SARS’ new travel pass system to be implemented soon

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will be introducing an online travel pass system at OR Tambo International airport next month.

SARS to ‘simplify passenger movement’

SARS has announced the implementation of an online traveller declaration system to take effect soon, first at OR Tambo International Airport during November 2022, and then at all international airports during the first few months of 2023.

According to Tourism Update, SARS says its goal is to “simplify passenger movement at South African airports”. In its press release, SARS revealed the following information regarding the travel pass system:

“The new system requires all travellers, including South African citizens and residents, children and infants, leaving or entering South Africa by air to complete and submit an online traveller declaration, as well as receive a traveller pass before they travel.” SARS said.

“The new traveller declaration process is an online system that collects travel information and returns a traveller pass via email. Upon arrival in South Africa, there will be instructions at the airports that will guide and inform travellers what to do next,” continued the SARS statement. 

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This might mean that all travellers, including foreign tourists, will be subject to this process, but more clarification on this point will be required.

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Webinar to reveal more…

While the concept of the travel pass raises more questions than ever, inbound industry association, SATSA, will be hosting a webinar this month with its CEO, David Frost, and a panel from SARS, in order to reveal more about the system and what it will mean for travellers.

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