Oshoek – Emaswati travelling to South Africa in foreign-registered vehicles are now required to declare those vehicles to the South African Revenue Service every time they cross the border, following the launch of a new digital Traveller Management System on 1 June 2026.
The requirement applies to all foreign-registered vehicles, including those from Southern African Customs Union member states such as Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia. There are no exemptions based on SACU membership.
How to declare 
Travellers are encouraged to declare their vehicles online before reaching the border. This can be done through the SARS website at the Customs Online Traveller Declaration webpage, the free SATMS (South African Traveller Management System) mobile application, the SARS MobiApp for registered eFiling users, or by scanning a QR code displayed on banners or pamphlets at ports of entry.
To complete the declaration, travellers will need their passport or travel document details, driver details, intended duration of stay, vehicle registration number, country of registration and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Travellers who cannot declare online before reaching the border can still be assisted by SARS officials at service counters or self-service kiosks at the border post.
What to bring
When crossing the border, travellers must carry a certified copy of the vehicle registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, written permission from the financing institution is required. If the traveller is not the registered owner, a letter of authority from the owner must be produced. For rental vehicles, the rental agreement and permission to take the vehicle across the border are required.
Temporary Import Permit
Travellers entering South Africa temporarily in a foreign-registered vehicle will receive a Temporary Import Permit valid for six months. The same permit can be used for multiple entries into South Africa within that period, meaning regular commuters and traders do not need to obtain a new permit each time they cross.
Penalties for non-declaration
Failure to declare a foreign-registered vehicle at the border may result in delays, inspection or enforcement action under the Customs and Excise Act.
Vehicles already in South Africa
Foreign-registered vehicles already inside South Africa before 1 June 2026, belonging to persons who are not currently travelling, are not affected by the current phase of implementation. SARS said it will provide further information when future phases are introduced.
Effect on SACU trade
SARS confirmed the new requirement does not affect the SACU trade agreement, which relates to the free movement of commercial goods rather than personal vehicles driven by travellers.
Getting help
Travellers needing assistance can contact the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277, available on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 and on Wednesdays from 09:00 to 16:00. Help is also available through the SARS website under the “Contact Us” tab or via Lwazi, the SARS AI Assistant. At non-designated border posts where SARS is not present, the Border Management Authority will assist travellers, though electronic declaration remains a requirement.
