Herman Heunes, General Manager at Corporate Traveller South Africa, said that governments now want your information before you even board your flight, and for business travellers running on tight itineraries and even tighter margins, that shift has consequences.
The SARS Traveller Declaration introduced from the start of this month has consequences for business travellers running on tight itineraries and even tighter margins.
Herman Heunes, General Manager at Corporate Traveller South Africa, said: “The SARS Traveller Declaration is a fundamental change in when compliance happens. The border has moved, and it’s moved to 24 hours before departure. Business travellers who don’t adjust their pre-trip habits and routine are going to feel it.”
Corporate Traveller said that South Africa is joining a growing cohort of governments that have decided the old model of processing travellers at the point of entry is too slow, too manual, and too reactive.
“The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation, now required for millions of previously visa-exempt visitors, must also be secured before boarding. The EU’s ETIAS system, expected to launch late 2026, adds a pre-departure authorisation layer for travellers who previously needed nothing more than a valid passport.”
