In a move aimed at streamlining travel and easing burdens on personal travelers, Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, has announced a substantial revision to the threshold for goods declared at Customs at the country’s border posts.
Effective November 28, 2025, the allowance for personal travelers will increase ten-fold, from the previous E1 000 to a new limit of E10 000.
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The announcement was made in the latest edition of “Finance In Focus,” the Minister’s communication platform for key financial updates.
This adjustment is expected to have a tangible impact on individuals crossing Eswatini’s borders, particularly those returning from shopping trips or business excursions in neighboring countries.
For years, the E1 000 declaration limit has been a point of friction for many travelers, often leading to longer queues and administrative complexities for goods that, while above the previous threshold, were not necessarily high-value commercial imports.
The new E10 000 limit reflects a more pragmatic approach, aligning with contemporary travel and purchasing habits.
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This now means that personal travelers carrying goods valued up to E10 000 will now face a significantly reduced need for detailed declarations, potentially leading to faster processing times at border posts and a smoother travel experience.
The increased allowance may subtly encourage cross-border shopping within the region, as travelers have more flexibility in what they can bring back without incurring immediate customs duties or extensive paperwork.
By raising the threshold, Customs officials can reallocate resources to focus more effectively on detecting and processing higher-value commercial imports and combating illicit trade, rather than spending time on numerous small declarations.
The move is anticipated to enhance overall efficiency at border posts, benefiting both travelers and customs authorities.
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