Namibia motorists face new SA border declaration rules from 1 June

Namibian motorists travelling to South Africa will soon face new customs requirements as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) implements mandatory temporary importation declarations for all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country.

The new system, which takes effect on 1 June 2026, will apply to all foreign-registered motor vehicles, including those registered in Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states such as Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the requirement is in line with Section 15 of South Africa’s Customs and Excise Act, which obliges travellers to declare all goods, including vehicles, upon entry into South Africa.

SARS said SACU-registered vehicles had previously been exempted from the declaration process due to operational difficulties at border posts. However, the tax authority said new electronic systems now make full implementation possible. “To improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion at border posts, SARS has introduced the Traveller Management System (TMS) and a Mobi App to facilitate pre-declaration,” SARS said in a statement.

The TMS allows travellers to submit customs declarations electronically before arriving at the border, enabling preliminary processing, verification and approval in advance. SARS said the process is expected to significantly reduce delays and speed up the movement of travellers through border posts.

The revenue authority stressed that the SACU Agreement does not exempt member states from complying with South African national legislation governing import controls. “Effective 1 June 2026, all SACU-registered vehicles entering South Africa must comply with the temporary importation declaration process,” SARS said.

The authority added that officials would be stationed at border posts to assist travellers with the implementation process.

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 reapplication.

Motorists are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new procedures ahead of the enforcement date to avoid delays when crossing into South Africa. Further information, registration details and submission guidelines are available on the SARS traveller declaration platform.