What changed: since 1 July 2026, every traveller entering or leaving South Africa must complete an online traveller declaration with SARS. Separately, the amount of cash you can carry in or out without prior approval has gone up from R25,000 to R100,000.
Who has to declare
Everyone crossing the border by air, land, sea or rail, including children. SARS excludes air and sea passengers who stay in the transit area and don't pass through immigration.
How and when
- Submit the declaration no more than 24 hours before you travel.
- Use the SARS Traveller Management System online portal, the SATMS app, a kiosk at the port of entry, or the QR code displayed there.
- Declare goods above your duty-free allowance, and any cash above the limit, on the same declaration.
The new cash limit
SARS says travellers may take up to R100,000 in foreign or local currency into or out of South Africa without prior approval. The previous limit was R25,000. The South African Reserve Bank finalised the higher banknote limit in exchange control circulars issued on 8 April 2026.
If you carry more than the limit, you need prior approval and must declare it. For most trips, a card is still safer than a large amount of cash.
What to do now
- Add "SARS declaration" to your packing checklist, 24 hours before departure.
- Download the SATMS app if you travel often.
- Read our updated South Africa travel guide for money and entry basics.