Before you fly · Required since 1 July 2026
Online Traveller Declaration (SARS customs)
Everyone entering South Africa now has to complete the online customs declaration from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). It's free and takes a few minutes.
- Do it no more than 24 hours before your flight to South Africa departs, on the SARS website or in the SATMS app.
- Have your passport, flight details and contact details ready. Declare any goods or cash that need declaring.
- One declaration per person, children and babies included. Parents can complete it for their kids.
Forgot? You won't be turned away for that alone. There are kiosks and staff at the airport, but it's a slow start to the holiday. Swedish passport holders don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
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Stay safe
- Don't trust anyone. There's no reason to talk to strangers who approach you.
- Don't walk or drive when it is dark.
- Hike only in daylight, never alone, and always avoid quiet or isolated routes.
- You can't rely on government services. Save the emergency numbers in your phone before you land.
Nothing matches that search. Try a place, suburb or "wine".
Emergency
You can't rely on government services such as the police, public ambulances or state hospitals. You need to be prepared and know what to do if an emergency occurs. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
112Emergency from any mobile
084 124ER24 private ambulance, 24/7
082 911Netcare 911 private ambulance
10111Police (SAPS)
021 937 0300Mountain rescue (WSAR)
087 094 9774Sea rescue (NSRI)
Hospitals & ambulance
Doctors we trust
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