Photo: Msn
For many years, cross-border travel between Namibia and South Africa has been relatively straightforward for motorists, with most travellers completing border formalities directly at the point of entry.
That system is now set to change. The South African Revenue Service has announced that from 1 June, all foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa will be required to be declared in advance through its Traveller Management System (TMS). The new requirement will affect Namibian motorists, cross-border traders, transport operators, students and tourists who regularly travel between the two countries, as well as travellers from other Southern African countries including Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
According to SARS Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu, the system forms part of broader efforts to modernise customs processes at ports of entry, improve compliance and strengthen border management. He said the digital system is intended to support risk-based screening, improve coordination between authorities and streamline the movement of travellers at busy border posts. Under the updated process, foreign-registered vehicles travelling temporarily into South Africa will be subject to a declaration process through the on-line system prior to arrival at the border. In line with customs procedures, eligible travellers may be issued with a Temporary Import Permit (TIP), which allows the vehicle to remain in South Africa for a specified period under set conditions. SARS has indicated that the arrangement is aimed at improving efficiency for frequent travellers, including those crossing for work, business, study, medical care or other lawful reasons. Travellers are encouraged to complete declarations online before reaching border posts in order to reduce delays. However, SARS has also stated that assistance will be available at ports of entry for those who are unable to complete the process digitally.
The revenue authority has further emphasised that on-line declarations do not replace physical customs controls. All travellers will still be required to present themselves for verification and may be subject to inspection where necessary. SARS has also cautioned that failure to declare foreign-registered vehicles, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, may result in penalties and delays during border processing. While the system is intended to modernise border management, it has also raised questions among frequent cross-border travellers, particularly in Namibia.
Some motorists have expressed uncertainty about how the process will work in practice, especially at smaller or less-resourced border posts where customs capacity may be limited. There are also ongoing questions regarding how authorities will handle foreign-registered vehicles that are al-ready inside South Africa before the new requirements come into effect. At this stage, detailed transitional arrangements have not yet been fully clarified publicly.
This has led to concern among some travellers about possible inconsistencies in enforcement during the initial phase of implementation, particularly while officials and travellers adjust to the new system. In addition, some travellers have reported receiving varying guidance at different border posts regarding how the new process will be applied, although this has not been formally confirmed by SARS as a policy issue. For Namibian motorists, particularly those travelling through busy crossings such as Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei, the new system may require additional preparation time before travel becomes routine under the updated procedures. SARS continues to encourage travellers to use official channels, including its MobiApp and online platforms, to ensure they are correctly informed and prepared ahead of the implementation date. As the 1 June rollout approaches, many cross-border travellers are now closely monitoring updates and preparing documentation in advance in order to avoid delays once the system goes live.
Eileen van der Schyff
