Ugandans travelling to and from South Africa are now required to complete a mandatory online customs declaration before their journey following the introduction of a new digital border management system by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The requirement, which took effect on July 1, 2026, applies to all travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land or sea and replaces the traditional paper-based customs declaration in most cases.
SARS said the online traveller declaration is now a legal requirement designed to modernise customs procedures, improve border security and speed up the processing of travellers at ports of entry.
"From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa must submit their traveller declaration online before they travel, unless they qualify for one of the limited paper-based exceptions," SARS said in a notice.
"The declaration forms part of the customs process and helps travellers meet their legal obligation to declare goods, currency and other relevant items in their possession."
The new requirement affects thousands of Ugandans who travel to South Africa each year for business, employment, education, medical treatment, tourism and family visits.
However, the online declaration does not replace existing immigration requirements. Ugandan passport holders who require visas to enter South Africa must still apply for and obtain valid visas before travelling.
What travellers must declare
Before travelling, passengers will be required to provide:
- Passport information.
- Travel itinerary.
- Contact details.
- Information on accompanying family members or travel companions.
- Business travel details where applicable.
- Goods, cash, foreign currency and other items that must legally be declared to customs authorities.
Parents or guardians travelling with children must complete declarations on behalf of minors.
The declaration can be submitted through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) on the SARS website, the SATMS mobile application or the SARS MobiApp.
Once submitted, travellers receive an electronic confirmation by email, which they are advised to keep on their mobile phones or print out for presentation to customs officials if requested.
"Travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land or sea will need to complete a traveller declaration. The online traveller declaration process will collect and process your travel information and provide an electronic response via email confirming declaration," SARS said.
According to SARS, the digital customs declaration system has now been rolled out at all South African airports, land border posts and sea ports after initially being piloted at major international airports, including OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport.
"The South African Customs online traveller declaration system has been successfully implemented at all South African air, land, and sea ports," the authority said.
SARS said the platform is intended to reduce paperwork, improve compliance with customs laws and strengthen risk management at the country's borders.
"This online declaration system represents an improvement over the manual declaration process, enabling travellers to fulfil their legal obligation of declaring goods, including currency, in their possession. The system also provides a more seamless experience through a simplified digital declaration process and enhanced risk management at ports of entry," the authority said.
For Ugandan travellers, the change means customs declarations must now be completed before travelling, making the online submission an additional pre-departure requirement alongside a valid passport, visa where applicable, and travel ticket.
Key facts
- The requirement became mandatory on July 1, 2026.
- It applies to all travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land and sea.
- The declaration must be completed before travel.
- It is separate from immigration and visa requirements.
- Travellers receive an email confirmation after submission, which should be kept for presentation to customs officials if requested.
