Border Crossing in Southern Africa

Travel Tips for Border Crossings

• The below tips are based on travellers travelling from South Africa as the country of origin.
• Remember that African border crossings are usually busy and almost always chaotic. Allow plenty of time to get through immigration before the border post closes for the night.
• Think of Border crossings as part of the Travel experience - you will have many funny and frustrating stories to tell :-)
• Always remain polite and helpful. Immigration officers have the last say on whether you can enter a country, or not!
• Have your passport and exact cash amount ready for the type of visa you are purchasing. Please do not rely on card payments as these are seldom working at all ports of entry. The best currencies to carry are US Dollars (small denominations) and South African Rands(ZAR)
• Have patience and don't expect to rush through the process...Once you have accepted this fact - you'll be surprised how smoothly things go.
• If you are in a rented vehicle, make sure the Rental Agency shows you the relevant documentation needed...ie, vehicle registration, VIN, engine and chassis numbers match the documents you've been given. You will also need to know where these numbers appear on the car in case you're asked to show the immigration officer.
• If your chosen destination requires an International Driving Permit, be aware that you will need to apply for this in your home country.
• Expect to pay several fees at the border. This usually includes a Temporary Import Permit, while several countries require you to purchase insurance from a third-party company with an office at the border post. Try to research the correct fees in advance so that you aren't taken advantage of.
• Certified copies should be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths. You can usually get this done at a police station.

Required Documentation - General

Traveling internationally with a vehicle involves plenty of documentation and requirements change from one country to the next. Wherever you go, you will need a valid passport and if relevant, a Visa. You will need a valid driver’s license, and possibly an International Driving Permit (IDP). Original vehicle registration and license papers (or certified copies) will certainly be required. If you're driving your own vehicle and it's financed, you will need a certified letter from the bank giving you permission to take it abroad. If it is rented, your rental company will need to provide similar documentation. Some countries ask for a police clearance certificate while others require third party insurance. 

Botswana

When self-driving into Botswana from neighboring countries give yourself enough time to clear customs and immigration at border posts, so you can get to your destination on time.Always remember that there are two crossings at each border control point, an exit and an entry. Ensure that you have sufficient time to cross both borders.

Also remember to make sure that you have the correct vehicle papers before you get to the border control point. 

Visas are not required by SA passport holders.

• Valid passport of the driver
• Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
• Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
• Red Warning Triangles: 2 triangles required (does not need to be displayed on car)
• Reflective Jacket: If more than two people are travelling in the car, then two jackets will be required (to be used when changing a tyre, at an accident scene, or if loading)
• ZA Sticker
• International Driving Permit: Recommended

Traveling with a minor/s:

The following documents will be required when travelling to Botswana with minors (18 years and below):

• Valid Passport
• Valid VISA, if required
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (Birth Certificate containing the particulars of a minor and those of the parents)
• An affidavit from the other parent should the minor be travelling with one parent, or affidavit from both parents if the minor is not travelling with either parent.

Currency: Pula (BWP)
Compulsory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (Depending on the country of origin).
Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B
Precautions: Malaria Risk

Zimbabwe

Visas are not required by SA passport holders.

• Valid passport of the driver
• Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
• Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
  If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
• ZA Sticker
• Police Clearance Certificate: May be required if travelling through the Chirundu Border Post, for vehicles and trailers. When applying for Police Clearance certificate, it is required to have a Request for Police Identification/ Clearance (RPC) Form obtainable from the Traffic Department.
• Red Warning Triangles: 2 triangles required (does not need to be displayed on car)
• Reflective Jacket: If more than two people are travelling in the car, then two jackets will be required (to be used when changing a tyre, at an accident scene, or if loading)
• Road Access Fee: Based on the vehicle’s size paid on entry only.
• Exit Pass
• Carbon Tax
• International Driving Permit: Recommended

Currency: US$
Compulsory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (If coming from an affected area).
Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A & Tetanus
Precautions: Malaria Risk

Eswatini (Formely Swaziland)

Visas are not required by SA passport holders.

• Valid passport of the driver
• Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
• Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
  If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
• ZA Sticker
• International Driving Permit: Recommended

Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)
Compulsory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (If coming from an affected area).
Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Polio & Tetanus
Precautions: Malaria Risk

Mozambique

Visas are not required by SA passport holders for Tourism purposes for a stay of up to 30 days.

• Valid Passport of the driver
• Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
• Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
  If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
• Temporary Import Permit for vehicle: Compulsory – approximately R15 payable in Meticals
• Red Warning Triangles: 2 triangles required (does not need to be displayed on car)
• Reflective Jacket: If more than two people are travelling in the car, then two jackets will be required (to be used when changing a tyre, at an accident scene, or if loading)
• Immigration Fees
• Declaration Form for Vehicle: Cost is approximately R50
• Yellow and Blue Mozambique Warning Triangle: Two stickers required if towing a trailer; one in the front of the vehicle (on the bumper) and one on the rear of the trailer
• ZA Sticker
• International Driving Permit: Recommended

Currency: Metical (MZM)
Compulsory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (If coming from an affected area).
Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Polio & Tetanus
Precautions: Malaria Risk
Important Notes: Never give your passport to anyone and avoid using locals to assist with border assistance. Look out for speed traps when travelling back to South Africa (5km before the Border Post on the downhill) it is a 60 km/h zone and you will be fined R300.
Rand currency is acceptable in Mozambique. Carry copies of your passport and driver’s license.

Namibia

Namibia has a very mature Immigration and Customs system and passing through borders are normally quite easy, if you have all the correct documents.Visas are not required by SA passport holders for Tourism purposes. Business travellers going to Namibia to physically do business, a visa is required.
Tourists can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Namibia if they can produce a return ticket and their passport is valid for at least another 6 months. The visa is issued at arrival. Make sure of the length of stay that the Immigration Officer has given you, as it will not be an automatic 90 days. Overstaying the permitted period can draw drastic fines/imprisonment.

• Valid Passport of the driver
• Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
• Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
  If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
• ZA Sticker
• International Driving Permit: Recommended

Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD) and South African Rands are accepted everywhere as legal tender.
Compulsory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (If coming from an affected area).
Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B
Precautions: Malaria Risk in the Northern areas.
Customs Regulations: Duty-exempt are items for personal use, 1 litre liquor, 2 litres of wine, 50ml perfume, 250ml Eau de Toilette, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 250g tobacco, other new or used items to the value of N$ 2000. All things exceeding this limit including food, are subject to strict tariff regulations. This also applies to travellers from South Africa. Gifts up to a value of 200 N$ and all personal items are duty-free.

South Africa

Visas are not required by SA passport holders for Tourism purposes. Business travellers going to Namibia to physically do business, a visa is required.

• Valid Passport of the driver
• Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
• Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
  If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
• ZA Sticker
• A valid acceptable passport / travel document: Good for a sufficient period to cover the intended stay

Currency: Rand (ZAR)
Compulsory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever Certificate if coming from an Infected area.
Recommended Vaccinations: None.
Precautions: Malaria in certain Northern and Eastern areas.