Travellers entering Zimbabwe with foreign-registered vehicles can expect stricter document checks and potentially longer border processing times following changes to the country’s temporary import permits (TIPs).
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority announced tighter controls on October 21, stating there has been widespread abuse of the TIP facility, which allows qualifying visitors to bring foreign-registered vehicles into Zimbabwe for up to 30 days without paying the full import duty.
Gareth Webb, Operations Manager at Nomad Africa, says border officials are also paying closer attention to vehicle registration documents, permission from the registered owner and driver qualification for a TIP.
“The new measures place greater emphasis on verifying vehicle registration documents, authorisation from the registered owner and the eligibility of the person applying for the permit.”
According to Webb, the standard validity period is also limited to 30 days now with longer periods considered on a case-by-case basis.
The additional checks may result in additional processing times at border crossings, he adds.
Arno Delport, Sales and Marketing Manager at Acacia is Africa, says, on a good day, the Beitbridge crossing takes between one and two hours. Holiday periods and the end of the month tend to be considerably busier, which can extend crossing times.
Travellers should also complete an online TIP application before their permit is processed at the border, adds Delport.
He says the online application must be completed within 24 hours of arriving at the border.
