Customs

Declaration of foreign-registered vehicles used by travellers SARS has modernised cross-border customs declarations for foreign vehicles, effective from 01 June 2026

On 19 May 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) advised that it would, from 01 June 2026, require all foreign-registered vehicles to be declared on the SARS Traveller Management System (TMS) prior to them entering or leaving South Africa.

The SARS Commissioner said that this measure aligned South Africa with established international Customs practice and formed part of SARS’ ongoing programme to modernise customs operations at ports of entry, strengthen compliance and protect the integrity of the country’s ports of entry. He further indicated that it delivered clear benefits, which include “enabling better risk‑based screening, strengthening coordination with other authorities and improving the overall traveller experience. It also supports South Africa’s financial transparency obligations. It enhances national security by ensuring goods, currency and vehicles are properly declared and assessed before entry or exit”.

For foreign vehicles temporarily imported, temporary import permits with a six-month validity may be issued and used for multiple crossings during that period without the need to reapply at each entry. Frequent cross-border travel for work, study, business, medical care or other lawful reasons does not affect the validity of the permit, provided it remains in force and is renewed before it expires. The process is designed to make compliance straightforward while improving oversight, consistency and fairness at the border. 

Information on Customs temporary importation requirements is available at:

https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/.

While SARS expects that travellers will declare their foreign-registered vehicles on the Traveller Management System (TMS) before they arrive at the border to take advantage of the simplified and expedited processing on offer, the SARS Commissioner has reiterated that SARS will continue to support travellers who are unable to complete the declaration online and will deploy dedicated officials at ports of entry to guide travellers through the process. He further noted that while online declarations improved processing times, they did not replace physical border controls, and all travellers are still required to present themselves to Customs for verification, processing and inspection (where required).

The SARS Commissioner emphasised that compliance was not optional; vehicle owners who do not declare foreign-registered vehicles or provide false or incomplete information expose themselves to enforcement action and prolonged border processing. “I also wish to reaffirm that when vehicle owners comply with all legal requirements, the process will be seamless; however, when compliance is low, this may lead to delays at border crossings.”

SARS encouraged foreign vehicle owners and cross-border operators to make use of official SARS sources for accurate guidance and to understand the new declaration procedures before the 01 June 2026 implementation date.

Further information is available at:

FAQs: Declaration of foreign-registered vehicles used by travellers

Q1: What is SARS implementing on 01 June 2026?

From 01 June 2026, SARS requires travellers entering or leaving South Africa in foreign-registered vehicles to declare those vehicles on its Traveller Management System (TMS).

Q2: What is a traveller?

A “traveller” means any person who enters or leaves the Republic as contemplated in Section 15(1) of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964. Travellers must declare their goods and vehicles to Customs in the manner required by SARS.

Q3: Why is SARS implementing this?

SARS is introducing this measure to ensure that foreign-registered vehicles are properly declared before entering or leaving South Africa. It also supports broader Customs border modernisation by strengthening risk detection and improving the traveller experience through greater digitalisation, automation and better service delivery.

Q4: Are vehicles registered in SACU countries exempt from this requirement?

No. The requirement applies to all foreign-registered vehicles, including those from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states: Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and Namibia.

Q5: Can I declare electronically?

Yes. SARS encourages travellers to declare foreign-registered vehicles online before arriving at the border to speed up their crossing.

Q6: How do I declare electronically?

  • Travellers can access the electronic traveller declaration system through:
  • The SARS website, specifically the Customs Online Traveller Declaration webpage.
  • The free SATMS (South African Traveller Management System) Mobi Application. Download from your mobile device’s store.
  • The SARS MobiApp for registered eFiling users. eFiling is a SARS digital service that allows users to submit returns, make payments and access their accounts.
  • A QR (Quick Response) code, displayed on banners or printed on pamphlets at Customs ports of entry.

Q7: What information do I need to complete the online vehicle declaration?

  • Passport/travel document details.
  • Driver details.
  • Intended duration of stay.
  • Vehicle registration number.
  • Country of registration.
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q8: If I am not able to declare online, can I still declare my vehicle at the border post?

Yes. SARS officials will assist travellers who cannot pre-declare their foreign-registered vehicle online at the border post, where service counters and self-service kiosks are also available.

Q9: What must I bring with me to the border with respect to my vehicle?

A certified copy of the vehicle registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, permission from the financing institution (the title holder) to take it across the border. If you are not the registered owner, a letter of authority from the owner permitting you to take the vehicle across the border. If it is a rental vehicle, the rental agreement and permission to cross the border.

Q10: What happens if I do not declare my foreign-registered vehicle when crossing a border?

Failure to declare a foreign-registered vehicle when crossing a border may result in delays, inspections or enforcement action under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964.

Q11: Can I cross through any border post, including a non-designated border post?

Yes. At non-designated border posts where SARS is not present, the Border Management Authority (BMA) will support the administration of foreign-registered vehicles. Travellers must follow the instructions of BMA officers. However, electronic declaration remains a prerequisite.

Q12: Do I receive a Temporary Import Permit?

Yes. Travellers temporarily entering South Africa in a foreign-registered vehicle will receive a Temporary Import Permit valid for six months.

Q13: Do I need a new Temporary Import Permit each time I cross the border?

Travellers issued with a Temporary Import Permit for a foreign-registered vehicle may use the same permit for multiple entries into South Africa, provided it remains valid.

Q14: Travellers already travelling inside or outside South Africa before 01 June 2026

They only needed to declare their vehicle when crossing the border from 01 June 2026 onwards.

Q15: What happens if I already entered South Africa in a foreign-registered vehicle and am not currently travelling?

SARS is following a phased implementation approach. The first phase, from 01 June 2026, focuses only on the daily cross-border movement of foreign-registered vehicles used by travellers entering or leaving the country. The management of foreign-registered vehicles already in South Africa before 01 June 2026 and used by persons who are not currently travelling will take place in a later phase, and such vehicles are not affected by the current implementation. SARS will provide more information when future phases are introduced.

Q16: Does this requirement affect the SACU trade agreement?

No. The SACU trade agreement relates to the free movement of commercial goods, not second-hand vehicles driven by travellers.

Q17: Who can I contact for assistance or if I have a query?

Travellers may seek assistance from SARS officials at commercial ports of entry, or BMA officers at non-designated border posts or use the official SARS communication channels below:

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