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Entering And Leaving Sa

Border Management AuthorityRef: https://www.bma.gov.za/travel-advisory/entering-and-leaving-sa/

Official source

Source domain: bma.gov.za

Collected on 5 August 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

This is a travel advisory issued by the Border Management Authority outlining key rules for entering and leaving South Africa. It covers firearm restrictions, documentation requirements for minors, vehicle importation rules, customs declarations, and passport validity. The advisory applies to all international travellers and outlines procedures for emergency travel documents, passport issuance, and import permits.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

travel documentOngoing

Emergency Travel Documents

Travellers in a bona fide emergency situation may use Emergency Travel Documents to enter and depart from South Africa. These documents are not issued at the port of entry.

Who it is for
travellers in a bona fide emergency situation
How to act on it
Apply for an Emergency Travel Document at a Home Affairs office
Show the line this came from
In the case of a bona fide emergency situation, travellers may utilise Emergency Travel Documents to enter and depart from South Africa. Emergency passports are not issued at the port of entry.
import permitOngoing

Permit for Imported Second-Hand Clothing

All imported second-hand clothing entering South Africa for trade or resale must be accompanied by a permit from the Department of Trade and Industry (dti).

Who it is for
businesses importing second-hand clothing into South Africa
How to act on it
Obtain a permit from the Department of Trade and Industry (dti)
Show the line this came from
All imported second-hand clothing entering the country for purpose of trade/re-sale needs to be accompanied by a permit from the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti)
customs declarationOngoing

Declaration of Valuables at Customs

All valuable items such as motorbikes, cameras, and laptops must be declared at Customs when entering or leaving South Africa.

Who it is for
travellers carrying valuable items
How to act on it
Declare all valuable items at Customs upon arrival or departure
Show the line this came from
All valuable items such as motorbikes, cameras and laptops are to be declared at Customs
passport serviceOngoing

Passport Issuance

Passports are issued at Home Affairs offices in various cities and towns. All travellers must have a valid, machine-readable passport to enter or leave South Africa.

Who it is for
all travellers entering or leaving South Africa
How to act on it
Visit a Home Affairs office to apply for a passport
Show the line this came from
Passports are issued at Home Affairs offices in various cities and towns.
document requirementOngoing

Unabridged Birth Certificate for Minors

All South African minors under 18 years old must have an unabridged birth certificate when travelling in or out of South Africa, unless their passport includes parental details or a visa was issued with the UBC.

Who it is for
parents or guardians of South African minors travelling internationally
How to act on it
Obtain an unabridged birth certificate from the relevant authority before travel
Show the line this came from
All South African minors or children (below 18) travelling in or out of South Africa, must have an unabridged birth certificates (UBC), except where a visa was issued to a minor, the UBC forms part of the visa application and is not needed as a required supporting document.

Facts

Reference

https://www.bma.gov.za/travel-advisory/entering-and-leaving-sa/

Amounts

R 15 000

Key Takeaways

  • BMA Act 2020
  • Machine-Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs)
  • November 2015
  • R15 000 penalty per traveler
  • unabridged birth certificate
  • Department of Trade and Industry (dti)
  • Home Affairs offices
  • South African Police Services (SAPS)
  • Border Management Authority
  • South African Police Services (SAPS)
  • Department of Trade and Industry (the dti)
  • Home Affairs offices