International Students Office (ISO)

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International Students at Wits

As an international student, you are part of a diverse academic community that spans continents, languages and traditions. Your presence at Wits contributes to our global outlook and strengthens the multicultural fabric of our campus. 

The ISO Newsletter 

 

South African Traveller Management System (SATMS)


All travellers entering or departing South Africa are legally required to declare goods and currency electronically before travel. 

Key points for travellers:
  • SATMS is mandatory for all travellers entering or leaving South Africa via air, road, sea, or rail. 
  • Declarations should be completed online before travel to avoid delays at Customs. The attached notification advises travellers to complete the declaration within 24 hours prior to departure. 
  • The cross-border cash declaration threshold has increased from R25,000 to R100,000. Amounts exceeding R100,000 require prior authorization from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
  • Travellers can submit declarations via the SATMS mobile application or the SARS website.

 All travellers entering or leaving South Africa are now legally required to declare goods

What is SATMS?

SATMS is a pre-arrival, digital declaration platform developed under the SARS Customs Modernisation SMART Border project, implemented in partnership with the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The system is designed to shift compliance processes away from physical border points, enabling travellers to fulfil their legal declaration obligations in advance, electronically. 

It further incorporates an online payment capability that allows travellers to pay any applicable duties and VAT where required. 

Key changes members should note:

Mandatory pre-arrival declaration: All travellers entering or departing South Africa are required to declare goods, including currency, in accordance with Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act. Advance online declarations are now the prescribed method of compliance.

Revised cash declaration threshold: The cross-border cash declaration threshold has been increased from R25,000 to R100,000, in line with SARB regulations.

Amounts exceeding R100,000: Travellers carrying cash or bearer negotiable instruments in excess of R100,000 are required to obtain prior authorisation from the SARB and must comply with Section 30(1) of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) and Section 15 of the Customs and Excise Act. 

Life at Wits

Being an international student at Wits means more than attending lectures. Johannesburg is one of Africa's most dynamic cities, and the campus reflects that energy - diverse, creative, and full of opportunity.

Support services available to you:

Campus Health and Wellness Centre, Counselling and Careers Development, the Disability Rights Unit, and Wits Sport, with over 35 clubs and societies to explore.

International Students Sub-Council (ISSC): The ISSC is your community hub on campus. Run by international students for international students, it organises cultural events, social activities, and provides peer support throughout the year. Getting involved is one of the best ways to settle in, meet people, and make Wits feel like home.

Gateway to Success Orientation: If you're an undergraduate student in your first year, don't miss this. Orientation is designed specifically to help new students, international and local, to navigate campus life, understand their rights and responsibilities, and connect with the people and services that will support them throughout their studies.

Wits Virtual Tour: Not on campus yet? Get a feel for your new home before you arrive.

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