Heading home with a suitcase full of German goodies? We get it — who wouldn’t want to share some of their favourite snacks and products! While many personal items are perfectly fine to bring into South Africa, there are specific restrictions and prohibited goods you should be aware of before packing.
To avoid surprises at customs, take a moment to review the official guidelines:
Below are just a few examples from the full list; however, please verify the official sources for accuracy.
Certain goods may only be imported if you are in possession of the necessary authority/permit.
Some examples:
Goods falling within the following allowances may be brought in without the payment of customs duty and VAT as accompanied baggage:
In addition to personal effects and the above consumable allowances, travellers are allowed new or used goods in his/her accompanied baggage to the value of R5 000 (2025).
A traveller is entitled to these allowances once per person during a period of 30 days after an absence of 48 hours from South Africa.
The tobacco and alcohol allowance does not apply to persons under the age of 18 years.
Travellers are allowed to bring their personal supply of medication into South Africa, as long as it is intended for their own use and does not exceed a three-month supply. This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
However, for prescription medication, you must carry a valid prescription or letter from a licensed medical doctor.
Customs officials may ask to see this documentation upon arrival, so keep it in your hand luggage, not your checked bags. If you’re carrying any controlled substances or narcotic medications, it’s especially important to double-check with South African authorities beforehand, as stricter rules may apply.
✈️ Tip: When in doubt, always keep medications in their original packaging, and bring a copy of the prescription in English to avoid unnecessary delays.
According to the SARS Website (2025), “Excess currency in terms of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Exchange Control Regulation is any amount over R25,000 or any foreign currency which is convertible to Rand in excess of R25,000.
Travellers must obtain written permission from the SARB before entering or leaving South Africa with excess currency.
Travellers may voluntarily declare currency in their possession through the online traveller declaration form or the manual Traveller Card (TC-01). The cash/ currency to be declared includes South African bank notes, foreign currency, securities, and gold.
For more information about Excess currency, see SC-PA-01-06 – Excess Currency – External Policy.”
Also refer to the South African Reserve Bank limitations under the “Individual”
Always Refer to Official Sources for the Latest Information
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