18/05/2026
6 Months Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
Crossing the border into South Africa with a foreign-registered vehicle requires specific documentation.
You will need your passport, a valid driver's license, the vehicle's original registration papers, and a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).
You must also declare your vehicle upon arrival.Specific details depend on whether you are driving from a neighboring country (like Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, or eSwatini) or bringing a vehicle from overseas.
1. If driving from neighboring countries (SADC/SACU)If you are entering from a country such as Lesotho, strict enforcement of vehicle declarations is actively in place:
Temporary Import Permit (TIP): All foreign-registered vehicles must complete a temporary importation declaration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the border.
The TIP is typically valid for 6 months, and you must keep it with the vehicle at all times.Proof of Ownership: Have the original vehicle registration papers and a certified copy.
If financed: You must have a cross-border letter of authorization from your financial institution permitting the vehicle to cross the border, signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.
If you are not the owner: Carry a police affidavit and a letter of authorization from the registered owner granting permission to take the vehicle abroad.Rental cars: You must have a "cross-border letter" or authorization document from the rental company explicitly allowing you to take the vehicle into South Africa.
2. If shipping your car from overseasIf you are flying the car in or shipping it via port (e.g., from Europe, the Americas), the process transitions from a temporary visit to an official import:Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD):
This "passport for your vehicle" is highly recommended or required for temporary tourist imports, allowing you to bring the car into the country without paying duties upfront.
Import Permit: Vehicles generally must meet South African age and emissions standards, and you will usually need an import permit issued by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) prior to arrival.Permanent importation:
If you intend to leave or sell the car in South Africa, you will need to pay standard import duties (which are typically around 20-25% for light vehicles), undergo physical inspections, and have the vehicle registered locally, which requires a Traffic Registration Number.
