The South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new online Traveller Declaration System has officially been rolled out at Cape Town International Airport following what SARS described as a successful first pilot phase at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.

The system, which has been piloted in Durban since November 29 last year, entered into its next phase of piloting at CPT on February 28. The system is part of a bid to modernise passenger travel procedures under the South African Traveller Management System, allowing all travellers, including South African citizens and residents, to complete and submit an online declaration form before they travel. The form requests passport, travel, contact and traveller companion details, and entity details for business travellers.

In a statement on February 28, SARS stressed that the system would continue to be used on a voluntary basis during the pilot phases.   

“The results of the pilot project will be applied as SARS rolls out the system in line with Customs legislation.”

SARS aims to roll out the pilot phase at all airports within the coming year, with OR Tambo International Airport set for implementation on March 23, and all other airports in the second and third quarters of the year. The land ports of Beit Bridge and Skilpadshek, along with the Cape Town Seaport, are also in line to implement the system. 

Click here for further details on the Traveller Declaration System.