ZIMRA Tightens Rules for Foreign-Registered Vehicles Entering Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has introduced stricter controls on foreign-registered vehicles entering Zimbabwe, requiring motorists to produce additional documents and comply with tighter Temporary Import Permit (TIP) conditions.

Under the new requirements, qualifying travellers will generally be allowed to keep foreign-registered vehicles in the country for up to 30 days, with extensions permitted subject to approval.

The changes were announced in Public Notice Number 60 of 2026, issued on Wednesday, as ZIMRA moves to curb abuse of the temporary import facility.



Travellers applying for a Temporary Import Permit must present a valid passport and the vehicle’s original registration book.

Drivers who are not the registered owners must also produce a letter of authority or an affidavit confirming their permission to use the vehicle.

Zimbabwean residents living abroad who enter the country with foreign-registered vehicles are additionally required to provide relevant work, employment, study or residence permits.

ZIMRA said some applications would undergo further verification, particularly where the person driving the vehicle is not its registered owner.

The temporary import facility is intended for bona fide visitors ordinarily resident outside Zimbabwe who enter the country for tourism, business, education, employment, sporting activities and other lawful purposes.

The new requirements are being enforced under the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) and the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001.

## Three-Month Limit on Temporary Imports

Although the standard permit period is 30 days, motorists requiring additional time can apply for an extension.

ZIMRA will assess extension requests individually, but the total period a vehicle may remain in Zimbabwe under the arrangement cannot exceed three months.

Applications must be submitted before the existing permit expires and supported by valid reasons and relevant documentation.

Motorists must ensure their vehicles leave the country before the authorised period ends unless an extension has been approved.

The authority also prohibits the disposal of vehicles in Zimbabwe without its permission. Travellers intending to leave the country without their vehicles must first make arrangements with the nearest ZIMRA office.



ZIMRA has retained the existing charges for vehicles entering Zimbabwe under the temporary import arrangement.

Motorists are required to pay US$10 for carbon tax and US$30 for third-party insurance.

Those entering through Beitbridge Border Post must also pay a US$9 bridge toll and a US$28 Zimborders fee.


Travellers seeking clarification on the new requirements can contact the following offices:

- **Beitbridge:** [BeitbridgePrivateImports@zimra.co.zw](mailto:BeitbridgePrivateImports@zimra.co.zw)
- **Plumtree:** [PlumtreePrivateImports@zimra.co.zw](mailto:PlumtreePrivateImports@zimra.co.zw)
- **Harare:** [HararePortMotorTraffic@zimra.co.zw](mailto:HararePortMotorTraffic@zimra.co.zw)

ZIMRA said the tighter controls are intended to prevent abuse of the temporary import facility and ensure that foreign-registered vehicles comply with the conditions governing their entry and stay in Zimbabwe.