Inbound tour operators are fielding client queries following the South African Revenue Service (SARS) decision to make electronic traveller declarations mandatory with concerns centred on awareness, the short submission window and uncertainty about what needs to be declared.
The change was implemented on July 1 at all international airports, land borders and sea ports. It replaces the paper-based declaration system.
Onne Vegter, MD of Wild Wings Safari, says his team has fielded numerous questions from clients and fellow agents since the requirement took effect.
David Ryan, CEO of Rhino Africa, says travellers generally accept new entry rules and those arriving without a completed declaration appear to be assisted rather than delayed. “The declaration hasn’t been a major concern but every additional step adds friction.”
Easy to use but awareness lacking
Operators say the system is easy to use. Applications take about five minutes and allow travelling families to file one declaration, Vegter says.
Ryan agrees that it is straightforward but says the bigger risk is travellers simply not knowing about the requirement beforehand.
Kim Taylor, Communications Manager for SATSA, says members also find the online and app options easy to use. Most queries concern awareness rather than functionality.
The adjustment period is expected given the new pre-travel step, she adds. SATSA updated client communications and maintained close contact with SARS while the system ran as a pilot for two years before the mandatory rollout, Taylor notes.
Officials are running spot checks similar to existing procedures and travellers unable to submit electronically can still receive help from customs staff or, in limited cases, file a paper form, she points out.
Proof of submission only matters if a customs official stops a traveller for inspection or the traveller has something to declare, says Vegter.
Clearer rules, longer window
Although the digital application is preferred, operators agree that the 24-hour window is too short.
The deadline is hard to meet the day before a flight, says Vegter.
Ryan notes that many guests are already travelling before the window opens. “A longer submission period would improve the traveller experience without compromising the objective of the declaration,” he says, pointing to the Maldives equivalent, which allows submissions up to 96 hours in advance.
The rule has also forced operators to adjust communications for multi-country itineraries with SARS confirming that a fresh declaration is needed for every entry and exit, Taylor says.
The bigger unresolved issue, according to Vegter, is lack of clarity on personal item thresholds – particularly whether laptops, cameras or jewellery carried by travellers must be declared alongside the R5 000 goods threshold. He says the ambiguity is fuelling traveller anxiety about possible corruption at the border. “SARS needs to clarify exactly what must be declared.”
