SARS to require online declaration for foreign vehicles from 1 June what travellers must do

What’s changing at the border?

From 1 June 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires that foreign-registered vehicles be declared on its Traveller Management System (TMS) before entering or departing South Africa.

Who must declare and when

International travellers driving vehicles with foreign registrations must complete the declaration via the TMS both when they enter South Africa and when they return or depart.

Why SARS is introducing the rule

SARS says the measure aligns South Africa with international customs practices and supports the agency’s push to modernise customs operations at ports of entry. The change is intended to improve screening, coordination with other authorities and the overall travelling experience.

Benefits cited by SARS

“It also supports South Africa’s financial transparency obligations and enhances national security by ensuring goods, currency and vehicles are properly declared and assessed before entry or exit,” said SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu.

Temporary permits and frequent travellers

Frequent cross-border travellers will be issued with temporary import permits valid for six months. During that validity period the permits can be used for multiple crossings without reapplying at each entry.

Compliance and enforcement

Dr Makhubu warned that travellers who do not declare foreign-registered vehicles or who provide false or incomplete information will face enforcement consequences and may experience prolonged processing at the border. SARS emphasises that where travellers comply with legal requirements the process should be seamless, while low compliance could cause delays.

Support at ports of entry

SARS says it will continue to support travellers who are unable to complete the declaration online. Dedicated officials will be deployed at ports of entry to assist with the process. Physical border controls will remain in place, and all travellers must still present themselves to customs for verification, processing and inspection where required.

Where to get more information

For further details about declaring foreign-registered vehicles SARS directs travellers to www.sars.gov.za.

Planned port upgrades

Plans are underway to upgrade six key ports of entry in South Africa to replace manual, fragmented processes with integrated digital systems designed to streamline cross-border operations.