Summary
- Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1996, requires all persons entering or leaving South Africa to declare goods:
- In their possession;
- Carried for themselves; or
- On behalf of other persons.
- Travellers must declare full particulars of the following:
- Upon entering South Africa:
- Goods acquired abroad on which duties have not been paid;
- Goods that were repaired, processed or remodelled;
- Prohibited, restricted or controlled goods.
- Goods temporarily imported for re-exportation.
- Before leaving South Africa:
- Goods intended for repair, processing or remodelling;
- Prohibited, restricted or controlled goods.
- Goods temporarily exported for re-importation.
- Upon entering South Africa:
- Goods described above includes:
- Goods in excess of the duty-free allowance in terms of Rebate Item 407.02 and the Guide on Duty Free Allowances (SC-PA-01-03).
- Commercial goods.
- Road vehicles temporarily imported or exported.
- The South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) is implemented to allow for electronic declaration.
- Travellers may use the Traveller Card (TC-01) form if the SATMS is inaccesable.
- A person may be questioned and goods may be inspected by a Customs Officer.
- Any assessed duties, taxes and levies must be paid.
Accessing the Electronic Traveller Declaration
The QR Code
- The traveller scans the QR Code displayed on the pamphlet from their device camera.
- The traveller clicks the SARS link that displays when scanning the QR Code.
- The traveller opens the declaration by clicking on ‘Complete Declaration’ button.
- The traveller completes the traveller declaration following the steps in paragraph The SARS Mobi Application (eFiling) below.
The SARS Mobi Application (eFiling)
- The traveller must open the SARS Mobi Application.
- The traveller must read the SARS efiling terms and conditions thereafter indicate whether they accept or decline these conditions.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Traveller Declaration’ on the menu options.
- The traveller completes the traveller declaration following the steps in paragraph Capturing below.
The SATMS Mobi Application
- The traveller must download the SATMS Application from Playstore or iStore. The app is available on both the Android and IOS platforms.
- The traveller clicks the SATMS icon to open the SATMS open page.
Traveller Declaration System
Manage Traveller Registration
- The traveller clicks the register button to register their profile on the SATMS Mobi Application.
- To capture login credentials, the traveller enters or selects the:
- Username, the traveller may use their email address as the username.
- Password which must be in alphanumeric with at least one (1) special character.
- Confirm password which must match the password in the password field.
- Name.
- Surname.
- Nationality from the drop-down list containing all nationalities.
- Date of Birth from the calendar provided.
- To capture physical address details, the traveller enters / selects the:
- Unit Number (if applicable);
- Complex Name (if applicable);
- Street Number;
- Street / Farm Name;
- Suburb;
- City / Region;
- Postal Code; and
- Country from the dropdown list.
- To capture the contact details, the traveller enters the:
- Email Address;
- Dialling Code; and
- Mobile Number.
- To capture passport details, the traveller enters / selects the:
- Passport Number;
- Passport Expiry Date; and
- Passport Country of Issue from the drop-down list.
- The traveller clicks the:
- Terms and Conditions to read the SARS terms and conditions, and must click ‘SATMS’ at the top of the screen in order to go back to the SATMS App screen.
- ‘I Accept the Terms and conditions’ to accept the terms and conditions and
- ‘Add Traveller’ button.
- The system confirms that the registration was successful.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Ok’ button.
View the Before You Travel Information
- To view information on what the traveller can expect when travelling in and out of South Africa, the traveller must click on the ‘Before You Travel’ icon on the SATMS.
- The traveller must click the blue arrow next to ‘before you travel’ to return to the SATMS welcome page.
View the Making a Declaration Information
- The traveller must click on Making a Declaration icon to view the information on:
- How to submit the declaration
- What to do once the declaration has been completed.
- What to do once the traveller has arrived at a South African Port.
- What to do when departing South African.
- The traveller must click the ‘to go back to’ arrow next to complete declaration in order to return to the SATMS welcome page.
Traveller Login
- Once the traveller has an active account or registered their profile on the SATMS Mobi-Application, the traveller may access the login screen by clicking on login.
- The traveller must enter the:
- Username; and
- Password.
- If the traveller does not remember their username, the traveller must click the ‘Forgot Username’ link.
- The traveller must:
- Enter the ‘Email Address’; and
- Click the ‘Next’ button.
- The SATMS displays the message that the username has been sent to the traveller’s email address.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Ok’.
- If the traveller cannot login because they do not remember their password, the traveller must click the ‘Forgot Password’ link.
