11/08/2026
SARS Clarifies New Traveller Declaration Rules✈️
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has clarified the new electronic traveller declaration system (SATMS), which became mandatory on 1 July for travellers entering and leaving South Africa.
Travellers do not generally need to declare ordinary personal belongings such as clothing, toiletries, medication, personal jewellery and mobile phones.
However, travellers must declare commercial goods, restricted or prohibited items, goods purchased abroad that exceed the duty-free allowance, and items temporarily taken out of or brought back into South Africa.
The R5,000 duty-free allowance applies to goods purchased abroad and is not a blanket limit for personal belongings. If qualifying goods exceed the allowance, only the excess may be subject to duties and taxes.
SARS advises travellers to declare valuable or unusual items, such as expensive electronics or jewellery, if they are unsure, to avoid delays or questions at the border.
