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South Africa
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How to Apply: Traveller Declaration

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How to Apply: Embassy Registration

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Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur

Why Register with the Embassy

Travel Registration is a service provided by the government. This service allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad to the Department of State so it can be used to assist you in case of an emergency. People residing abroad can also get routine information from their nearest embassy or consulate if registered.

Required Information to Apply

Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:

  • your contact details change,
  • your civil status changes,
  • you are going back to your home country.

Learn More: Traveller Declaration

What you need to know

  • The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a form you need to fill out online before arriving and leaving South Africa to declare goods you bought, received, or acquired differently.

  • This travel declaration is not a visa.

  • You can also complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration on arrival. We advise you to do it online and in advance to avoid delays at the airport.

  • This document is valid during your entry and exit from South Africa. That means you will need to apply twice, once you enter the country and once when you leave.

  • You can apply online for this travel document with iVisa. We do all the paperwork for you, and our team will review your application to be 100% government-compliant so you can avoid rejections.

  • No traveler (South African citizens included) entering or leaving the country is exempt from completing this form.

  • Children also need to apply for the South Africa Traveller Declaration.

  • You can use this travel declaration at King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport.

  • We advise you to complete this form two days ahead to avoid any delays.

  • This form is required to transit through South Africa.

  • There are no COVID-19 requirements to enter South Africa.

  • iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.

Complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration online now!

Last updated: January 2023

Are you planning a trip to South Africa to discover the fantastic wildlife, pristine beaches, vibey cities, and diverse culture? Make sure you have the right travel documents to enter South Africa.

Besides a visa, if you need one, it’s necessary for travelers to fill out another document: the digital South Africa Traveller Declaration.

This magical destination is closer than ever since you can fill out the form online with iVisa to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa, via King Shaka International airport or any other South African international airport.

What is the South Africa Traveller Declaration?

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a form you have to fill out online before arriving and leaving South African territory to pre-declare goods you bought or received, or large amounts of cash.

The new declaration system is part of the SMART border initiative, and was launched in November 2022. The new system aims to improve travelers' experience and achieve socio-economic growth, to protect and facilitate legitimate trade in the country.

Entering South Africa without applying for this online declaration is still possible. However, you will have to declare your goods on arrival at the King Shaka International airport or other airports, which can take time.

The new traveler declaration system facilitates the process since you can fill out the document from the comfort of your home and get through customs quickly.

Fill out the South Africa Traveller Declaration online now

Who needs to use the online Traveller Declaration system for South Africa?

This declaration is mandatory for all travelers entering or leaving the country, which also includes South African citizens. The new system allows everyone to complete this form and pay applicable taxes online. You will be required to present this document at King Shaka International Airport, and soon at all other international airports in the country.

Your goods need to be declared in your declaration form if:

  • Your or someone else's goods were bought in a place where duty has not been paid.
  • Your goods are prohibited, restricted, or controlled.
  • Your goods are meant to be fixed, processed, or renovated abroad. Besides declaring the items in the new Traveller Declaration system, ensure you have enough documents to prove that you own or have paid for these goods, such as a receipt.

Which goods are duty-free in South Africa?

Duty-free goods can be used or bought by a traveler entering or leaving South Africa as gifts or for personal use. The following goods are duty-free in South Africa:

  • Used or new goods costing no more than 5000 South Africa Rand (about USD 295) per person.
  • Two liters of wine bottles per person max.
  • One liter of other alcoholic beverages per person max.
  • No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person.
  • No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person.
  • No more than 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette per person.

Which goods are restricted to import into South Africa?

According to the South African Revenue Service, the restricted goods are the following, meaning you must have a valid permit or letter of authority to import or export them:

  • Firearms or other weapons.
  • Gold coins.
  • Excess currency (cash, banknotes, etc.).
  • Unprocessed minerals (e.g., gold, diamonds, etc.).
  • Animals, plants, and their products (e.g., animal skins, dairy products, honey).
  • Medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician).
  • Herbal products (Department of Health permit required).

Which goods are prohibited to be imported into South Africa?

According to the South African Revenue Service ‘SARS), the flowing goods are strictly prohibited to import/export:

  • Narcotics and habit-forming drugs in any form.
  • Fully automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons.
  • Explosives and fireworks.
  • Poison and other toxic substances.
  • Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1000.
  • Goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act (for example, counterfeit goods).
  • Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright.
  • Penitentiary or prison-made goods.

