Complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration online!

Complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration online now!

Last updated: January 2023

Are you planning a trip to South Africa to discover the fantastic wildlife, pristine beaches, vibey cities, and diverse culture? Make sure you have the right travel documents to enter South Africa.

Besides a visa, if you need one, it’s necessary for travelers to fill out another document: the digital South Africa Traveller Declaration.

This magical destination is closer than ever since you can fill out the form online with iVisa to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa, via King Shaka International airport or any other South African international airport.

What is the South Africa Traveller Declaration?

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a form you have to fill out online before arriving and leaving South African territory to pre-declare goods you bought or received, or large amounts of cash.

The new declaration system is part of the SMART border initiative, and was launched in November 2022. The new system aims to improve travelers' experience and achieve socio-economic growth, to protect and facilitate legitimate trade in the country.

Entering South Africa without applying for this online declaration is still possible. However, you will have to declare your goods on arrival at the King Shaka International airport or other airports, which can take time.

The new traveler declaration system facilitates the process since you can fill out the document from the comfort of your home and get through customs quickly.

Fill out the South Africa Traveller Declaration online now

Who needs to use the online Traveller Declaration system for South Africa?

This declaration is mandatory for all travelers entering or leaving the country, which also includes South African citizens. The new system allows everyone to complete this form and pay applicable taxes online. You will be required to present this document at King Shaka International Airport, and soon at all other international airports in the country.

Your goods need to be declared in your declaration form if:

• Your or someone else's goods were bought in a place where duty has not been paid.
• Your goods are prohibited, restricted, or controlled.
• Your goods are meant to be fixed, processed, or renovated abroad. Besides declaring the items in the new Traveller Declaration system, ensure you have enough documents to prove that you own or have paid for these goods, such as a receipt.

Which goods are duty-free in South Africa?

Duty-free goods can be used or bought by a traveler entering or leaving South Africa as gifts or for personal use. The following goods are duty-free in South Africa:

• Used or new goods costing no more than 5000 South Africa Rand (about USD 295) per person.
• Two liters of wine bottles per person max.
• One liter of other alcoholic beverages per person max.
• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person.
• No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person.
• No more than 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette per person.

Which goods are restricted to import into South Africa?

According to the South African Revenue Service, the restricted goods are the following, meaning you must have a valid permit or letter of authority to import or export them:

• Firearms or other weapons.
• Gold coins.
• Excess currency (cash, banknotes, etc.).
• Unprocessed minerals (e.g., gold, diamonds, etc.).
• Animals, plants, and their products (e.g., animal skins, dairy products, honey).
• Medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician).
• Herbal products (Department of Health permit required).

Which goods are prohibited to be imported into South Africa?

According to the South African Revenue Service ‘SARS), the flowing goods are strictly prohibited to import/export:

• Narcotics and habit-forming drugs in any form.
• Fully automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons.
• Explosives and fireworks.
• Poison and other toxic substances.
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1000.
• Goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act (for example, counterfeit goods).
• Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright.
• Penitentiary or prison-made goods.

Complete the Traveller Declaration online

How long is the South African Traveller Declaration valid for?

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a Single entry document so every time you want to enter or leave the country, you’ll have to fill it out again.

By applying with iVisa, you’ll get the Traveller Declaration in less than a few hours. However, we advise submitting an online traveller declaration at least two days in advance.

Apply now!

Documents needed to fill out the online declaration form for South Africa

• Passport - You must provide your passport details.
• Email address - You’ll receive the Traveller Declaration via email and must present it to the customs officers.
• Payment method - A credit or debit card to pay the iVisa processing fees.

Fill out the form online now!

Do I need this declaration if I’m transiting through South Africa?

Yes, you do. This document is required to transit through South Africa.

How can I fill out the South African Traveller Declaration online?

You just need to follow these simple steps to obtain the Traveller Declaration online with iVisa:

• Step 1: Complete this application form with your personal and travel details. Review all your application information carefully.

• Step 2: Once you fill in the information, you can pay the fee. You can use a credit or debit card.

• Step 3: Receive your Traveller Declaration via email, and get ready to travel!

We will contact you if we need any more information about your application. Once the document is approved, you will receive it via email. You can have it on mobile devices. However, it is also recommended to carry a printed copy of the declaration.

Apply online with iVisa

What are the costs and processing time of this South African Traveller Declaration?

iVisa offers three options to process your application. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

• Standard Processing: This option is the most affordable. It takes 24 hours for a fee of USD $33.99.

• Rush Processing: If you need your Traveller Declaration a little faster than usual, this option takes up to 8 hours for a fee of USD $49.99.

• Super Rush Processing: This is the fastest option. You can obtain your document in just 4 hours for a fee of USD $73.99.

Complete the form online here!

Must children also submit an online Traveller Declaration?

Children also need to apply for this declaration. In this case, the parents or guardians can complete the document using the online system.

COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa

There are currently no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements in South Africa.

Where can I learn more?

In case you have questions about the South African Traveller Declaration or other travel documents. In that case, you can reach out to our outstanding customer support team online or by email at help@iVisa. They are available 24/7 to assist you in case you run into any difficulties.