South Africa Entry Form
Apply nowIn an effort to streamline border control and ensure the safety of both travellers and residents, the South African Revenue Service has introduced the online Travel Declaration system.
This page provides a comprehensive guide to:
- Understanding the Travel Declaration and its purpose
- Its purpose
- The implementation timeline
- Who needs it
- The customs declaration requirements
- How to submit the Travel Declaration application online
Travel Declaration, an entry/exit form for South Africa
The Travel Declaration is an online South Africa entry and exit form. This digital system is designed to collect information, such as the traveller's identity and travel details.
You’ll also be able to easily pre-declare goods and cash that you’re bringing into or taking out of South Africa thanks to the new system.
When fully implemented, the system will:
- Use pre-arrival data to improve an efficient risk management strategy
- Allow users to have a "green lane" experience, meaning that you will be able to skip lengthy customs queues
- Permit you to have a smoother boarding process.
The online pre-declaration will enable travellers to proceed quickly, stress-free, and without incident upon arrival and departure. Nevertheless, those travellers who prefer to manually fill the paper form can request the paper forms at the terminals.
Why is the online South Africa Traveller Declaration being implemented?
The implementation of the online South Africa Entry Form serves multiple purposes. It aims to strengthen South Africa's border management system and guarantee the safety of both visitors and residents.
It also allows you to complete the mandatory goods and cash declaration in advance and eliminates the need to wait in long queues to complete an application at the port of entry.
The declaration form:
- Streamlines the process of entering and exiting the country by automating the collection of traveller information.
- Enhances border security by monitoring travellers and their belongings.
- Facilitates the tracking and control of imported and exported goods to prevent illegal trade and smuggling.
South African Travel Declaration System timeline
The South African Revenue Service introduced the electronic South Africa Travel Declaration system on a pilot basis in November 2022. It was first piloted at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA).
Following the successful trial, the system was then implemented at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in February and March 2023, respectively.
After these trials, the system was introduced at all other airports in South Africa, as well as at land border checkpoints (particularly Beit Bridge and Skilpadshek).
The online declaration is now mandatory to arrive and depart from all points of entry in South Africa.
Who needs the Travel Declaration for South Africa?
All passengers both entering and leaving South Africa need to complete and submit an online South Africa Travel Declaration application.
You must apply for a Travel Declaration regardless of your nationality, age, or purpose of visit**. It’s a requirement for tourists, business travellers, students, and those visiting friends or family in South Africa.
Nationals and residents of South Africa are not exempt. You’ll need to submit a South Africa Travel Declaration application even if you have a South African passport or if you’re a resident in the country.
If you’re travelling to South Africa with minors, you also need to complete a separate declaration on behalf of each child.
Do I need the South Africa Traveller Declaration to transit through the country?
Yes, all passengers transiting through South Africa must have a completed Traveller Declaration. This is a mandatory requirement regardless of your layover time or your final destination.
Electronic South Africa Travel Declaration requirements
The online South Africa Travel Declaration requirements state you must:
- Book a flight to or from South Africa
- Have a passport with at least 30 days of remaining validity after departure from South Africa.
Your passport must contain at least one blank page if you’re a visa-exempt visitor. However, if you require a visa for South Africa, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
Please note that if you’re travelling to South Africa as a family or with others, you also need to provide details of your travel companion(s) on your declaration.
How to apply online for the Travel Declaration Form
The South Africa Travel Declaration application is straightforward. Simply follow these steps:
- Access the online Travel Declaration form
- Provide personal information: The online form will require you to enter your personal details, such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport information, and contact information.
- Supply travel details: Additionally, you'll need to provide information about your travel itinerary, including flight number and port of entry/departure.
- Declare goods and their estimated values: Remember to comply with the country's customs regulations and be aware of restricted or prohibited items.
- Review your application: Carefully review all the information provided in your Travel Declaration form, making sure it’s accurat. Inaccurate or incomplete information may result in delays or issues upon arrival in South Africa.
- Submit the application: Once you've reviewed your application, click the "Submit" button.
What to do once you receive your South Africa Travel Declaration
After you submit the online form:
- You'll receive a confirmation email containing your completed South Africa Entry Form. You should save this on your mobile device, as you'll need to provide it upon arrival in South Africa.
- We also advise you to print a copy of the completed declaration form and carry it with you when travelling. However, you can either show the form on your mobile screen or present a printed copy.
You also need to present your passport and any other required documentation to immigration and customs officials on arrival in South Africa. They may ask you questions about your visit, so be prepared to provide clear and accurate information.
Requirements for departing from South Africa
As stated above, you must complete a Travel Declaration form when leaving South Africa. You must also comply with the:
- Customs declaration: If you have purchased goods or acquired items during your stay in South Africa that exceed the customs allowance, you must list these items on your declaration form. Ensure that you have receipts or documentation to verify the value of the goods.
- Exit formalities: Before departing, you will need to present your passport and boarding pass at the immigration counter. Be prepared to answer any questions the immigration officials may have about your stay in South Africa.
Finally, we advise you to arrive at the airport or port of departure well in advance of your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to complete the required formalities, go through security checks, and navigate any potential delays.
What happens if I overstay my South Africa Visa?
Overstaying a visa or visa-free stay in South Africa can result in a ban from re-entry for up to 5 years, a fine, or even detention.
Therefore, we strongly advise you to adhere to the visa expiry date and extend your visa before it expires if needed.