Zimbabwe's Plumtree/ Ramokgwebana Border post operating 24 hours

As the festive season travel surge continues, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has announced a 24/7 operating schedule at the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana Border Post to facilitate the smooth movement of private travellers. The extended hours, which began on Sunday, will continue until today and will resume on January 4 and 5, 2025.

In a public notice issued on December 20, Zimra clarified that the extended hours apply only to private travellers and do not include commercial traffic. The move aims to ease congestion and expedite the passage of travellers between Zimbabwe and Botswana during the busy festive season.

"The extension of operating hours is done to facilitate the movement of private travellers during the festive period between Zimbabwe and Botswana," Zimra stated.

At the Beitbridge Border Post, which sees significant traffic between Zimbabwe and South Africa, authorities have also put measures in place to manage the increased flow of travellers. Border authorities on both sides of the border have implemented integrated plans, including the categorization of traffic lanes for cargo, buses, pedestrians, and light vehicles. On the South African side, additional service points have been opened to accommodate the influx of travellers.

To further streamline border procedures, Zimra is encouraging travellers to make use of the e-TIP app, a mobile or web-based platform for applying for Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) for foreign-registered private vehicles. This service allows travellers to submit their TIP applications in advance, anywhere in the world with internet access, before arriving at the border post.

Upon arrival, travellers can simply present the reference number generated by the app, and the border officer will retrieve and process the application without needing to capture a new TIP.

The e-TIP system is designed to reduce congestion at the border, especially during busy periods like public holidays, by cutting down on the time spent at the port of entry. It offers the added convenience of allowing travellers to complete their TIP applications ahead of time.

Zimra has advised users to carefully read the driver's undertaking and declaration on the TIP, as violations of the conditions may result in heavy penalties.

The extended hours at Plumtree/Ramokgwebana Border Post and the rollout of the e-TIP system are part of Zimra's efforts to ensure smooth and efficient travel during the festive season, alleviating delays and enhancing the overall border-crossing experience for private travellers.