South Africa has implemented a new Traveller Management System requiring foreign-registered vehicles to be declared before crossing the Maseru Bridge [1].

This change aims to reduce severe congestion and streamline the processing of vehicle imports at the border crossing between South Africa and Lesotho [1]. By digitizing the declaration process, officials intend to minimize the physical bottlenecks that frequently delay travelers and commercial transport.

SARS Customs and Excise Director Beyers Theron said the system became mandatory on June 1, 2026 [2]. The initiative targets the high volume of traffic moving between the two nations, specifically focusing on the efficiency of Temporary Import Permits.

According to SARS data, approximately 39,000 Temporary Import Permits have been issued across the SADC region [1]. Of that total, about 18,000 permits were issued specifically for Lesotho [1]. The new system requires travelers to register their vehicles in advance to avoid delays upon arrival at the bridge.

Theron said, "Significant interventions are now in place to ease congestion" [1]. Despite these measures, reports indicate that some delays persist as travelers and officials adapt to the new digital requirements.

The system is part of a broader effort by the South African Revenue Service to modernize border controls. By requiring declarations before the vehicle reaches the bridge, SARS hopes to shift the administrative burden away from the point of entry, a move intended to accelerate the flow of traffic for both tourists and traders.

“Foreign-registered vehicles must now be declared via the Traveller Management System.”

The transition to a digital pre-declaration system reflects a shift toward 'smart borders' in the SADC region. By requiring data entry before arrival, South Africa is attempting to decouple administrative processing from physical border transit, which is critical for the Maseru Bridge's high-volume traffic. The continued delays suggest a gap between policy implementation and user adoption or infrastructure capacity.