Visa / Entry

South Africa entry basics

The main entry route usually starts on Department of Home Affairs. Routine tourist trips do not usually involve a separate arrival card. Declaration checks usually sit with SARS customs and excise. Temporary health notices usually sit on National Department of Health.

South Africa · africa

South Africa

Start with Department of Home Affairs. Customs checks sit with SARS customs and excise. Separate arrival cards are not usually part of routine tourist entry. Temporary health notices usually sit on National Department of Health.

South African immigration and customs checksLast reviewed 2026-03-19

Common entry paths

The main entry route usually starts on Department of Home Affairs. Routine tourist trips do not usually involve a separate arrival card. Declaration checks usually sit with SARS customs and excise. Temporary health notices usually sit on National Department of Health.

Check Department of Home Affairs first for the main visa or entry route.
Routine tourist trips do not usually involve a separate arrival card, but re-check before departure.
Keep SARS customs and excise open for cash, tobacco, alcohol, and restricted-goods declarations.

Arrival card

Routine tourist trips do not usually require a separate arrival card, but re-check before departure.

Customs declaration

SARS customs and excise is the main reference for cash, tobacco, alcohol, electronics, and restricted-goods declarations.

Health declaration

Temporary health notices or extra health requirements usually sit on National Department of Health.

Official links

Before departure, use the official sources below to confirm the current entry route and any temporary notices.