South Africa is rushing ahead with an online traveller declaration system that must be completed by all visitors entering and leaving the country.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says the new ‘travel pass’, known officially as the South African Traveller Declaration, will be introduced at the country’s airports from 1 November, starting with Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. The scheme will be rolled out internationally in the first quarter of 2023.

It hopes the new system will smooth the collection of passenger data and improve movement through airports.

Travellers of all ages – including children and infants – will be required to complete the online declaration in advance of travel and will then receive their individual travel pass by email.

“Upon arrival in South Africa, there will be instructions at the airports that will guide and inform travellers what to do next,” said SARS, in a brief statement outlining the plans.