Online Customs form - SOUTH AFRICA

[Hyde Hunter]

I’m just curious, I usually travel with more than 5K. Up until this trip I have literally walked by customs and didn’t even look their way. I was told just to put $1000 on the SAR just to go “green” and if they ask to see the confirmation email just show it to them and it should be no issue. The curiosity of it all is, what if you pop red? Are they going to actually check you or just continue their day of TikTok? Just like someone said earlier, you are pretty much telling them on the SAR “I’m bringing a shitload of cash, come find something wrong so you can tax me”!

I wonder that also, I just filled out the form and did NOT submit because it said I was 140,000,000 rand over the limit , but if you put down $1,000 and they decide to check you and you are way over that they might take it all for not truthfully declaring the correct amount?

 

[KuduKiller]

I wonder that also, I just filled out the form and did NOT submit because it said I was 140,000,000 rand over the limit , but if you put down $1,000 and they decide to check you and you are way over that they might take it all for not truthfully declaring the correct amount?

Right?

 

[Hyde Hunter]

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

Seth what time you landing in Atl I will arrive in Atl at 830am

 

[Hyde Hunter]

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

Jennifer said to fill it out

 

[SETH RINGER]

Seth what time you landing in Atl I will arrive in Atl at 830am

HEY BUDDY, NOT FLYING DELTA THIS TIME. QUATAR: MIA-DOH-JNB AND RETURN THE SAME WAY.

 

[Hyena]

I go in May and don’t plan on bringing a ton of cash. But I will fill out form online anyway and have some peace of mind. I despise last minute changes and don’t want to be frustrated on the one trip every couple years I look forward to.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Filed it for $500 and 150 rand. Email reply said thanks and never heard another thing and no one asked.

 

[Philip Glass]

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?

I've had some experience in Zim on this. I had about 10k and was told by several to declare it. It is no issue, not taxed but they don't want you leave the country with more cash than you brought in. I had to count it all in an office with the door open! Thankfully another PH was nearby and said declare it and don't worry about anything.
If I had put $1000 and then for some reason had an emergency and had to go home and they checked it they would confiscate what was not declared.
With a customs it is best to be honest.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

just did my declaration form and 2240.00 gets you in the RED line for what ever reason unless it is over the rand amount after its converted

 

[Campfire]

I just came back from SA last week. I filled the form out online received my confirmation email and when I got to the customs area it was the same as always. There was no special line and when at the customs counter there was no mention of it. I believe at some point it may become a issue but for now it doesn’t appear to be mandatory.

 

[Campfire]

I believe the amount to keep you in the “green line” is $25,000.00 Rand so about $1300.00usd. I was over the 25,000 and it computes it and tells you the taxable difference. Again there was no change or mention of the new system when leaving.

 

[Sabre]

I just came back from SA last week. I filled the form out online received my confirmation email and when I got to the customs area it was the same as always. There was no special line and when at the customs counter there was no mention of it. I believe at some point it may become a issue but for now it doesn’t appear to be mandatory.

I believe the amount to keep you in the “green line” is $25,000.00 Rand so about $1300.00usd. I was over the 25,000 and it computes it and tells you the taxable difference. Again there was no change or mention of the new system when leaving.

It will be interesting to see how it is handled once it is all mandatory and they set up different lines.

Might end up affecting how people pay tips if we aren't able to bring in anything over $1,300 without penalties/taxes/fees. More people might end up wiring tips or putting them on credit cards.

 

[Trogon]

Did this 2 weeks ago as Gracy Travel recommended it, had less than $1000 filed on it. Nothing ever came up about it.

 

[Campfire]

It will be interesting to see how it is handled once it is all mandatory and they set up different lines.

Might end up affecting how people pay tips if we aren't able to bring in anything over $1,300 without penalties/taxes/fees. More people might end up wiring tips or putting them on credit cards.

Unfortunately someone is going to be the test pilot once they decide to enforce this. It’s going to affect the tip situation for sure. It will be a shame that after a great experience you will have to show you gratitude by sending it or putting it in a cc.

 

[SETH RINGER]

HOW MUCH CAN THE "TAX" BE? I'LL PAY IT. NOT GOING TO LET THAT DISTRACT FROM THE PLEASURE OF GIVING THE WORKING MAN/WOMAN A LITTLE JOY.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

HOW MUCH CAN THE "TAX" BE? I'LL PAY IT. NOT GOING TO LET THAT DISTRACT FROM THE PLEASURE OF GIVING THE WORKING MAN/WOMAN A LITTLE JOY.

I can't think a tax is involved when coming in with cash if there is I will never go back to SA

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

More information on this Customs Online Traveller Declaration at the following link:

Customs Online Traveller Declaration | South African Revenue Service

The South African Customs online traveller declaration system has been successfully implemented at all South African air, land, and sea ports. It was

www.sars.gov.za

 

[LimbNoMo]

Delta sent me a link to upload my passport and fill out this form. Is my rifle a prohibited or restricted good, valuable good I need to register, or both?

 

[JimP]

You'll need to register your rifle for importation with the SAP's and their SAP's 520 forum.

From what I see that is the only one that would be a yes, you will not take possession of your rifle until you clear SAP's

 

[Rare Breed]

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 filled it out online two weeks ago for my 6/20 trip and they said my information is stored and just check with immigration when i get there meaning i don’t have to do it manually…we will see