Paying a website for your SARS traveller declaration? It's free
SARS says third-party sites charging travellers to complete the Traveller Declaration are not linked to it. You can declare free on the SARS website, SATMS app or SARS MobiApp, no more than 24 hours before you travel.
You do not have to pay anyone to complete your SARS Traveller Declaration. SARS said on Thursday, 12 November, that some independent websites and agents are charging travellers to fill in the form, that they are not linked to SARS, and that their fees are not SARS fees (SARS).
Doing it yourself through SARS's own channels costs nothing (SAnews). With festive season trips to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and overseas about to start, that saves you a fee per person, since every traveller in your group needs their own declaration.
Where can you declare for free?
| Official channel | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| SARS website | Traveller Management System on sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration |
| SATMS app | Google, Apple or Huawei app store |
| SARS MobiApp (eFiling app) | Traveller Declaration button in the menu |
| Self-service kiosk | At ports of entry where available |
Using a paid helper is optional (SARS). If a site asks for a card payment just to submit the declaration, it is not SARS.
Who has to declare?
Since 1 July 2026, almost everyone entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea or rail must submit an online declaration before travelling. That includes South African citizens and residents, not only foreigners (SARS FAQs).
Children and babies need a declaration too, and a parent or legal guardian can submit it for them. The only travellers excluded are air or sea passengers who stay in the transit area and do not leave it (SARS FAQs).
When should you submit it?
No more than 24 hours before you leave the country you are travelling from. If your trip to South Africa has stops, the 24 hours count from the last leg that flies or sails directly here (SARS FAQs).
Train travellers should declare before reaching the first or last railway station in South Africa, depending on direction (SARS FAQs).
What do you need to fill it in?
Have your passport or travel document, travel details, contact details and the details of anyone travelling with you. Each traveller must give a valid email address, because SARS emails a confirmation with instructions for the port (SARS). Save it on your phone or print it.
You do not have to declare ordinary personal effects for your own use. You must declare goods above your traveller allowance, goods for temporary import or export (including a foreign-registered vehicle at a land border), and cash or bearer instruments above the legal threshold (SARS FAQs).
What if you could not declare before you arrived?
You will not be turned away at the border only because you did not declare in advance. Customs officials and self-service terminals can help you at the port (SARS FAQs).
A paper form is allowed only when SARS's system is down, there is no internet at that port, or you were otherwise reasonably unable to submit online (SARS FAQs). Failing to declare goods or making a false declaration can lead to delays, goods being detained or forfeited, and penalties.
For help, ask at a Customs service counter or email the SARS traveller declaration support address listed on the SARS Traveller Declaration page.
FAQ
Does the SARS Traveller Declaration cost money?
No. It is free on the SARS website, the SATMS app and the SARS MobiApp. Third-party providers that charge are not affiliated with SARS and their fees are not SARS fees.
When must I submit my traveller declaration?
No more than 24 hours before departure from the country you are travelling from, or before the last leg directly to South Africa if your journey has stops.
Do South African citizens need a traveller declaration?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026 citizens, residents and foreign travellers entering or leaving South Africa generally must declare online, including children. Only transit passengers who stay in the transit area are excluded.
Will I be refused entry if I didn't declare?
SARS says travellers will not be denied entry or departure solely for not declaring in advance. Customs officials and self-service terminals can assist at the port.