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South Africa customs

United States citizens and citizens of other countries residing in United States (holding a Green Card or any valid long-term United States visa except B1/B2) can apply for a visa to South Africa online.


Import Regulations by South Africa customs

Export Regulations by South Africa customs

Health and Security

Contact South Africa Customs Authorities

Free import

• 200 cigarettes
• 20 of cigars
• 250g of tobacco
• 50ml of perfume
• 250ml of eau de toilette
• 2L of wine
• 1l of spirits
• Goods for personal use.
• Travellers may be asked to pay deposit on expensive items like laptops, which is refunded to you when the item is re-exported. Residents who are coming back to the country are advised to register their personal items (jewellery, watches, cameras, laptops etc.) before leaving the country to avoid paying duty on these items when re-importing them.

Prohibited

• Narcotics and other controlled substances
• Pornography
• Weaponry, explosives and fireworks etc.
• Poisonous chemical and biological substances and other health endangering substances
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2 kilogram per 1000 units
• Counterfeit goods
• Goods breaking copyrights laws
• Prison-made and penitentiary-made goods

Restricted

• Local currency of over 10 000,- gold coins, coin and stamp collections and unprocessed gold need to be declared.
• Endangered species of plants or wildlife, whether alive or dead, including any parts of and articles made from them will need permit from CITES.
• Plants and products thereof (honey, margarine and vegetable oils, seeds etc.)
• Animals and products thereof (dairy products, butter, eggs)
Medicines for personal use need to be accompanied by the prescription and a note from your Doctor.

Free exported

• For residents or returning travellers it is advisable to register items bought in South Africa in order to avoid paying duty upon return.

Prohibited


• No information available

Restricted

• No information available

Basic health information for travelers to South Africa

• TB, rabies, malaria, cholera and Malaria are common in this country so every precaution needs to be taken in order to avoid infection.

• Protection against various water based diseases including Hepatitis A and E, Cholera, Giardiasis and Cholera are recommended prior to visiting poor communities in rural South Africa.

• Rift Valley fever has been reported in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. Most human infections of the viral illness are contracted through direct contact with animal blood or flesh.

• The overall standard of healthcare is good but can be expensive. considered quite poor inside this country and all travellers requiring regular medication are strongly advised to bring emergency supplies of any required drugs with them has supplies may be difficult or expensive to obtain.

Basic security information for travelers to South Africa

• There is a underlying threat from international terrorism inside this country. Multiple threats have been made against Western military and business interests throughout the country and all travellers to the region should stay alert when visiting all tourist or business locations.

• Acts of theft and violent assaults against foreigners is a serious danger in this country and all travellers to the South Africa should keep their passport and other valuables in a safe and secure location at all times throughout their visit and avoid any obvious displays of affluence which could serve to attract unwanted attention. Cases of rape and sexual assaults against women have also been reported to be on the rise throughout the country and female travellers in particular should avoid trying to navigate any of the countries roads alone after dark. Assaults have occurred in broad daylight in many parts of the country and travellers should keep a copy of their passport with them at all times in the event of a serious accident of assault.

For further assistance please contact the South African Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.

South African Customs contact information

Address:
Telephone: +27 11 602 2093
Website: http://www.sars.gov.za/home.asp?pid=174


For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest South African Embassy.

List of South African Embassies all over the world: http://south-africa.visahq.co.uk/embassy/United-Kingdom/



If you have any information about the custom requirements of South Africa that could be helpful to others, please use this form to post your comments. Any details related to the customs procedures, regulations, or any other specifics about the customs requirements of South Africa that will help other people will be greatly appreciated.

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