If you are planning to travel into or out of South Africa, your pre-departure checklist just got a bit longer. As of 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made its Online Traveller Declaration system strictly mandatory for all individuals entering or leaving the country by air, land, or sea.
What was previously a voluntary digital pilot has officially replaced the old paper-based customs forms for nearly all travellers. Failing to submit your digital form before crossing the border could lead to significant delays at customs control.
Here is everything you need to know about the new mandatory system, how to access it, and how to complete your declaration.
What is the SARS Online Traveller Declaration?
The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) is a digital platform designed to streamline the customs process. It requires all travellers—including South African citizens, residents, and international visitors—to declare any commercial goods, high-value personal items, foreign currency, or restricted materials before they arrive at or depart from a South African port of entry.
The system aims to modernize border control, strengthen “Smart Borders,” and drastically cut down on manual paperwork.
How to Access the System
SARS has made the platform accessible across multiple digital formats. You can complete your declaration through any of the following channels:
- The Web Portal: Complete it directly on the SARS Traveller Management System website.
- The Dedicated App: Download the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) App, available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.
- The Standard SARS MobiApp: The declaration feature is also fully integrated into the existing SARS MobiApp used for personal income tax.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your Declaration
SARS recommends completing your digital declaration before you board your flight or start your journey to ensure you receive your electronic confirmation in time.
What You Will Need Before You Start:
- Passport details
- Travel itinerary (flight numbers, ship details, or vehicle registration)
- Contact details (including a valid, active email address)
- Details of any travel companions (note: separate declarations must be filed for children and infants under your care)
- Entity details (if travelling for business purposes)
1.Capture your Details:Step 1.
Open the SATMS app or web portal, select ‘Complete Declaration’, and input your personal, passport, and travel details.
2.Declare your Goods and Currency:Step 2.
List any items that require declaration. This includes goods exceeding your duty-free allowance, items intended for commercial sale, or physical currency exceeding legal limits.
3.Submit and Check Your Email:Step 3.
Once submitted, check your email. SARS will instantly send an electronic Confirmation of Declaration containing specific customs instructions.
4.Save the Confirmation:Step 4.
Print out the confirmation email or save it securely on your mobile device. It contains a barcode that customs officers will scan at the port of entry.
5.Proceed Through Customs:Step 5.
Upon Arrival: Go through standard immigration, then follow the electronic instructions received in your email to navigate the green or red Customs Control channels.
Upon Departure: Head to the customs office if you need to register high-value items for temporary re-importation or claim a VAT refund, using your digital confirmation as proof.
Important Pitfalls to Avoid
- Family Travel Requires Multiple Forms: A single declaration cannot cover an entire family. Every individual, including infants, must have an individual digital declaration submitted on their behalf.
- The Internet Connection Trap: Do not rely on getting a stable internet connection or free public Wi-Fi at a busy land border or airport terminal to fill out the form. Complete it at home or the hotel before checking in.
- Paper Exceptions Are Extremely Limited: Paper forms (the TD-01 manual form) are strictly reserved for rare instances where technical system failures occur or for specific border modalities that completely lack digital infrastructure. Assuming you can “just grab a paper form at the airport” could result in missing your flight or standing in long administrative lines.
If you run into technical glitches or your confirmation email doesn’t arrive, SARS has established a dedicated support channel at travellerescalations@sars.gov.za to help troubleshoot border-crossing issues.
Related Resources
Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025
In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.
Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa
Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).
- Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
- Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
- Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.
Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications
1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)
If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.
2. Life Insurance
While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.
3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)
Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.
4. Business Insurance
For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.
5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance
The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.
Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits
- Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
- Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
- Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
- Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa
Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.
Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.
Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.
Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.
Final Thoughts
In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.
With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.