Trinidad Nationals Must Use New Digital Customs System for South Africa Travel

Trinidad and Tobago nationals planning to travel to South Africa are being advised of a new digital customs declaration system that has been implemented. The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs announced on July 27 that the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) is now mandatory for all international travellers as part of South Africa’s Smart Borders initiative.

This new system replaces the traditional paper customs forms and applies to citizens, business travellers, tourists, and diplomatic personnel entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea, or rail. The only exception is for international transit passengers who remain within designated transit areas.

Travellers are required to submit their electronic customs declaration within 24 hours before departing on the final leg of their journey to or from South Africa. The declaration must include passport details, travel itinerary, contact information, and details about goods and currency being carried.

The Ministry has highlighted that cash amounts of up to R100,000 (approximately US$6,000) must be declared through the system. For amounts exceeding this limit, travellers must obtain written permission from the South African Reserve Bank.

To avoid delays or complications upon arrival, the Ministry strongly encourages nationals to complete the declaration online before travelling. Although self-service kiosks are available at South African ports of entry, they are intended only as a contingency option.