Get your South Africa Traveller Declaration for UK citizens
Fast, secure, expert-prepared SARS Traveller Declaration for UK citizens traveling to South Africa
South Africa visa requirements for British citizens
UK citizens do not currently need a visa to visit South Africa for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. They will only need to apply for a South Africa ETA if they want to use faster biometric immigration queues at select international airports (OR Tambo, Cape Town, Lanseria, and King Shaka) or if they plan to manage stay extensions online. Visa-exempt travelers who choose to apply pay the standard ETA fee of R500 (~US$30). UK travelers will need one South Africa entry document:
South Africa Traveller Declaration: A mandatory online customs declaration for all travelers entering and leaving South Africa. It must be submitted within 24 hours before your departure (or before the last leg of your journey directly into South Africa). It does not cover multiple entries; you must submit a new declaration for every single entry and exit. It generates an electronic confirmation via email that you must present to customs officials at the border.
South Africa entry requirements for British citizens
Requirements verified against official government sources
- UK passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure from South Africa, with two blank pages
- Travel details for the entry and the exit leg
- Confirmed return or onward travel ticket
- Yellow fever certificate (only if traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever belt country)
How British citizens can apply for a South Africa visa
Complete your online application
Answer a few simple questions, add every traveller in your group, and tell us about both legs of your trip. You can save your progress and come back anytime. We'll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.
We review your application
The SARS declaration runs to around 39 required fields with no account to save progress, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.
We submit it for government processing
We're not the South African government, but we review your declaration for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we're here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.
Get your South Africa Traveller Declaration
We'll email your confirmation and let you know how to use it for your trip from the United Kingdom to South Africa — including the exit declaration you will also need.
Why British citizens choose iVisa
Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reviews errors, and gives you peace of mind — so you just show up and travel.
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To complete this declaration is not a bad thing, it is quick and easy to used
NOT TOO DIFFICULT TO FILL IN BUT NOT SURE WHY WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS NEW VISA. TEH ZIMBABWE FORM IS ALSO DONE ON LINE BUT NO COST.
They tell you that your applying for a visa but it’s a health declaration form and nothing to do with a visa. I paid 100$ for fast delivery for nothing! They mislead you!
Totally feel cheated. I wanted to apply for e visa and was misguided to fill this declaration. Need a full refund
I payed $40 & i was confused. I got on a live chaat aand the person toped responding when i explained i thought it was for a visa
Terrible. A scam. And a con. I applied for a visa and you try to scam me with an application for customs declaration. What is this ?????
I got South Africa visa, however this was just piece of paper which SA government doesn't accept, so I wasn't allowed to enter country. Wasting my money for fly tickets and accommodation for nothing.
The promptness. Professional handling and all hands-on-deck attitude. All the agents are spot on
It is convenient and easy to use. I like it, thank you
Simple and uncomplicated format. I did fill it out a bit early but they held the form and then sent it in time for our trip. Thanks
South Africa visa FAQs
Quick answers for British citizens traveling to South Africa.
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are available 24/7 on chat, email, and WhatsApp.
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No, British citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. Since 1 July 2026, however, every traveller entering or leaving South Africa must submit the SARS Traveller Declaration (air and sea passengers who stay inside the designated transit area are exempt) — a customs form, not a visa — on entry and again on exit.
How long can UK citizens stay in South Africa visa-free?
You can stay for up to 90 days per visit.
Do children travelling from the UK need their own declaration?
Yes. Children are not exempt — each child needs a declaration completed by a parent or guardian. A family of four files four declarations on entry and four more on exit.
Will I be turned away without a Traveller Declaration?
No. SARS states that travellers will not be denied entry or departure solely for not having filed in advance — self-service terminals are available at the ports that have them. The real risk is failing to declare goods or currency, or declaring falsely, which can lead to penalties or forfeiture.
Can I extend my 90-day stay once I'm in South Africa?
Yes. You can apply for a visitor's visa extension to stay an additional 90 days. You must submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs well before your initial 90-day stamp expires.
Do I need a visa to work or study in South Africa?
Yes. The 90-day visa exemption only covers tourism and general business. If you plan to work, study, or reside in South Africa, you must apply for the appropriate work or study visa at a South African mission or online through the DHA portal prior to your trip.
Start your South Africa visa application today
Get approved quickly — we handle the paperwork, the review, and the government filing, so you just show up ready to travel.
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