It’s essential to be up-to-date on South Africa’s customs regulations so you can pass through checks on arrival stress-free.
In this post, we’ll explain which items are permitted, restricted, and prohibited by customs authorities in South Africa. You’ll also details on how to submit customs information on your Travel Declaration.
Customs declaration for South Africa
When entering or leaving South Africa, you must declare any goods you’re carrying with you. To do this, complete the online Travel Declaration form.
Along with some personal and trip details, you must fill out the customs section of the form. You’ll be asked to declare personal items you’re bringing into or out of South Africa, including valuable goods like technology, or jewellery.
The declaration is an essential step in successfully passing customs controls, and helps officials to establish if taxes or duties apply. It’s mandatory at all ports of entry in South Africa.
Duty-free allowances
Some items are restricted by South African customs rules, meaning you can only bring them in certain quantities without paying duty tax. Here are the duty-free allowances per person:
- Alcoholic beverages: Up to 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of alcoholic spirits or liqueurs
- Tobacco products: Up to 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, and 250g of loose tobacco
- Perfumes: Up to 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
- Money: ZAR 25,000, and up to USD 10,000 or equivalent in foreign currency
Important: Travellers under 18 are not eligible for South Africa’s alcohol or tobacco allowances.
If you carry any of these restricted items in quantities exceeding the permitted allowances, you must declare this. Customs officials will advise you if duty tax is due to be paid.
Paying duty fees on taxable items
Value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties may be payable on certain goods you carry into or out of South Africa.
This includes restricted products which exceed the duty-free allowance, or products intended for sale.
When passing through customs checks in South Africa, you’ll be informed if you need to make a duty tax payment and how to do so. Failure to comply may result in fines or your goods being held at customs.
Prohibited and restricted items at South African customs
Certain items are strictly forbidden to import into South Africa, including:
- Narcotics and addictive substances
- Military-grade or unnumbered firearms and fully automatic weapons
- Toxic substances, such as poisons or unapproved chemicals
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Fireworks and explosives
You must not bring any of these items with you to South Africa. Carrying prohibited items will lead to confiscation and other serious penalties.
Goods which require a permit
South Africa has strict regulations on items that require permits to be brought into the country. To bring the following goods, you must have the correct authorisation:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Animal, herbal, and plant products
- Medicines
- Unprocessed minerals
- Gold coins, and bearer instruments
To carry these items into South Africa, you must apply for the necessary permits in advance of travel. If you do not have the correct authorisation, you’ll face travel delays and customs officials may confiscate the goods.
Note: Medications are restricted to personal use. You must carry a prescription or certified letter from your doctor if the medicine you’re carrying is not available over-the-counter.
Tips for a smooth customs experience on your visit to South Africa
Here are some essential tips to help you pass through South African customs hassle-free:
- Stay up-to-date on customs rules — Check our site for the latest rules on travelling to South Africa.
- Check the duty-free allowances — It’s important to be aware of what quantities you can bring without incurring duty tax.
- Fill out your Travel Declaration accurately — Make sure all items are declared to avoid problems when you travel.
- Keep receipts for expensive items — It’s helpful to bring purchase receipts to indicate cost value.
It only takes a few minutes to complete your Travel Declaration on this site. We explain how to fill out each section of the form in our handy application guide.
