. I go back in June. I did mine through Delta Fly Ready. I spoke to Mr. X on the issue and he has seen that the SA Customs still does things the old way,, sits around and plays on their phones! I completed mine regardless. I did however “lower” the amount of cash I am bringing and it has me going through the green channel. I’ve honestly never had any issue with their customs, I always just walk past it.

 

[franzfmdavis]

I am getting ready to fly into South Africa in two weeks and double checked on my airline ticket and Delta is requiring me to fill out that SARS form. I notified Mr. X that it seems to be required now.

The information online for SARS claims it still voluntary but apparently the airlines here in the US are requiring it:

 

[TRAVEL EXPRESS]

All good info above from @BRICKBURN (and @franzfmdavis screenshot is current). Travel regulations change often, so checking regularly is also how we recommend approaching it.

 

[SETH RINGER]

JUST DID OURS. PUT DOWN $3K, GOT US IN THE RED LINE.

 

[KuduKiller]

Yup, $1000 keeps you in the green

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Just sent an email asking Jennifer if this is now required to do

 

[thi9elsp]

Gracy told me it’s optional but that the airlines could require it. I don’t fly until June but will probably put $500 for me and my wife $500.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

JUST DID OURS. PUT DOWN $3K, GOT US IN THE RED LINE.

and what happened in the red line?

 

[Sabre]

I have never enjoyed traveling with a large amount of cash. And when I have, I haven't readily shared the information. So, if you are traveling to a country that is known for rampant corruption and you are telling them you are carrying large sums of cash, does that not open you to additional risk of corrupt behavior?

Have any of you that have declared large sums of cash while traveling to sketchy countries had a problem in the past?

 

[SETH RINGER]

and what happened in the red line?

LEAVING FRIDAY, SO DON'T KNOW YET, THAT IS JUST WERE THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL SAID TO GO.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

from what I can read online with travel company's and So Africa and my safari operator you only declare cash in excess of 10,000 us dollars and in excess of 25,000 rand currency, makes me wonder what to do. I will have 7500 cash on me