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In South Africa Customs and Excise is the responsibility of SARS – South African Revenue Service.

As far as the visiting yachtsman is concerned Customs has two, or possibly three, facets (a) personal importation of cash and personal effects, (b) temporary importation of the boat and, possibly (c) claiming a refund of VAT on goods purchased and then exported on departure. For (c) look under section titled VAT

SARS has an online declaration system applicable to ALL visitors entering and leaving the country whether by land, sea or air Ports of Entry/Departure. This may be accessed at Customs Online Traveller Declaration | South African Revenue Service (sars.gov.za)

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Before completing the form please read the instructions. Each crew member should make a separate declaration.

You will have to enter:

• Passport details

• Travel details

• Contact details

You will need to make a declaration of cash and goods you are bringing in, dated for the date of entry. It is therefore recommended that the declaration is made online immediately on arrival, before visiting Immigration.

a) The Boat

As well as making a personal declaration you will have to make a declaration for the boat either on the downloadable SARS form DA1 or a paper form will be provided to you by the Customs official on arrival.  Please note, this form is designed for commercial shipping so some of the fields are not relevant to private leisure vessels.

On departure you will have to complete SARS form DA3 at the port of departure and submit this together with your copy of the DA1.

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Please note that visiting foreign registered boats are only permitted to remain in South Africa for a maximum of six months. If you want to stay longer you will need to discuss this with Customs on arrival.

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11 May 2026