South Africa has introduced a new digital border control system requiring all foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving the country to be declared to customs authorities, as the government intensifies efforts to modernize border management and strengthen compliance at ports of entry.
The new requirement, which takes effect from June 1, 2026, is being implemented by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) through its Traveller Management System (TMS).
Under the rules, travelers crossing South African borders in vehicles registered outside the country must submit vehicle details either electronically before arrival or at border posts.
The measure applies to all foreign-registered vehicles, including those from neighboring Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, which are members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
According to SARS, the policy is designed to improve customs oversight, strengthen risk detection capabilities and accelerate the digital transformation of South Africa's border management systems.
