The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says it will implement an "online traveller declaration system" that will go into effect on November 1, 2022. According to SARS, the new system will be applicable to all South Africans travelling abroad and says that it will simplify passenger movement at South African airports.
According to SARS, the system's goal is to collect travel information and in exchange, grant a traveller pass via email. It requires that all South Africans and residents leaving or entering South Africa by air complete the declaration.
Once completed and submitted, travellers will receive a pass before boarding.
The new online system will be implemented in all South African international airports, beginning with OR Tambo International Airport on 1 November 2022 and will further rollout to other airports in the first quarter of 2023.
While SARS has not updated their website nor given us a way to find out more information, travellers can expect instructions upon arrival in South Africa from 1 November should all go according to plan. This information will serve to guide and inform travellers on what to do.
If you are in the industry and want to know more, SATSA, the inbound industry association, is inviting the entire industry (members, non-members, and stakeholders) to join its CEO, David Frost, and a panel from SARS for an “Introduction of SARS's online traveller declaration system webinar” that will unpack the system and what it means for travellers: The webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. To register, go here.
For the rest of you, TaxTim will keep you updated with further information on the new travel declaration system from SARS as soon as it lands!
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