SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu also said that travellers who declare their vehicles online will benefit from faster processing at the border.
Image: SARS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that, from 1 June 2026, all foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa must be declared online through the Traveller Management System (TMS).
The revenue service said that the measure is part of its efforts to modernise customs, improve border security, and speed up crossings for travellers who comply with the rules.
Temporary import permits will remain available for frequent visitors, valid for six months and allowing multiple entries without the need to reapply.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu also said that travellers who declare their vehicles online will benefit from faster processing at the border.
"It delivers clear benefits which include enabling better risk‑based screening, strengthening coordination with other authorities and improving the overall traveller experience," he said.
"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.”
He warned that those who fail to declare or provide false information could face delays and enforcement action.
“Compliance is not optional; vehicle owners who do not declare foreign registered vehicles or who provide false or incomplete information expose themselves to enforcement consequences and prolonged processing at the border. I also wish to reaffirm that where vehicle owners comply with all the legal requirements, the process will be seamless, however where compliance is low, this may lead to delays in border crossings,” he said.
The revenue service also said that, while SARS expects travellers to declare their vehicles online before arriving at the border, officials will be available to assist those who cannot complete the process in advance.
"While online declarations improve processing times, it does not replace physical border controls, and all travellers are still required to present themselves to Customs for verification, processing, and inspection (where required,".
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