The sudden announcement of a traveller pass system threw the travel trade into panic last month when SARS offered very little detail on exactly how the pass would work and what travellers could expect. Now, SARS has provided further clarity on exactly what travellers can expect come the end of November.
Originally set to roll out from November 1 at King Shaka International Airport, the pass will now commence its trial period at that airport from November 29, and SARS has clarified that the pass will initially be entirely voluntary. While giving no indication of how long it will remain voluntary, SARS said the pass would be rolled out to all ports of entry by 2024.
The new system, a web-based app will allow travellers entering and leaving the country to pre-declare goods acquired and pay applicable taxes. Some goods that require declaration are goods purchased or acquired in a foreign country, goods that have been remodelled or repaired abroad and goods that are prohibited or restricted, or controlled by the law.
The system will allow for online payment and include a fast-track programme. It will incorporate collaborative efforts with stakeholders like airlines and agencies so that SARS can have access to additional traveller data once the programme is fully rolled out.
Mark Kingon, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at SARS, admitted to media that a few weeks ago, there had indeed been very little clarity and, understandably, much confusion. He added that SARS was committed to making the process as easy as possible for both inbound and outbound tourists, as well as tour operators, airlines, etc.
“Can we capture all the data on the traveller card? Or does it just fizzle out into a piece of paper chucked into a box that is then forgotten about? That describes our previous attempts to create a declaration. We need automation,” said Beyers Theron, Executive: Customs Modernisation Strategy & Design, about just why SARS was introducing the online declaration process.
He said there had been an increase in money laundering, terror financing and illegal smuggling at the border, and so it was increasingly crucial to have better regulation at borders.
Travellers will need to have the following information on hand to fill in the form: passport, travel and contact details, travel companion’s passport numbers (one declaration can hold the details of an entire family), entity/business details when travelling on a business trip, and a list of goods including currency. The system will convert various foreign currency amounts into rands on the pass.
An email will then be sent to the traveller with proof of having submitted the form, along with details on where to go once at the airport. SARS says it will make available Customs Officers at the airport to assist travellers who were unable to complete their online declaration, and that hard copies will also be accepted.
Travellers can show officers a digital copy of their completed form on their mobile devices as well.
According to SARS, by November 29, the travel pass will be accessible here for completion within hours of pre-arrival or -departure: www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration
