By now, many travellers have heard of South Africa’s new ETA system. It launched at OR Tambo in August.
But there’s a second, separate requirement running alongside it. Fewer people know about this one.
But there’s a second, separate requirement running alongside it. Fewer people know about this one.
*The form that catches people out*
Since 1 July 2026, anyone entering or leaving South Africa must file an online traveller declaration. It comes from SARS, the country’s tax and customs authority.
The platform is called SATMS. That stands for the South African Traveller Management System.
This isn’t the same thing as the ETA. The ETA controls whether you’re allowed in. SATMS is a customs declaration, filed separately, every single trip.
*Who needs to file it*
Since 1 July 2026, anyone entering or leaving South Africa must file an online traveller declaration. It comes from SARS, the country’s tax and customs authority.
The platform is called SATMS. That stands for the South African Traveller Management System.
This isn’t the same thing as the ETA. The ETA controls whether you’re allowed in. SATMS is a customs declaration, filed separately, every single trip.
*Who needs to file it*
Almost everyone. It applies at air, land, sea and rail ports of entry.
Children and infants need a declaration too. There’s no age exemption.
One group is excluded. Air and sea passengers who only transit, and never leave the designated transit area, skip this step entirely.
Children and infants need a declaration too. There’s no age exemption.
One group is excluded. Air and sea passengers who only transit, and never leave the designated transit area, skip this step entirely.
*When and how to file*
SARS says the declaration must go in no more than 24 hours before you depart. Not weeks ahead. Not months ahead.
You can file it three ways. Through the SARS website, the SATMS platform itself, or the SARS MobiApp.
Keep your confirmation once it’s submitted. You’ll want it on hand at the border.
SARS says the declaration must go in no more than 24 hours before you depart. Not weeks ahead. Not months ahead.
You can file it three ways. Through the SARS website, the SATMS platform itself, or the SARS MobiApp.
Keep your confirmation once it’s submitted. You’ll want it on hand at the border.
*What happens if you forget*
Here’s some reassurance. SARS has confirmed nobody gets refused entry or exit purely for missing the advance declaration.
Officials and self-service terminals at the border are meant to help you catch up on the spot. It’s a safety net, not a free pass to skip the step entirely.
Still, turning up and filing on the spot adds time you probably don’t want to spend at immigration. Filing ahead is simply easier.
Here’s some reassurance. SARS has confirmed nobody gets refused entry or exit purely for missing the advance declaration.
Officials and self-service terminals at the border are meant to help you catch up on the spot. It’s a safety net, not a free pass to skip the step entirely.
Still, turning up and filing on the spot adds time you probably don’t want to spend at immigration. Filing ahead is simply easier.
*How this fits with the ETA*
If your nationality requires an ETA, you’re now juggling two separate systems for one trip. The ETA is your travel authorisation. SATMS is your customs declaration.
For context, the ETA itself carries a R500 processing fee, plus a R425 visa fee where one applies. Combined, that’s R925, or roughly US$57 at current exchange rates.
SATMS doesn’t appear to carry any separate cost. It’s a declaration, not a payment.
If your nationality requires an ETA, you’re now juggling two separate systems for one trip. The ETA is your travel authorisation. SATMS is your customs declaration.
For context, the ETA itself carries a R500 processing fee, plus a R425 visa fee where one applies. Combined, that’s R925, or roughly US$57 at current exchange rates.
SATMS doesn’t appear to carry any separate cost. It’s a declaration, not a payment.
*What this means for South African-based travellers hosting guests*
If you’ve got international visitors landing in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg, this is worth flagging to them directly. Two systems, two logins, two things to complete before they fly.
It’s an easy detail to miss if you only read about the ETA and assume that’s the whole picture. Passing this along could save your guests a slower, more stressful arrival.
If you’ve got international visitors landing in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg, this is worth flagging to them directly. Two systems, two logins, two things to complete before they fly.
It’s an easy detail to miss if you only read about the ETA and assume that’s the whole picture. Passing this along could save your guests a slower, more stressful arrival.
*The practical takeaway*
If you’re travelling internationally yourself, or expecting visitors soon, build both steps into your pre-flight checklist. File the SARS declaration within 24 hours of departure, and check separately whether an ETA applies to your visitor’s nationality.
Two forms, two systems, one smoother arrival if you get both done in advance.
If you’re travelling internationally yourself, or expecting visitors soon, build both steps into your pre-flight checklist. File the SARS declaration within 24 hours of departure, and check separately whether an ETA applies to your visitor’s nationality.
Two forms, two systems, one smoother arrival if you get both done in advance.