* Came into effect on July 1, 2026 to declare any goods, currency or other items that require customs declaration
* To be completed at least 24 hours before date of travel
By Duncan Mlanjira
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation alerts Malawians that the government of South Africa, through its Revenue Service, has introduced a compulsory traveler declaration system that came into effect on July 1, 2026.
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In a public statement published on Malawi Government official Facebook account, the Ministry says “the travel declaration system obliges all travelers entering or departing South Africa to submit an online declaration for any goods, currency or other items that require customs declaration at least 24 hours before travel”.
The declaration form can be accessed online through the link; https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/.
“However, travellers transiting through South Africa by air or seas who remain within designated international transit are exempt from this requirement.
“Malawian nationals travelling to an from South Africa are, therefore, urged to comply with this requirement in order to avoid any delays or inconveniences that may arise during their journey,” says the public notices published on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The Sars.gov.za indicates that the online traveller declaration process will collect and process travelers information and provide an electronic response via email confirming their declaration.
Upon arriving in South Africa, the travellers “will receive customs instructions that will guide and inform them about customs requirements”.
“Travellers leaving the country are required to follow the instructions received in their declaration with confirmation once they are at the port of entry.”
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