Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has introduced enhanced controls on the issuance of Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) for foreign-registered motor vehicles following abuse of the facility.
In Public Notice Number 60 of 2026 issued on Wednesday, Zimra said the measures are being implemented in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) and the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001.
The authority said a Temporary Import Permit may be issued to a bona fide visitor who is ordinarily resident outside Zimbabwe and is entering the country temporarily for tourism, business, study, employment, sporting activities or other lawful temporary purposes.
“Under the new regime, applicants will be required to produce a valid passport, original vehicle registration book, a letter of authority or affidavit where the vehicle is not driven by the registered owner, and a work, employment, study or residence permit if the driver is a Zimbabwean resident abroad,” said Zimra in the notice.
The authority said it may subject certain applications to additional verification, especially for non-owner-driven vehicles, as part of efforts to curb abuse, and that TIPs shall ordinarily be issued for a period not exceeding 30 days.
“Requests for longer stays will be considered on a case-by-case basis but cannot exceed a total period of three months,” said Zimra.
All requests for extension must be submitted before expiry and must be supported by valid reasons and relevant documentation.
“On conditions applicable to permit holders, vehicles must remain under the control of the permit holder, may not be disposed of in Zimbabwe without Zimra approval, and must be re-exported before permit expiry unless an extension has been granted.
“The permit holder should not exit the country without the vehicle unless prior arrangements have been made with the nearest Zimra office.”
On fees, Zimra said travellers will continue to pay US$10 carbon tax and US$30 third-party insurance, and those using the Beitbridge Border Post will pay an additional US$9 bridge toll fee and US$28 Zimborders fee.
“Travellers seeking further information are advised to contact the nearest Zimra office or enquire through [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected],” said Zimra.
