As the end of the year approaches, many parents will be contemplating a fun-filled road trip with the whole family. South Africa borders a number of beautiful and exotic countries that can be reached via car. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations for crossing their borders. If you’re planning a cross-border trip, make sure you have the right items with you!


Related: #TravelTuesday: 3 Ways to Travel SA

Documents required to enter Botswana

Documents required to enter Mozambique

Documents required to enter Namibia

Documents required to enter Swaziland

Documents required to enter Zimbabwe

Documents required to enter Lesotho

Before we start:

Carnet de Passages en Douane: this is a document that is required when taking a car into certain African countries. It is used to identify a car that goes through customs, and guarantees that the vehicle will leave the country in the stipulated period or the owner will face a penalty. The Carnet can be obtained from the Automobile Association of South Africa.

Lesotho

  • The driver’s passport.
  • The driver’s drivers license
  • Original or certified copy of the vehicle’s registration papers.
  • If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authority from the registered owner.
  • The vehicle license papers and a letter of authority from the bank (if vehicle is still being financed). This must include dates of travel.
  • A police affidavit confirming that you have authorisation from the owner/financial institution to take the vehicle abroad.
  • The required toll fees (about R30).
  • ZA Sticker – this is a sticker designating that the vehicle is from South Africa, and can be obtained from AA stores and some outdoor retailers.
  • Emergency triangles.

Swaziland

  • The driver’s passport.
  • The driver’s drivers license
  • Original or certified copy of the vehicle’s registration papers.
  • If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authority from the registered owner.
  • The vehicle license papers and a letter of authority from the bank (if vehicle is still being financed). This must include dates of travel.
  • A police affidavit confirming that you have authorisation from the owner/financial institution to take the vehicle abroad.
  • The required toll fees (about R50).
  • ZA Sticker – this is a sticker designating that the vehicle is from South Africa, and can be obtained from AA stores and some outdoor retailers.
  • Third-Party Insurance

Namibia

  • The Carnet de Passage (if the vehicle is being shipped to Namibia).
  • The driver’s passport.
  • The driver’s drivers license
  • Certified copy of the vehicle’s registration papers.
  • If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authority from the registered owner.
  • The vehicle license papers and a letter of authority from the bank (if vehicle is still being financed). This must include dates of travel.
  • A police affidavit confirming that you have authorisation from the owner/financial institution to take the vehicle abroad (if the vehicle is rented or the driver is in the country on a working permit).
  • The required toll fees (about R220 and an extra R140 for a trailer).
  • ZA Sticker – this is a sticker designating that the vehicle is from South Africa, and can be obtained from AA stores and some outdoor retailers.
  • Emergency triangles.
  • If staying for longer than three months and on a working permit, a refundable fee of 16.5% of the car’s value. This is refundable upon the car’s export from Namibia.
  • Motor Insurance Certificate (this can be obtained at the border, free of charge).

Botswana

  • The driver’s passport.
  • The driver’s drivers license
  • Original or certified copy of the vehicle’s registration papers.
  • If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authority from the registered owner.
  • The vehicle license papers and a letter of authority from the bank (if vehicle is still being financed). This must include dates of travel.
  • The required fees (about R120).
  • ZA Sticker – this is a sticker designating that the vehicle is from South Africa, and can be obtained from AA stores and some outdoor retailers.
  • It is recommended that the driver carries an International Driving Permit.

Zimbabwe

  • The driver’s passport.
  • The driver’s drivers license
  • Original or certified copy of the vehicle’s registration papers.
  • If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authority from the registered owner.
  • The vehicle license papers and a letter of authority from the bank (if vehicle is still being financed). This must include dates of travel.
  • A police affidavit confirming that you have authorisation from the owner/financial institution to take the vehicle abroad.
  • The required toll fees (about R50).
  • ZA Sticker – this is a sticker designating that the vehicle is from South Africa, and can be obtained from AA stores and some outdoor retailers.
  • Third-Party Insurance (can be obtained at the border for R225)
  • A Temporary Import Permit (issued at the border post upon entry, free of charge).
  • If travelling through the Chirundu Border Post, a Police Clearance Certificate (requires a Request for Police Identification/Clearance Form for application).
  • For commercial vehicles, a Commercial Vehicle Guarantee.
  • Road Access Fee (between R60 and R270 depending on the vehicle).
  • Exit Pass Charges (R70 at each exit).
  • Carbon Tax Charges (between R60 and R270 depending on the car).
  • Honeycomb Reflective Tape (white and red, on both sides of the front and rear bumpers).
  • Emergency triangles.
  • If towing a trailer, a white and red T-sign (white on front right hand side of trailer, red on the rear right hand side).
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Safety Vests

Mozambique

  • The driver’s passport.
  • The driver’s drivers license
  • Original or certified copy of the vehicle’s registration papers.
  • If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authority from the registered owner.
  • The vehicle license papers and a letter of authority from the bank (if vehicle is still being financed). This must include dates of travel.
  • A police affidavit confirming that you have authorisation from the owner/financial institution to take the vehicle abroad.
  • The required toll fees (about R30).
  • ZA Sticker – this is a sticker designating that the vehicle is from South Africa, and can be obtained from AA stores and some outdoor retailers.
  • Emergency triangles.
  • Temporary Import Permit.
  • Third-Party Insurance (R160).
  • 2 Red Warning Triangles.
  • Reflective Jacket (if more than two people are in the car, to be worn if they have to get out of the car).
  • Toll fees (R20/person)
  • Declaration Form for Vehicle (R50).
  • Yellow and Blue Mozambique Warning Triangle stickers (if towing a trailer)
  • International Driving Permit

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