Online Reporter
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has announced its festive season border readiness plan and is urging travellers to comply fully with customs regulations as traffic increases across the country’s ports of entry.
The authority said these measures are designed to ensure efficient, predictable, and secure movement during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa said ZIMRA aims to maintain efficient, transparent, and secure border operations during the peak travel period.
To manage congestion, ZIMRA has deployed additional staff across major border posts. Beitbridge, Forbes, and Chirundu will operate 24 hours a day, while Plumtree is expected to move to 24-hour operations before Christmas, pending agreement with Botswana. Other borders may extend operating hours depending on traffic.
Travellers using foreign-registered vehicles are encouraged to use the e-TIP pre-clearance platform, which enables submission of vehicle details and supporting documents online before arrival. This helps reduce time spent at the border and allows travellers to plan their journey with confidence.
Returning residents are reminded of the US$200 travellers’ rebate, applicable once per month on non-commercial goods for personal use.
Digital support has been enhanced through monitored WhatsApp assistance and free wi-fi at major ports, while customer experience champions will be available to guide travellers.
ZIMRA has reinforced anti-corruption measures through CCTV, drones, scanners, and increased supervision. Travellers are advised to engage only with uniformed officers and report any misconduct through official channels.
The authority encouraged travellers to make complete and accurate declarations at the border to ensure a smooth and seamless journey. Correct declaration also enables officers to process and clear travellers faster.
As part of ongoing enforcement, post-clearance verification checkpoints will be mounted along major routes across the country to detect undeclared goods. Any undeclared goods identified at these checkpoints will be seized and forfeited to the State, with no option for a fine.
Commissioner General Chinamasa appealed for honesty, stating:
“Integrity at our borders is a shared responsibility. When travellers make truthful declarations, they help keep our borders fair, safe, and predictable for everyone. Each act of honesty strengthens national trust and reflects the pride we carry as Zimbabweans.”
Travellers are urged to declare goods, keep receipts, and cooperate fully with officers. ZIMRA expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to professional, transparent service throughout the festive season.
Mathew Masinge