South African Traveller Management System

What every traveller needs to know before entering or leaving South Africa

South African Traveller Management System

From 1 July 2026, travellers carrying cash with a value exceeding R100,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) must declare these through SATMS. The declaration threshold has increased from the previously recognised R25,000 threshold to R100,000, bringing South Africa's framework in line with current regulatory requirements.

Travellers from international countries are entitled to import goods, excluding consumable goods, up to a value of R5 000 per person without paying any duty or tax thereon.

Travellers must declare:

Goods acquired abroad exceeding duty-free limits.
Restricted or prohibited goods.
Goods being carried on behalf of another person.
Currency and financial instruments exceeding the prescribed threshold mentioned above.

What Travellers Should Do Before Their Next Trip

Download the SATMS mobile App or access the SARS Traveller Declaration Portal on the web.
Submit travel declarations within 24 hours before departure when travelling to or from South Africa.
Assess whether any cash, currency or goods exceed declaration thresholds.
Retain foreign exchange documentation including proof of goods purchased abroad.
Retain proof of submission and customs confirmations.

In the case of failure to complete the declaration timeously or successfully via the SATMS, travellers will be assisted at the border by customs officials with self-service declaration terminals. No entry or exit of passengers from South Africa will be denied due to such failure. It is however recommended that one makes use of the SATMS platforms via mobile or the web in advance to prevent delays during travel.

Travellers who qualify for VAT refunds on goods purchased in South Africa may continue to follow the current VAT refund procedure, which is separate from the SATMS.

Cynthia Gatsi
Senior Manager: Tax & Financial Advisory