BORDER KIT: What you need to take your vehicle across a Southern Africa Border???

So you've decided to take your first holiday across the South African border but don't really know what you need to take to have a hassle free holiday in another Southern African country. In this video we share what you need to take to achieve exactly that, a hassle free trip to Southern African countries.

Although not a requirement in all countries, this is a general guide of what you should carry. Often forums will give you a list but forget some of the smaller details such as dates on fire extinguishers, triangles for breakdowns and a vehicle jack to name but a few...

For obvious reasons we did not mention a passport in the video, because you simply won't be going anywhere without one!

Here is your minimum list of requirements:

South African Border Crossing Essentials:

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.

2. Driver's License
The South African driver's license is recognised in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.

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.

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/ Zimbabwe T Sticker. 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. The same but the T sticker is required for Zimbabwe.

7. Vehicle Registration/Vehicle License Papers/NATIS Documents
A certified copy of vehicle registration/vehicle lisense papers is acceptable at the border posts. Must be accompanied with a letter from the bank giving you authorisation 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 authorisation letter from the financial institution/owner to take the vehicle across the border.

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 4x4 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.

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[ailox]

I know this is an old video but it's the first one I've seen that has ever explained the trailer stickers! Many thanks ;-)

[brownmoyondizvo]

Some of this has changed for Zim. They're not fussed about the ZA sticker or the yellow vests. (I'm there every second month.) They're a lot more chilled these days, but do have a fire extinguisher that's up-to-date, and red triangles. They prefer solid triangles with diamond-pattern (not flat) reflectors. The front of your vehicle should also have 3x5cm white diamond-pattern reflective tape and the same in red at the rear. Yes, number plate light. Also buy a copy of Zim border guide, it's worth it. Chances are that if you greet them cheerfully, they won't check anything anyway.

[davidwoods]

Valuable info I haven't seen covered elsewhere. Thanks!

[louisenaude]

Thank you for your advice, I got everything like your video said, you actually explain everything so nicely! Thanks

[terryoleary]

Very cool bru great video. I’m Australian living in Sydney withe the plans to ship my vehicle to SA in 3 years ( 5 worst case ) and zig zag up the continent, so that’s cool information I wouldn’t have thought of . 👍🏿

[xagsoverlandmexico]

Congrats, great video and really useful info!! 👍

[renaldogeldenhuys]

Flippen lekker info especially for okes like myself planning a first over border car trip. PS, no Zim trip for me thanks.

[seanfrench]

Overlandifying my Everest at great expense for a trip to Namibia when borders open again but need to also focus on the little (official) things too. I took several notes. Thanks.

[kellydrolet]

Great info - thanks! Not sure the Ute I rented in Namibia would have passed inspection going into Zimbabwe and Zambia? Didn't make it that far as the Caprivi was suffering major flooding. Will certainly know better next trip.

[JurassicArkSpeedway]

This is a great series. I hope you return to this channel soon.

[ZukileFongoqa-idcn]

i did ask my insurance letter n i consulted my bank to make for me a copy of the car certicate but in the border they didn't even ask those things

[quintonmartins]

Thanks for the great video. Is a South African Police Vehicle Clearance Certificate needed for Namibia/Bots/Zim & Zambia border crossings if the SA registered vehicle is privately owned and paid off?

[kellydrolet]

Going Back to Africa - Wife and I were talking about going back earlier this year then this worldwide lockdown hit and all our plans are derailed. I would like to do a trip from Windhoek east into Botswana to Livingston (through the Okavango and Caprivi) then further east into Zimbabwe. When -well will see how this world changes. Then I showed the wife Oman, Saudi and Dubai - we love the wildlife, beaches and oceans.

[lancemcintosh]

Loving your channel. Thank you. Would I be correct then that if traveling with a trailer thru Botswana, Zim and Mozambique you would need a blue/yellow triangle and Red-T and white-T on the front bumper of the vehicle and on the back of the trailer? Ie three stickers on the front bumper! Also is a T required on front of the trailer?

[samanthadargie]

Hi. The reflector stickers do they have to be stickers or can one use the plastic self adhesive reflectors?

[morrisdutoit]

Good day sir, we are going to enter Zimbabwe in April, is all the requirements still the same for the stickers and extinguisher etc

[Prcrustesify]

Where did you get the country stickers on the side of your car?

[sintjawei]

Hello and happy new year. My name is sintja. I was wondering if you could help me with information about if it is possible to stay 90 days in south africa ..go to botswana for 3 weeks and come back to south africa for 90 days. Does anybody have experience with this? Lovely greetings

[thatgamerenrique]

Hello ek is Enrique what in Julle komplex bly

[thatgamerenrique]

I know you its me Enrique I live in your couple yeet