- The traveller must:
- Enter the ‘Username’; and
- Click the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- The traveller enters the One Time Password (OTP) which was emailed by the SATMS.
- If the traveller successfully completes the username and password, the traveller clicks the login button to proceed to the SATMS welcome page.
Manage Travellers
- The traveller can add and maintain secondary traveller/s linked to their profile by clicking the ‘Manage Travellers’ button.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Add Traveller’ link.
- The traveller must enter:
- ‘Name’.
- ‘Surname’.
- ‘Nationality’.
- ‘Date of birth’.
- ‘Email Address’ – may be the email address of the primary traveller.
- ‘Dialling Code’.
- To complete the physical address, the traveller must enter:
- ‘Unit Number’ (if applicable);
- ‘Complex Name’ (if applicable);
- ‘Street Number’;
- ‘Suburb’;
- ‘City / Region’;
- ‘Postal Code’; and
- ‘Country’.
- To complete the passport details, the traveller enters:
- ‘Passport Number’;
- ‘Passport Expiry Date’;
- ‘Passport Issue Date’;
- ‘Passport Country of Issue’; and
- The traveller clicks ‘Add Secondary Traveller’.
- The SATMS confirms that the traveller was added successfully.
Profile Management
- The traveller may update their profile information, delete the account and change the password by clicking Profile Management from the welcome page of the SATMS.
- The traveller can view the existing traveller details by clicking the ‘Traveller Information’ button.
- The SATMS displays the traveller details.
- To change the password the traveller must click ‘Change Password’ button.
- The traveller must enter the:
- Old Password;
- New Password; and
- Confirm New Password.
- Clicks ‘Submit’.
- To delete an existing profile, the traveller clicks ‘Delete Account’.
- The SATMS warns the traveller that deleting the account will remove the linked second traveller/s. The traveller must click ‘Ok’ to continue.
- The traveller must:
- Select ‘Country’ from the drop-down options;
- Enter ‘Date of Birth’;
- Enter ‘Email Address’; and
- Click ‘Delete Traveller’.
- The traveller must click ‘Ok’ to complete the deletion of the account.
- The SATMS will display the message below:
Capturing
Travel Details
- To capture the travel declaration, the traveller clicks ‘Complete Travel Declaration’.
- The traveller must:
- Select the ‘Primary Traveller’ and ‘Secondary Traveller’ radio buttons; and
- Click ‘Submit’.
- The SATMS confirms that the traveller is making a declaration. The traveller clicks ‘Continue’.
Traveller Details
- Complete the following sections under the Traveller Details tab:
- Declaration Type:
- Determines whether the traveller has goods and / or currency to declare.
- Options:
- ‘I have goods and / or currency to declare (Full Declaration)’ – select if carrying goods or currency that must be declared.
- I have no good and / or currency to declare (Nil Declaration) – select if not carrying any goods or currency requiring declaration.
- Mode of Travel; and
- Traveller details.
- Declaration Type:
No Goods or Currency to Declare
- If the traveller does not have good and / or currency to declare, they must:
- Select ‘I Have No Goods and/or Currency to Declare (Nil)’.
- The traveller completes the following sections:
- Mode of Travel; and
- Traveller Details.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- The traveller completes the following sections:
- The traveller completes the following sections:
- Travel Details; and/or
- Travelling Companion.
- The traveller clicks the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- The traveller completes the following sections:
- The summary page will not have any information because the traveller had no goods or currency to declare.
- The traveller clicks the:
- ‘Declaration’ radio button confirming that the information provided is true and correct; and
- ‘Next’ button to complete the declaration.
- After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the directions from Customs.
- After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the directions from Customs.
Have Goods or Currency to Declare
- If the traveller has goods or currency to declare, he / she:
- Selects ‘I have goods and / or currency to declare (Full)’.
- Selects from the drop-down options:
- ‘Mode of Travel Type’ which is a type of travel (e.g., Air, Land, Sea).
- ‘Port’ – which is a port of entry or exit (e.g., OR Tambo International Airport, Durban Harbour, Golela).
- Selects from the drop-down options:
- If the traveller selected a port of entry or exit without Customs presence (a non-designated port), the system provides the traveller with the following information:
- Only online payments are accepted where duties / VAT is payable.
- No currency amount over the R25 000 threshold is allowed.
- No Prohibited, restricted or temporary goods (Including samples and goods for remodelling). are allowed.
- The system will advise the traveller to select the nearest designated port if required.
- To continue click ‘Close’.
