SARS TO INTRODUCE NEW ‘TRAVEL PASS’ TO TOURISTS ENTERING OR LEAVING SOUTH AFRICA

South African Revenue Services (SARS) says it will implement an online traveller declaration system for all travellers including South African citizens and residents, children, and infants.

According to revenue service, the system will be installed in all South African International Airports. And will be introduced at OR Tambo International Airport on 1 November 2022, followed by others in the first quarter of 2023.

SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter, says the travel pass is in accordance with many other laws in South Africa, and SARS is still working on expanding the system.

 “The travel pass is a single component in a response by the whole of government (National Treasury, SARS, Financial Intelligence Centre, and the South African Reserve Bank) to improve the integrity of our financial flows, and to improve our capacity to detect illicit flows and to enforce our laws and regulations.

“The declaration by the traveller is the commitment we seek as the South African Revenue Service about whether or not they have on their person any amount which that are permitted”, Kieswetter said.

In terms of the declaration of goods at the airport, all travellers who enter the country are required to fill out a Traveller Card (TC-01) if they have anything to declare; the card is then used in the customs process alongside your passport.

Some of the goods include:

Products purchased or obtained in another country

Goods that have been remodeled or repaired in another country

Anything that is prohibited, restricted, or controlled by law

SARS requires residents to register valuables prior to leaving South Africa; this can be done at the international customs office before handing luggage in.

On the other hand, according to SARS, tourists to South Africa can reclaim Value-Added Tax (VAT) on goods purchased during their visit.