From 1 June 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa in foreign-registered vehicles must declare them via the South African Revenue Service's (SARS's) Traveller Management System (TMS).
SARS said the measure is intended to ensure foreign-registered vehicles are properly declared before entering or leaving the country.
The revenue authority said the TMS also supports broader customs border modernisation efforts by strengthening risk detection and improving the traveller experience through greater digitalisation , automation and improved service delivery.
The requirement applies to all foreign-registered vehicles, including those from Southern African Customs Union member states Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and Namibia.
SARS encouraged travellers to declare foreign-registered vehicles online before arriving at the border to speed up processing.
The revenue authority said travellers can access the electronic traveller declaration system through its website via the Customs Online Traveller Declaration webpage, the free South African Traveller Management System mobile app, or the SARS MobiApp for registered eFiling users.
SARS said the mobile app can be downloaded from a device's app store. Registered eFiling users can also access the service through the SARS MobiApp.
According to SARS, travellers can also use QR (Quick Response)codes displayed on banners or printed on pamphlets at customs ports of entry.
To complete the online vehicle declaration, travellers must provide passport or travel document details, driver details, intended duration of stay, vehicle registration number, country of registration and vehicle identification number.
The revenue authority said: "Travellers who cannot pre-declare their foreign-registered vehicle online will be assisted by SARS officials at the border post, where service counters and self-service kiosks are also available."
Travellers must also bring a certified copy of the vehicle registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, permission from the financing institution, as the title holder, must be produced for the vehicle to cross the border.
SARS added: "If you are not the registered owner, a letter of authority from the owner granting permission to take the vehicle across the border must be provided. If it is a rental vehicle, the rental agreement and permission to take it across the border must also be provided."
SARS cautioned that failure to declare a foreign-registered vehicle when crossing a border may result in delays, inspections or enforcement action in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
The authority added that travellers temporarily entering South Africa in a foreign-registered vehicle will receive a Temporary Import Permit valid for six months.
"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," SARS said.
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