A Guide to Driving Through Zimbabwe's Border Posts
Key Requirements (All Borders)
- Original Vehicle Logbook: Non-negotiable. No photocopies.
- Authority Letter: If the car is not in your name or is bank-financed.
- Vehicle Hardware: Reflective tape, 2x warning triangles, fire extinguisher.
- Police Clearance: Mandatory for taking a Zim-registered vehicle out of the country.
- Cash: Carry enough USD/ZAR for fees, as card machines can be unreliable.
Driving through any of Zimbabwe's border posts can be straightforward if you are prepared. This guide covers the universal processes for a private vehicle, with specific notes for major crossings.
Need to find a specific border post? Get locations and directions on our interactive map.
View Map →The General Process: Entering Zimbabwe
- Immigration (Entry): Get passports stamped for entry into Zimbabwe.
- Vehicle TIP: Go to the ZIMRA customs counter to process a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your foreign-registered vehicle. You will need your passport and original vehicle registration papers.
- Pay Fees: You will need to pay several fees, including Carbon Tax, Road Access Fees, and Third-Party Insurance.
The General Process: Exiting Zimbabwe
- Vehicle Police Clearance (for Zim-registered cars): Before your trip, you MUST get a Vehicle Police Clearance Certificate from the ZRP Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS). This is mandatory for exporting a local vehicle.
- Customs (ZIMRA): Present your vehicle for inspection. They will clear your local car for export or process the exit for your foreign-registered car (checking your TIP).
- Immigration (Exit): Get your passport stamped for exit.
Specific Notes for Major Border Posts
- Beitbridge (South Africa): This is the busiest land border in sub-Saharan Africa. Expect long queues, especially during holidays. Be patient and prepared for delays.
- Plumtree (Botswana): A major crossing point to Botswana. Generally less congested than Beitbridge.
- Forbes (Mozambique): The main crossing near Mutare, with a high volume of commercial truck traffic.
- Victoria Falls & Chirundu (Zambia): These are major tourist and commercial crossings. Officials are generally efficient and accustomed to handling tourist vehicles.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing Original Logbook: The #1 reason for being denied entry/exit with a vehicle.
- No Zim Police Clearance (when exiting with a Zim car): You will not be allowed to leave without this certificate. Plan ahead and get it before you travel.
- Incorrect "Letter of Authority": Ensure any required letters are recent, certified, and have full, correct details.
- "Helpers": Be cautious of unofficial "agents" who offer to speed up the process for a fee. Stick to official counters and uniformed officers.