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Zimra tightens Temporary Import Permit rules for foreign vehicles
2 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has introduced stricter controls on the issuance of Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) for foreign-registered vehicles following reported abuse of the facility.
In Public Notice Number 60 of 2026, issued on Wednesday, Zimra said the measures were being implemented in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) and the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001.
The authority said TIPs may be issued to bona fide visitors who ordinarily reside outside Zimbabwe and are entering the country temporarily for tourism, business, study, employment, sporting activities or other lawful purposes.
Under the enhanced requirements, applicants must produce a valid passport, the original vehicle registration book and a letter of authority or affidavit where the vehicle is not being driven by its registered owner.
Drivers who are Zimbabwean residents abroad must also provide a valid work, employment, study or residence permit.
Zimra said some applications, particularly those involving vehicles driven by people other than their registered owners, may undergo additional verification to prevent abuse.
Temporary Import Permits will ordinarily be issued for periods not exceeding 30 days. Requests for longer stays will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to a maximum total period of three months.
Applications for extensions must be submitted before the existing permit expires and must be supported by valid reasons and relevant documentation.
Zimra also reminded permit holders that vehicles must remain under their control and cannot be disposed of in Zimbabwe without the authority's approval. Vehicles must be re-exported before the permit expires unless an extension has been granted.
Permit holders are also required to make prior arrangements with the nearest Zimra office if they intend to leave Zimbabwe without taking the vehicle with them.
The authority said travellers would continue to pay US$10 in carbon tax and US$30 for third-party insurance. Those using Beitbridge Border Post will also pay an additional US$9 bridge toll fee and US$28 Zimborders fee.
Travellers seeking further clarification on the requirements have been advised to contact their nearest Zimra office.
In Public Notice Number 60 of 2026, issued on Wednesday, Zimra said the measures were being implemented in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) and the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001.
The authority said TIPs may be issued to bona fide visitors who ordinarily reside outside Zimbabwe and are entering the country temporarily for tourism, business, study, employment, sporting activities or other lawful purposes.
Under the enhanced requirements, applicants must produce a valid passport, the original vehicle registration book and a letter of authority or affidavit where the vehicle is not being driven by its registered owner.
Drivers who are Zimbabwean residents abroad must also provide a valid work, employment, study or residence permit.
Zimra said some applications, particularly those involving vehicles driven by people other than their registered owners, may undergo additional verification to prevent abuse.
Temporary Import Permits will ordinarily be issued for periods not exceeding 30 days. Requests for longer stays will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to a maximum total period of three months.
Applications for extensions must be submitted before the existing permit expires and must be supported by valid reasons and relevant documentation.
Zimra also reminded permit holders that vehicles must remain under their control and cannot be disposed of in Zimbabwe without the authority's approval. Vehicles must be re-exported before the permit expires unless an extension has been granted.
Permit holders are also required to make prior arrangements with the nearest Zimra office if they intend to leave Zimbabwe without taking the vehicle with them.
The authority said travellers would continue to pay US$10 in carbon tax and US$30 for third-party insurance. Those using Beitbridge Border Post will also pay an additional US$9 bridge toll fee and US$28 Zimborders fee.
Travellers seeking further clarification on the requirements have been advised to contact their nearest Zimra office.
Source - The Herald
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