ZIMRA advises visitors on temporary importation of vehicles

Ahead of the festive season, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has restated the conditions for the temporary import of vehicles by visitors into the country to avoid delays and difficulties at the border as families unite for the holidays.

In a statement yesterday, ZIMRA defined a visitor as any person who is not resident in the country but has travelled for a specified period from the date of their arrival.

This includes Zimbabweans working or living in other countries and in possession of a valid residence, work or study permit from the particular countries.

Upon entry into Zimbabwe, a visitor bringing in a foreign registered private vehicle shall be required to secure a temporary import permit from ZIMRA.

Visitors using hired vehicles or vehicles involved in commerce are required to secure the commercial temporary import permit accompanied by a commercial vehicle guarantee issued by a registered clearing agent, for a fee determined by that agent.

The guarantee should be submitted together with the relevant commercial temporary import permit processed by ZIMRA. Before either permit expires the visitor needs to leave with the vehicle.

"However, when the need arises, the visitor may remain behind, as their vehicle departs in the hands of another visitor with authority from the importer. In terms of the law, it is an offence for a visitor to depart leaving their vehicle behind without ZIMRA's authority, whether or not the permit has expired or the vehicle is running or broken down," the statements reads.

The vehicles that are eligible for the TIP ordinary temporary import permit are: saloon cars or sedans and station wagons; those that carry goods with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5 tonnes such as pick-ups and double cabs, when used for non-commercial purposes; those that carry passengers with a seating capacity not exceeding 15 people including the driver, when used for non-commercial purposes; and trailers and caravans pulled by these vehicles.

Upon arrival, drivers are advised to provide documents that include: valid passport of the driver with a valid permit for Zimbabweans residing outside Zimbabwe; vehicle registration book in the name of the driver; or a letter of authority from the registered owner if vehicle is not owned by the driver, for example an affidavit by the owner which was issued within 3 months from the date of import.

The visitors will be required to pay third party insurance at US$30 per month, carbon tax at US$10 per month and road access fees at US$10  per entry.