SARS’ message for travellers entering and leaving South Africa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is urging all travellers to use its online declaration system ahead of the busy holiday season to expedite border processing and ensure proper declaration of goods and cash.

Ahead of the peak holiday season, SARS has issued a reminder encouraging all travellers to use the SARS Online Traveller Declaration System before entering or leaving South Africa.

Tax Consulting South Africa explained that the online system, which enables travellers to complete their declaration of goods, including currency, in advance, will facilitate smoother processing at ports of entry, whether land, air, or seaports.

With increased travel volumes expected over the December period, this simple automated process will significantly reduce congestion and delays at border posts.

According to SARS, this process will also ensure that all travellers are prepared with the correct documentation.

Tax Consulting explained that travellers who are entering or leaving the country, including South African citizens and residents, can now complete and submit an online traveller declaration.

Once they do, they will receive an electronic confirmation before they travel. Travellers with children or infants must also complete a declaration on their behalf.

The system was initially piloted at King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and OR Tambo International Airport in 2022.

It has since been rolled out at all ports of entry across different modalities. While the use of the online declaration system is currently optional, it is expected to become mandatory soon.

However, travellers still have the option to approach Customs at any port of entry if they are in need of assistance. Travellers are required by law to make specific declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa.

The declaration process aligns with global practices and complies with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act. SARS said it has, for years, experimented with various manual declaration forms.

However, these have increased the workload of officers, led to specific risks, and resulted in an unsatisfactory traveller experience when dealing with Customs.

The online declaration process enables travellers to pre-declare goods purchased, received, or otherwise acquired.

The automated process also has the added benefit of handling traveller information in a more secure manner and focusing resources on value-added activities, SARS noted.

An easy declaration process

Fortunately for travellers, the online declaration is a quick and easy process that only requires their travel details.

The first step involves downloading the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) app or visiting www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/. Then, travellers should click on “Complete Declaration”.

After filling in their personal details, users should select their travel type – personal or business – and provide the necessary details.

After that, they should declare any goods, including currency, in their possession and pay any applicable duties and VAT.

Finally, they can submit the declaration. Travellers will receive confirmation via email or SMS, which can be printed or saved on their mobile device for easy access when customs officers request it at the relevant port or border crossing.

Upon arrival at the airport, travellers must proceed to the Customs Control area as instructed in their declaration confirmation.

Travellers departing may claim a VAT refund or acquire goods previously registered for temporary importation at this stage. Travellers will need their:

• Passport details
• Travel details
• Contact details
• Details of travel companion(s)
• Entity details for business travel
• Goods, cash, and Bearer Negotiable Instruments coming in or leaving the country

Those departing South Africa should visit the Customs office to register their goods for re-importation or proceed as instructed in the declaration confirmation they received.

Benefits for travellers

Tax Consulting explained that the online travel declaration system offers several key benefits for all parties.

It makes it easier for travellers to comply with their legal obligations and helps create a seamless process at ports of entry through improved risk management, particularly as traveller volumes increase.

The system also enables customs to focus its enforcement efforts on cases of non-compliance, while ensuring that traveller information is handled securely.

Additionally, Tax Consulting noted that it provides the government with a single, unified view of traveller data across departments.

SARS said the online declaration system is part of the broader Customs Modernisation Programme, SMART Border initiative.

This initiative aims to provide “pre-clearance” to travellers wherever possible, facilitating a seamless passage through South Africa’s ports.

This development also aligns South Africa with countries such as New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and Australia, which have similar processes in place.

Tax Consulting associate director Jashwin Baijoo said this can be seen as part of the revenue collector’s vision of a smart, modernised SARS.

“Over the last 5 years, SARS has made significant progress in modernising its systems to make it easy and simple for taxpayers to transact with the organisation,” Baijoo said.

The system provides clarity and certainty, while also enhancing the taxman’s capacity to detect any non-compliance.