Feedback Feedback
Homepage

TRADE PARTNER

EXCLUSIVE PORTAL FOR TRAVEL PARTNERS

    Home News Global Sales Support South Africa: Customs Online Trave...
    South Africa: Customs Online Traveller Declaration
    Published on July 2, 2026

     

    Starting July 1, 2026, anyone entering or leaving South Africa must complete a Traveller Declaration online before flying, following a new requirement from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). 

    This requirement comes exclusively from South African authorities, not from LATAM Airlines.

    What changed?

    - Everyone entering or leaving South Africa must submit the declaration through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS)

    - The declaration must be submitted up to 24 hours before departure on the final leg to South Africa

    - Each passenger needs their own declaration, including children (a parent or legal guardian completes it on the minor's behalf)

    - The passenger receives a confirmation, which must be shown, printed or on a phone, at the customs checkpoint

    - Not having the declaration won't stop a passenger from boarding or entering the country. In that case, a SARS officer or a self-service kiosk at the airport will assist them.

    Who is exempt?

    Passengers who are only connecting within South Africa, without leaving the transit area, don't need to submit a declaration.

    How can travellers complete the declaration?

    The declaration can be completed through the official SARS portal, the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) app, or a QR code available at some entry points.

     

    For more details, visit the official SARS channel

     

    Agency and passenger responsibility

    Please note that it is the responsibility of both the travel agency and the traveller to verify, before departure, all entry, transit and travel document requirements established by the countries included in the itinerary, including this new customs declaration requirement.

    To support your planning, LATAM offers a travel requirements tool where you can check what's needed by nationality, origin and destination:

     

    Travel documents

    *This tool is for reference only and doesn't replace the agency's and passenger's responsibility to confirm requirements directly with the relevant authorities, in this case SARS.

     

    Thanks for reading. We're here if you have any questions.
    LATAM Airlines Team 

     

    History