Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has announced that it is ready to process an anticipated increase in traffic through the country’s border in the upcoming festive season and is also advising travellers to comply fully with customs regulations to avoid delays.
In a statement on Thursday, Zimra commissioner general Ms Regina Chinamasa said they had designed a raft of measures to ensure efficient, predictable and secure movement during one of the busiest periods of the year.
She said the revenue collector intends to maintain efficient, transparent and secure border operations during the peak travel period.
“To manage congestion, we have deployed additional staff across major border posts,” said Ms Chinamasa.
“Beitbridge, Forbes and Chirundu will operate 24 hours a day, while Plumtree is expected to move to 24-hour operations before Christmas, pending agreement with Botswana.
“In addition, other borders may extend operating hours depending on traffic”.
She advised travellers using foreign-registered vehicles to use the e-TIP pre-clearance platform, which enables submission of vehicle details and supporting documents online before arrival.
This, she added, helps reduce time spent at the border and allows travellers to plan their journey with confidence.
Returning residents are reminded of the US$200 travellers’ rebate, applicable once per month on non-commercial goods for personal use.
“Digital support has been enhanced through monitored WhatsApp assistance and free Wi-Fi at major ports, while Customer Experience Champions will be available to guide travellers,” said Ms Chinamasa.
She highlighted that the authority had reinforced anti-corruption measures through CCTV, drones, scanners and increased supervision and advised travellers to engage only with uniformed officers and report any misconduct through official channels.
“The Authority encouraged travellers to make complete and accurate declarations at the border to ensure a smooth and seamless journey. Correct declaration also enables officers to process and clear travellers faster,” she emphasised.
The commissioner general stated that as part of ongoing enforcement, post-clearance verification checkpoints will be mounted along major routes across the country to detect undeclared goods.
Any undeclared goods identified at these checkpoints, she stressed, will be seized and automatically forfeited to the State, with no option for a fine.
Ms Chinamasa reiterated that integrity at the borders was a shared responsibility adding that when travellers make truthful declarations, they help keep the borders fair, safe and predictable for everyone.
“Each act of honesty strengthens national trust and reflects the pride we carry as Zimbabweans,” she said.
“Travellers are urged to declare goods, keep receipts and cooperate fully with officers. We express appreciation for the public’s cooperation and we reaffirm our commitment to professional, transparent service throughout the festive season”.
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