Planning a hunting safari in South Africa in 2026? International hunters should be aware of new traveller declaration requirements introduced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The new system affects travellers entering and leaving South Africa and is particularly important for hunters travelling with firearms, carrying currency to pay for their safari or bringing goods into the country.
For hunters, however, one of the most important clarifications concerns the temporary importation of hunting firearms.
Here is what international hunters travelling to South Africa need to know before their next safari.
New South Africa Traveller Declaration Requirements for 2026
From July 1, 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa are required to submit an online traveller declaration as part of the country’s Customs procedures.
The new South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) allows travellers to provide Customs information digitally before travelling.
Declarations can include information regarding goods, currency and other items requiring Customs attention.
For hunters travelling internationally, preparation is particularly important because hunting safaris may involve firearms, ammunition, significant travel expenses and specialist equipment.
Travelling to South Africa With a Hunting Rifle
One of the biggest questions for hunters concerns the new declaration system and the temporary importation of firearms.
The clarification provided to Safari Club International’s Hunter Information Service is important:
Hunters temporarily importing firearms into South Africa for a hunting safari should continue using the established South African Police Service temporary firearm import procedure.
The digital Customs firearm declaration referenced in the new system applies to permanent firearm imports, according to the clarification received by SCI.
Therefore, hunters bringing their own rifle temporarily for a safari should continue following the established procedure at the airport to obtain the appropriate temporary firearm import permit through the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This distinction is extremely important when preparing for a hunting safari in South Africa.
Hunters should always verify the latest firearm documentation and permit requirements before departure, as regulations and procedures may change.
Currency Rules for Hunters Travelling to South Africa
Hunters should also pay close attention to South Africa’s currency declaration requirements.
According to current SARS guidance, travellers may carry up to R100,000 in foreign or South African currency or bearer negotiable instruments without prior approval.
Travellers carrying amounts above the applicable limit must follow the relevant declaration and authorisation procedures.
The declaration system may request information including:
- Type of currency or bearer negotiable instrument
- Amount being carried
- Value in South African Rand
- Source of the funds
- Relevant supporting information
This can be particularly relevant for international hunters who intend to carry funds for safari-related expenses.
Whenever possible, hunters should review their payment arrangements with their outfitter before travelling and check current South African currency regulations before departure.
Bringing Humanitarian Donations to South Africa
Some international hunters also travel with clothing, equipment or other items intended as donations to local communities.
These goods may be subject to South African Customs rules.
Based on the traveller information provided, the general duty-free allowance for qualifying goods is R5,000 per traveller.
Additional qualifying goods may fall within further allowances or become subject to duties and VAT depending on their value and circumstances.
Hunters travelling with significant quantities of donated goods should therefore check the applicable Customs requirements before departure rather than assuming that donations are automatically exempt.
Do Hunters Need to Declare Personal Luggage?
Ordinary personal effects for your own use generally do not need to be treated in the same way as goods being permanently imported.
Typical personal travel items can include:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Personal mobile phone
- Laptop
- Camera
- Ordinary luggage
- Personal travel equipment
However, restricted goods, goods exceeding applicable allowances, currency above permitted thresholds and other items requiring Customs attention must be declared when required.
When in doubt, travellers should seek guidance from South African Customs officials.
South Africa Duty-Free Allowances
South Africa provides duty-free allowances for certain goods brought into the country by travellers.
Current traveller allowances referenced by SARS include qualifying goods worth up to R5,000, subject to the applicable rules and exclusions.
Specific allowances also exist for limited quantities of products such as wine, spirits, cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, perfume and eau de toilette.
Hunters carrying goods beyond ordinary personal effects should check the current SARS requirements before travelling.
How to Complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration
South Africa’s new traveller declaration system is designed to allow travellers to complete the Customs process digitally.
The South African Traveller Management System provides digital declaration options, including the SARS online traveller declaration service and supported mobile channels.
Completing the required information before travelling can help reduce uncertainty when arriving at the airport.
International hunters should have their passport, travel information and any relevant permits or supporting documentation available when completing the process.
Important Checklist Before Your South Africa Hunting Safari
Before travelling for a South Africa hunting safari, international hunters should confirm:
- Passport and travel documentation
- Hunting arrangements and itinerary
- Temporary firearm import documentation when travelling with a rifle
- Ammunition and airline requirements
- Currency declaration requirements
- Travel insurance
- Hunting permits and relevant safari documentation
- Customs requirements for gifts or donations
- Current SARS traveller declaration requirements
Preparing these documents in advance can make arrival in South Africa considerably easier.
Hunting in South Africa With IberHunting
South Africa remains one of the world’s leading safari destinations, offering international hunters extraordinary wildlife, diverse hunting areas and an exceptional African hunting experience.
At IberHunting, our objective is not only to organize outstanding hunting experiences but also to help our clients prepare for every stage of their journey.
From expedition planning and travel logistics to documentation and hunting arrangements, our team works to make international hunting travel as smooth and professionally organized as possible.
Regulations concerning Customs, firearms, currency and international travel can change. For this reason, hunters should always verify the latest official requirements before departure.
If you are planning a hunting safari in South Africa, contact IberHunting and our team will help you prepare your next African hunting adventure.