OVERSTAYING RISK - USD500 FINE

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Zimbabweans resident in South Africa who are holders of the ZEP permits and had come driving their cars to Zimbabwe for holiday risk overstaying as Zimra only issued Temporary Import Permits for cars that were valid up 31 December 2017, the day that the ZEP permits expire.

South Africa issued a statement that allows the holders of these permits who have proof of application for new permits to be allowed back into South Africa without any problems.

http://bit.ly/2BUFIQ7

Zimra refused to give the holders of these permits any extended periods beyond the validity of the permits.

So if you are a holder of ZEP permit and you went to Zimbabwe driving, please check the validity of your permit as you risk overstaying.

Penalty for overstaying (though ridiculous) is USD500. If caught they usually detain your car until you have paid the fine.

There has always been talk of a one week grace period but usually travellers are taken advantage of as that is not a clear policy and is subject to an officer's discretion.

We expect the border to be busy this weekend as motorists will try to beat this deadline as well as parents in Zimbabwe dash across to Musina to make some shopping for back to school supplies.

Remember, the best time to arrive at Beitbridge if you are going to South Africa is mid morning to late afternoon before the buses start arriving.

Happy driving.