South Africa Border Crossing Guide

Drive South Africa has put together a comprehensive South Africa border crossing guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know about crossing in and out of the country.

1. Passport and Visas

South African passport holders resident to South Africa do not require a visa to visit Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. However, should you be travelling with an emergency travel document, other than your South African passport, for one or other reason you will require a visa to enter Botswana. Visa applications can be made to the Botswana Consulate in Braamfontein: TEL +27(0) 11 403 3748

2. Driver’s License

The South African driver’s license is recognised in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Make sure that you have a valid driver’s licence when you Hire a car in South Africa.

3. International Driver’s Permit

Although not compulsory, this is recommended for everyone driving in foreign countries.

4. ZA Sticker

If you’re travelling from South Africa across borders, vehicles should bear a ZA sticker which designates that they are foreign vehicles from South Africa.

AA Accredited Sales Agent stores and outdoor retailers like Safari Centre will have them available for purchase.

5. White and Red Reflective Tape

In Zimbabwe – two small white rectangular size strips on the right and left hand side of the front bumper, as well as two small red square strips on the right and left hand side of the rear bumper is required.

If towing a trailer, two small red square strips on the right and left hand side of the rear bumper are required.

6. Yellow and Blue Mozambique Warning Triangle

In Mozambique a set of two yellow and blue warning triangle stickers are required if towing a trailer; one in the front of the vehicle (on the bumper) and one on the rear of the trailer.

7. Vehicle Registration/Vehicle License Papers

A certified copy of vehicle registration/vehicle license papers is acceptable at the border posts.

Must be accompanied with a letter from the bank giving you the authorization to take the vehicle across the border, and must indicate dates.

Both the bank letter and license papers should be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.

If you are not the registered owner of the vehicle, please carry an affidavit from the police giving you authorization from the financial institution/owner to take the vehicle abroad.

8.  Police Clearance Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate may be required if travelling through the Chirundu Border Post of Zimbabwe, both for vehicles and trailers.

9. Letter of authority

If you are travelling in a rented car or 4×4 across borders, you have to have a letter from the rental company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of the country. You do not need police clearance for this.

Vehicle and Border Post info:

Namibia-South Africa Border Crossings

• The road users’ fee is R220 for a normal car with an additional amount of R140 for a trailer or a camper
• You can pay with South African rands, Namibian dollars or a credit card
• We strongly advise that you take cash in case the card machines are offline

Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD)

Namibia Border Posts

Botswana-South Africa Border Crossings

• Road Transport Permit – P40 (Pula) +- R44
• National Road Safety – P20 – valid for a calendar year (up to 31 December) P20 will also be charged on a trailer
• Third-Party Insurance – P50 – motor vehicle insurance (mini buses and buses will pay a higher fee)
• Temporary Import Permit (This form will be issued at the border post on entry)

Currency: Pula (BWP)

Botswana Border Posts

Zimbabwe-South Africa Border Crossings

• Third-Party Insurance (Compulsory) – obtained at border post for R225 or at an AA Accredited Sales Agent store
• Road Access Fee – based on the vehicle’s size paid on entry only. Rates: R60 for a small sedan, R270 for a large 4×4
• Beitbridge Border Post Fee – R100
• Exit Pass- R70 at each exit
• Carbon Pollution Tax: Depends on engine capacity; fees start from R60 up to R270 (valid for 30 days)

Currency: Dollar (USD)

Zimbabwe Border Posts

Mozambique-South Africa Border Crossings

• Temporary Import Permit for vehicle (Compulsory) – approximately R15 payable in Meticais
• Third-Party Insurance (Compulsory) – available at any AA Accredited Sales Agent store; R160 (valid for 30 days)
• Immigration Fees – R17.50 per person
• Declaration Form for vehicle – cost is approximately R50

Currency: Metical (MZM) but Rand currency is acceptable in Mozambique.

Mozambique Border Posts

Above: Kosi border post in Mozambique. Photo by: Andrew Ashton

Swaziland-South Africa Border Crossings

• Third-Party Insurance – included in the fuel price; no document required
• Road Tax – R50 payable for vehicles, 14% tax charged on goods brought in for personal use with no charge on the first R1 000; charge is applicable on an excess of R1 000 and is non-refundable.

Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)

Swaziland Border Posts

Lesotho-South Africa Border Crossings

• Toll fees – determined by the weight of your vehicle. +-R30

Currency: Loti (LSL)

Lesotho Border Posts

Above: Lesotho border post. Photo by: Mark Turner

Quick Border Post Tips:

Border posts can be daunting, confusing and may even frustrate you but no worries, follow these tips and you will sail on through with no problems.

1. Make a folder for all your important documents to prevent unnecessary loss and stress.

2. Get all your documents in order ready to hand into the border official.

3. Be patient and smile – always be polite and cooperate; this will help make the procedure go smoothly without annoying the person who has the power to give you access.

4. Ask for the maximum amount of days possible – you could end up stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre and not be able to return in time.

5. Don’t overstay your time; this will lead to problems at the border when trying to leave.

6. Make sure your passport has enough empty pages for the necessary stamps.

7. Keep a few pens with you, there are never enough at the border posts, it will help you fill out the paperwork faster without having to wait.

Now go enjoy your travels on the roads of Africa!

Guest post author:

Jezemae Cogan harbours a passion for exploring her home country of South Africa and beyond. With an eagerness to write, Jezemae enjoys capturing and sharing, moments and information gathered from her adventures with fellow travellers. Working for Drive South Africa, Jezamae has the opportunity to do what she loves as her 9 to 5. If you’re interested in traveling through South Africa this holiday, hire a car with Drive South Africa.