This page covers the online registrations and declarations you need to complete yourself before we depart. None of them take long, but each one has its own deadline, so please do not leave them until the last minute. Work through each block below in good time before your tour, and keep your confirmations handy on your phone for the border.
SARS Customs Declaration (SATMS)
Required for every traveller, both entering and leaving South Africa. Submit your declaration online no more than 24 hours before you travel — do it the day before you depart, not weeks in advance. We suggest using the SATMS app.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download the “SA Traveller Management System” (SATMS) app on your phone — available on the Apple App Store and Google Play (links below). You can also use the SARS website portal from a browser if you prefer.
- Open the app and select “New Traveller Declaration.”
- Choose the direction of your trip — Entering South Africa or Leaving South Africa.
- Enter your passport or travel document details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Enter your travel details — port of entry or exit, date, and mode of transport (air, land, sea or rail).
- Add your contact details (cellphone number and email address).
- Add the details of anyone travelling with you, including children.
- Declare any goods, currency or valuables you are carrying that go over the duty-free allowance.
- Review everything carefully, then submit your declaration.
- Save your confirmation (email and/or QR code) and keep it handy — on your phone or printed — to show at the border.
Zimbabwe Temporary Import Permit (eTIP)
Required for every self-drive guest bringing their own vehicle into Zimbabwe (car, 4×4, trailer or caravan). Register and start your eTIP application at least a week before you cross the border — it involves creating an account, verifying your email, and entering your vehicle and travel details, so it is not a same-day process. Have your passport, vehicle registration book, and a police clearance certificate for the vehicle on hand when you apply.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Go to ecustoms.zimra.co.zw/etip and select “Register” to create an account (name, email, mobile number, passport number, driver’s licence and home address).
- Check your email for the activation link, verify your address, then sign in with your new email and password.
- From the Dashboard, click “Apply for TIP” to start a new application.
- Your driver details will auto-fill from your profile. Select your intended port of entry and exit (border post).
- Select the vehicle owner type, then capture the vehicle details — chassis/VIN number, registration number, make, model, value, year, engine number and size, plus your dates of entry into and exit from Zimbabwe.
- If you are towing a trailer or caravan, tick “Yes” and add its details too. Add any high-value goods you are carrying (laptops, cameras etc.) if asked.
- Click “Submit & Next,” then click “Check Insurance Status” to see if your vehicle already has valid third-party cover for the stay.
- If you don’t have valid cover, select a policy length that covers your full stay and get a quotation — it will be added to the fees payable.
- Review the total payable (Road Access Fee, Carbon Tax, and insurance if needed), tick the driver’s declaration, and click “Submit Application.”
- Note the TIP reference number shown on the confirmation screen and emailed to you — present it to the ZIMRA officer at the border when you arrive.