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How long is the South African Traveller Declaration valid for?

The South Africa Traveller Declaration is a Single entry document so every time you want to enter or leave the country, you’ll have to fill it out again.

By applying with iVisa, you’ll get the Traveller Declaration in less than a few hours. However, we advise submitting an online traveller declaration at least two days in advance.

Apply now!

Documents needed to fill out the online declaration form for South Africa

  • Passport - You must provide your passport details.
  • Email address - You’ll receive the Traveller Declaration via email and must present it to the customs officers.
  • Payment method - A credit or debit card to pay the iVisa processing fees.

Fill out the form online now!

Do I need this declaration if I’m transiting through South Africa?

Yes, you do. This document is required to transit through South Africa.

How can I fill out the South African Traveller Declaration online?

You just need to follow these simple steps to obtain the Traveller Declaration online with iVisa:

  • Step 1: Complete this application form with your personal and travel details. Review all your application information carefully.

  • Step 2: Once you fill in the information, you can pay the fee. You can use a credit or debit card.

  • Step 3: Receive your Traveller Declaration via email, and get ready to travel!

We will contact you if we need any more information about your application. Once the document is approved, you will receive it via email. You can have it on mobile devices. However, it is also recommended to carry a printed copy of the declaration.

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What are the costs and processing time of this South African Traveller Declaration?

iVisa offers three options to process your application. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

  • Standard Processing: This option is the most affordable. It takes 24 hours for a fee of USD $33.99.

  • Rush Processing: If you need your Traveller Declaration a little faster than usual, this option takes up to 8 hours for a fee of USD $47.99.

  • Super Rush Processing: This is the fastest option. You can obtain your document in just 4 hours for a fee of USD $70.99.

Complete the form online here!

Must children also submit an online Traveller Declaration?

Children also need to apply for this declaration. In this case, the parents or guardians can complete the document using the online system.

COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa

There are currently no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements in South Africa.

Where can I learn more?

In case you have questions about the South African Traveller Declaration or other travel documents. In that case, you can reach out to our outstanding customer support team online or by email at [email protected]. They are available 24/7 to assist you in case you run into any difficulties.

Questions?

Our Company is accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has a validated IATA Agency Code. If you want to check this information you can verify our membership using our bearing No. 23716873 at http://store.iata.org/ieccacfree.

Remember that the customer service team at iVisa is here 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our service.

It will only take around 10 minutes to fill out our simplified form online.

Start your application here!

One of the great things about this form is that you don’t need to submit any documents. You only need to provide the following information:

  • Passport details.
  • Travel details.
  • Contact details.
  • If you are traveling with family members, you need their passport numbers.
  • If you are traveling for business purposes, you need to provide information about the company/entity receiving you.
  • Any goods, cash, or BNI(Bearer Negotiable Instruments) entering or leaving the county.

Do you have all this information? Apply now!

Yes, you can. There is no government fee that you will need to pay.

We charge a small fee but remember that by applying beforehand with iVisa, you can avoid any delays or errors, including saving time at immigration. Our team of experts will also review your application to minimize the likelihood of errors to guarantee you a smooth entry to South Africa.

Apply here!

This document is valid during your entry and your exit from South Africa. That means you need to apply twice; when you’re entering the country and leaving it.

Apply now!

Yes, you do. This document is required to transit through South Africa.

Apply here!

According to the South African Revenue Service, you can't import into South Africa: “narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form, fully automatic, military and unnumbered weapons, explosives and fireworks, poison and other toxic substances, cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000, goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act (for example, counterfeit goods), unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright” and “penitentiary or prison-made goods."
According to the South African Revenue Service, the flowing goods are restricted to import into South Africa: “firearms/weapons, gold coins, excess currency (cash, banknotes, etc.), unprocessed minerals (e.g. gold, diamonds, etc.), animals, plants and their products (e.g. animal skins, dairy products, honey), medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician)" and “herbal products (Department of Health permit required)."
No, there are no longer COVID-19 requirements to enter South Africa.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service agents if you have further questions, they’re available for you 24/7.

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At iVisa, we understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to provide you with the fastest service possible. Our processing times are estimated based on the average duration it takes governments to process visa applications. These estimated times begin from the moment we receive all the correct information for your application until you receive your visa. While we work diligently to expedite the process, it’s important to note that we are reliant on the processing times set by the government authorities.
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