Q1: What is SARS implementing on 1 June 2026?
From 1 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 No. 91 of 1964 (as amended). Travellers must declare their goods and vehicles to Customs in the manner that SARS requires.
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 SACU (Southern African Customs Union) 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. 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.
Q9: What must I bring with me to the border in respect of 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 granting you permission to take the vehicle across the border.
- If it is a rental vehicle, the rental agreement and permission to take it across 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, inspection, or enforcement action in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
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 pre-requisite.
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: What happens if I am already travelling inside or outside South Africa before 1 June 2026?
Persons already travelling inside or outside South Africa in foreign-registered vehicles do not need any existing digital record on the Traveller Management System (TMS) for those vehicles. They only need to declare their vehicle when crossing the border from 1 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 1 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 1 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:
- The SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. Operating hours are weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00, and Wednesdays from 09:00 to 16:00.
- The SARS website under the “Contact Us” tab.
- Lwazi, the SARS AI Assistant.