- If the traveller selected a port of entry or exit without Customs presence (a non-designated port), the system provides the traveller with the following information:
- The traveller selects ‘Mode of Transport’ from the drop-down options.
- If the traveller wishes to continue with the use of a non-designated port, he /she must enter ‘Reason for Non-designated Port’.
- In the case where the ‘International Aircraft’ is used as a mode of transport, the traveller must insert the ‘Flight Number’.
- In the case where the ‘Train’ is used as a mode of transport, the traveller must Insert:
- The ‘Train Name’; and
- The ‘Train Number’.
- In the case where the ‘Train’ is used as a mode of transport, the traveller must Insert:
- In the case where the ‘Motorbike/Private Car/Vehicle/Truck/Mini Truck,’ was used as a mode of transport, the traveller must insert the ‘Registration Number’.
- In the case where a Private Ship/Yacht’ is used as a mode of transport, the traveller must insert the:
- ‘Private Ship / Yacht Name’; and
- ‘Private Ship / Yacht Registration Number’.
- In the case where a ‘Ship/Vessel’ is used as a mode of transport, the traveller must insert the:
- ‘Ship/Vessel Name’; and
- ‘Voyage Number’.
- In the case where a Private Ship/Yacht’ is used as a mode of transport, the traveller must insert the:
- In the ‘Traveller Details’ section, the traveller must:
- Select ‘Travel Document Type’ from the drop-down options.
- Insert ‘Travel Document Number’.
- Select from the drop-down options :
- ‘Travel Document Country’.
- ‘Nationality of Traveller’.
- ‘Nationality of Traveller’.
- Enter:
- ‘First name’ and ‘Surname’.
- ‘South African ID Number’.
- ‘Date of Birth’.
- In the Republic of South African Address Details section, the traveller enters the:
- Unit number;
- Complex name;
- South African ID Number;
- Date of Birth;
- Street;
- Occupation
- Suburb / District;
- Mobile Code (select from the drop-down options provided in alphabetical order);
- Mobile Number;
- City / town;
- Postal code; and
- Email Address.
Travel Details
- On the Travel Details screen the traveller must select ‘Travel Type’ which can be either:
- Travelling in personal capacity; or
- Travelling on behalf of an entity.
- Select the ‘Travel Reason’ from the drop-down list.
- If travelling on behalf of an entity, complete the following mandatory fields:
- Entity Name;
- Unity Number;
- Complex Name;
- Street;
- Suburb / District;
- City / Town;
- Postal Code;
- Country; and
- Entity instructions.
The traveller clicks the:
- ‘Next’ button to continue with capturing his/her information; or
- ‘Back’ button to view or make changes to the previous screen
- Whether travelling in their personal capacity or on behalf of an entity, the traveller must select the ‘Travel Reason’ from the drop-down list.
- The traveller selects from the drop-down options provided the:
- Travelling From;
- Travelling Via;
- Travelling To; and
- Travel date from the pop-up calendar.
- To capture the details of the travelling companions, the traveller must for each travelling companion:
- Click ‘Add Companion Passport’
- Enter:
- ‘First Name’.
- ‘Surname’.
- ‘Travel Document Number’.
- Select ‘Travel Document Country’ from the drop-down options.
- Enter:
- The traveller clicks ‘Next’.
Currency Details
- Select the ‘Declare Currency On Behalf of a Company / Organisation’ radio button.
- The traveller:
- Selects ‘Declare Currency For Own’ radio button; and
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- Clicks ‘Add Currency In Possession’.
- Selects the ‘Financial Instrument’ from the drop-down options provided.
- Enter the ‘Currency Amount’.
- Select from the drop-down options provided:
- The ‘Currency’ from the drop-down options provided.
- The ‘Source of Funds’ from the drop-down options provided.
- The ‘Funds Origin Country’ from the drop-down list provided.
- The ‘Reason for Carrying Cash’.
- The SATMS will automatically:
- Convert any foreign currency to South African Rand based on Section 73 of the Act. The official rate of exchange published on the SARS website on the date of declaration will be used. The converted value will be reflected in the total Rand amount field. and
- Calculate and reflect the excess currency total in the Rand allowance excess field.
- To capture multiple currency details the traveller must click the ‘Add Currency in Possession Details’ button.
- To delete captured currency detail the traveller must click on ‘Delete’ next to the entry to be deleted.
- To continue with the capturing the traveller clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller selects ‘Declare on Behalf of Another Person’ option by:
- Clicking on the ‘Currency In Possession’ radio button.
- Clicking ‘Next’ button.
