Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About South Africa Immigration and the South Africa Travel Form

1. What is the South Africa Travel Form?
The South Africa Travel Form is an online system replacing the traditional paper-based immigration forms. All foreign travelers entering South Africa by air, land, or sea must complete this digital form before arrival to streamline immigration processes and enhance security.

2. Who needs to submit the South Africa Travel Form?
All non-South African nationals, including tourists, business travelers, and long-term residents, must submit the digital form, regardless of visa status (visa-exempt, visa on arrival, or visa holders). South African passport holders are exempt.

3. When should I submit the form?
You should submit the South Africa Travel Form at least 3 days before your arrival in South Africa. This ensures smooth processing and avoids delays at immigration checkpoints. Posts on social media have noted this 3-day advance requirement as a key guideline.

4. Where can I submit the South Africa Travel Form?
You can submit the form on the official website, sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration. Ensure you use the official portal to avoid scams. The system integrates with platforms like the E-Visa system and health screening services for convenience.

5. Is there a fee for submitting the South Africa Travel Form?
No, the form submission is free of charge. However, be aware that other systems, like the E-Visa or potential tourism taxes, may involve fees.

6. What information do I need to provide for the form?
You’ll need to provide:

• Full name, nationality, and passport details

• Flight or vehicle number and arrival date

• Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business)

• Accommodation address in South Africa

• Contact details (phone number, email)

• Health declaration, including symptoms and vaccination status (e.g., Yellow Fever certificate if applicable)

7. Do I need a smartphone to complete the form?
While the form is designed to be submitted online, self-service kiosks and immigration officers will assist travelers without smartphones at entry points. However, completing it in advance is recommended to avoid delays.

8. What happens if I don’t submit the form before arrival?
If you don’t submit the form in advance, you can complete it at the airport or border checkpoint using self-service kiosks or with assistance from immigration officers. However, this may cause delays, so it’s best to submit it beforehand.

9. How do I know if my submission was successful?
After submitting the form, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email with a QR code or confirmation number. Save this digitally or print it to present to immigration officers upon arrival.

10. Can I edit my form after submission?
Yes, the system allows corrections if mistakes are made. You can log back into safesouthafrica.com with your application details to make changes before your arrival.

11. Is the form the same as a visa?
No, the form is not a visa. It’s a digital arrival card required for immigration tracking and security. You must still ensure you have the appropriate visa or qualify for visa exemption to enter South Africa.

12. What health declarations are required for the form?
You must declare any symptoms (e.g., fever, cough) and provide vaccination details, such as a Yellow Fever certificate if traveling from affected countries. If you declare symptoms, you may need to visit the health control counter before immigration clearance.

13. Do children need to submit the form?
Yes, all travelers, including children and infants, must submit the form. Parents can include children under 12 in their application, but those 12 and older need a separate submission.

14. What should I do if I lose my confirmation?
If you lose your confirmation email or QR code, you can retrieve it by logging into safesouthafrica.com with your application details. It’s wise to save a digital and printed copy as a backup.

15. How does the form affect my departure from South Africa?
The system may pre-fill your departure details based on your arrival information. You’ll need to provide your departure flight or vehicle number before leaving, and present the departure card (or its digital equivalent) at immigration during exit.

16. What if I’m transiting through South Africa—do I need to submit the form?
If you’re transiting without passing through immigration (e.g., staying airside), you don’t need to submit the form. However, if you clear immigration to enter South Africa, even briefly, you must submit the form.

17. Is the form available in multiple languages?
Yes, the form is available in several languages, including English, French, and other major international languages, to accommodate travelers.

18. How does the form improve the immigration process?
The digital form reduces paperwork, speeds up immigration clearance, and enhances security by integrating with systems like the E-Visa platform and health screening. It also helps South African authorities track visitor trends more effectively.

19. What other immigration requirements should I be aware of?
In addition to the form, ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days upon arrival, and have proof of onward travel and accommodation. Any applicable tourism taxes or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) systems will be communicated through official channels.

20. Where can I get help if I have issues with the form?
For assistance, contact the South Africa Immigration authorities via their official website or helpline. At entry points, immigration officers and self-service kiosks are available to help with form submissions or troubleshooting.