- The traveller clicks ‘Add Currency in Possession’.
- The traveller:
- Select the ‘Financial Instrument’ from the drop-down options provided;
- Enters ‘Currency Amount’ field.
- Select from the drop-down options the:
- ‘Currency.
- ‘Source of Funds’.
- ‘Funds Origin Country’.
- ‘Reason for Carrying Cash’.
- Enter the ‘Owner Name’ field.
- Enter the ‘Owner Surname’ field.
- The SATMS will automatically:
- Convert any foreign currency to South African Rand based on Section 73 of the Act. The official rate of exchange published on the SARS website on the date of declaration will be used. The converted value will be reflected in the total Rand amount field. and
- Calculate and reflect the excess currency total in the Rand allowance excess field.
- The traveller clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller:
- To continue with the capturing the traveller clicks ‘Next’.
- If the ‘Carried on Behalf of a Company or Organisation’ option is selected, the traveller must:
- Select the ‘Declare Currency On Behalf of a Company / Organisation’ radio button.
- Click the ‘Next’ button.
- The traveller clicks ‘Add Currency in Possession’.
- The traveller must:
- Select the ‘Financial Instrument’ from the drop-down options.
- Insert the ‘Currency Amount’.
- Insert the currency type by selecting ‘Currency’ from the drop-down options provided.
- Enter the ‘Company Name’.
- Insert the ‘Source of Funds’.
- Insert the ‘Reason for Carrying Cash’.
- The traveller must:
- Clicks the ‘Next’ button.
Possession Details
- If a traveller selects a non-designated port and their declaration is flagged as a risk, the system prompts them to change to the nearest designated port for Customs assessment.
- On the Possession Details screen the traveller must click on the radio button next to each statement to change the selection from no to yes to declare.
Goods Declared for Commercial Goods Intended for Trade
- The traveller clicks ‘Any commercial goods intended for trade’ radio button.
- If ‘Yes’ is selected the system displays the ‘Select Trader Type’ screen.
- Select ‘Commercial Trader’ or ‘Informal Trader’ from the drop-down options.
- If ‘Commercial Trader’ is selected, the traveller:
- Is prompted to submit a Goods Declaration in accordance with SC-CF-55 – Goods Declaration policy.
- Exits the screen by clicking the ‘Close’ button.
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- If ‘Commercial Trader’ is selected, the traveller:
- If ‘Informal Trader’ is selected the traveller:
- Selects ‘Close’.
- If ‘Informal Trader’ is selected the traveller:
- Selects ‘Next’.
- The traveller clicks ‘Add Goods for Import’.
- Selects from the drop-down options provided:
- ‘Item’.
- ‘Measure’
- Enters ‘Quantity’.
- Selects ‘Declared Currency’ from the drop-down options.
- Enters ‘Declared Value’.
- Clicks ‘Next’ to continue.
- Selects from the drop-down options provided:
- The traveller can view the summary of the information declared, including:
- Payment summary (amount showing may change after the processing).
- Prohibited and/or restricted goods (blank if none declared).
- Currencies declared (if any).
- Currencies carried on behalf of another person or company (if any).
- Click the “Declaration” radio button to confirm the information is true and correct.
- After submitting, the traveller receives a message with directions from Customs.
Goods Declared for Temporary Importation
- The traveller clicks:
- ‘Goods for Temporary Importation’ radio button; and
- ‘Next’.
- Clicks:
- ‘Add Other Temporary Goods’ to capture the goods.
- ‘Next’.
- Clicks:
- Selects ‘Item’ from the drop-down options;
- Enters:
- ‘Serial Number’;
- ‘Item Description’;
- ‘Declared Value’; and
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller can view the summary of the information declared, including:
- Payment summary (amount showing may change after the processing).
- Prohibited and/or restricted goods (blank if none declared).
- Currencies declared (if any).
- Currencies carried on behalf of another person or company (if any).
- The traveller clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button confirming that the information provided is true and correct.
Goods Declared for Remodelling or Repairs
- The traveller Clicks:
- ‘Goods for remodelling or repairs’ radio button; and
- ‘Next’ to continue.
- Clicks ‘Add Goods for Remodelling or Repairs’.
- Selects ‘Item’ from the drop-down options.
- Enters ‘Item Description’.
- Enters ‘Units / Number of Items’.
- Enters:
- ‘Serial Number’.
- ‘Value’.
- ‘Nature of Nature of Changes’.
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller can view the summary of the information declared, including:
- Payment summary (amount showing may change after the processing).
- Prohibited and/or restricted goods (blank if none declared).
- Currencies declared (if any).
- Currencies carried on behalf of another person or company (if any).
- The traveller:
- Clicks ‘Declaration’ radio button to confirm the information is true and correct.
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- After submitting, the traveller receives a message with directions from Customs.
Declare Samples
- The traveller clicks:
- ‘Samples in your Possession’ radio button; and
- ‘Next’ to continue.
- Clicks ‘Add Sample Goods’.
- Selects ‘Item’ from the drop-down options.
- Enters:
- Item description;
- Units / Number of Items;
- Serial Number; and
- Value;
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller can view the summary of the information declared, including:
- Payment summary (amount showing may change after the processing).
- Prohibited and/or restricted goods (blank if none declared).
- Currencies declared (if any).
- Currencies carried on behalf of another person or company (if any).
- The traveller clicks the “Declaration” radio button to confirm the information is true and correct.
- After submitting, the traveller receives a message with directions from Customs.
Goods for Import
- The traveller clicks:
- ‘Goods for remodelling or repairs’ radio button; and
- ‘Next’ to continue.
- Clicks ‘Add Goods for Import’.
- Selects ‘Item’ from the drop-down options.
- Enters:
- Item description.
- Units / Number of Items;
- Serial Number; and
- Value;
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller can view the summary of the information declared, including:
- Payment summary (amount showing may change after the processing).
- Prohibited and/or restricted goods (blank if none declared).
- Currencies declared (if any).
- Currencies carried on behalf of another person or company (if any).
- The traveller clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button confirming that the information provided is true and correct.
Prohibited and Restricted Goods
- The traveller clicks:
- ‘Goods for remodelling or repairs’ radio button; and
- ‘Next’ button to continue.
- Clicks ‘P&R Goods’.
- Selects ‘Item’ from the drop-down options.
- Enters:
- Item description;
- Units / Number of Items;
- Serial Number; and
- Value;
- Clicks ‘Next’.
- The traveller can view the summary of the information declared, including:
- Payment summary (amount showing may change after the processing).
- Prohibited and/or restricted goods (blank if none declared).
- Currencies declared (if any).
- Currencies carried on behalf of another person or company (if any).
- The traveller clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button confirming that the information provided is true and correct.
Goods for Re-Importation
- This is goods brought back into the South Africa after taking them out temporarily.
- The traveller clicks:
- ‘Goods for remodelling or repairs’ radio button; and
- ‘Next’ to continue.
- The traveller views the summary of the information declared:
- Payment summary. The amount showing may change after the processing of the traveller’s declaration.
- Prohibited and / or Restricted goods. This section will remain blank if no prohibited / restricted goods are declared.
- Currencies declared, if declared.
- Currencies Carried on Behalf of Another Person, if declared.
- Currencies Carried on Behalf of a Company / Organisation, if declared.
- If Customs duty / VAT is payable the traveller may elect to:
- ‘Pay Now’ – make payment immediately by bank cards, Electronic Bank transfers (EFT).
- ‘Pay at Port’ – if the location is equipped for such payments by:
- Cash (in South African Rand); or
- Debit / credit card.
- The traveller:
- Selects ‘Pay Now’.
- Enters, found on the debit / credit card:
- ‘Card Name’;
- ‘Card Number’;
- ‘Expiry Date’;
- ‘CCV’. This is a Card Verification Value.
- Clicks the ‘Pay’ button.
- Enters, found on the debit / credit card:
- Receives on SATMS:
- The payment successful message; and
- Payment receipt.
- Clicks the ‘Declaration’ radio button to confirm the information is true and correct.
- Clicks the ‘Next’ button.
- Receives on SATMS:
- After submitting the declaration, the traveller receives a message with the directions from Customs.
Captcha
- On the CAPTCHA screen the traveller must complete a test for human response.
- Insert the displayed CAPTCHA code.
- Click the ‘Submit’ button to complete the declaration.
Confirmation of Submission
- The SATMS will:
- Confirm if the traveller’s declaration has been submitted successfully; or
- Request the traveller to retry submitting his / her electronic declaration if the submission was unsuccessful.
- The traveller will receive a notification Short Message Service (SMS) / email confirming successful submission of the traveller declaration and an instruction on how to proceed.
Definitions, acronyms and abbreviations
The definitions, acronyms and abbreviations can be accessed here – Glossary webpage
Legal disclaimer: In the event of conflict or inconsistency between this webpage and the PDF version of the guide, the latter shall prevail.
