Crossing the Lebombo Border to Mozambique this festive season
Here is all you need to know.
Many Lowvelders take a trip to the coast during the festive season and the blue waters and stunning beaches of Mozambique are a very popular choice.
Here are a few things you need to know when travelling there this holiday:
Border times:
Tourists will be able to enter the country through the Lebombo Border Post. It will be open every day from 06:00 to 24:00.
Distances:
• Komatipoort – 7km
• Mbombela – 105km
• Johannesburg – 455km
Contact details:
Port Coordinator – Teboho Paul: 083-555-3486 or 013-793-7626
SARS Customs: 013-793-7458 or 083-555-3357
BCOCC Provincial: 013-793-7626 or 082-573-7871
DHA: 013-793-0102 or 079-519-3099
SAPS: 013-793-7311 or 072-062-4988
Agriculture: 013-793-8534 or 082-213-6304
Port Health: 013-793-7183 or 071-103-9112
NIA: 082-804-5878
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Documentation and information:
According to the South African Embassy in Maputo in Mozambique, this is what you need to know:
• Travellers must have a valid passport (validity at least 30 days after the intended return date) with two clean pages in the passport.
• Visas are not required by South African passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days.
• No firearms will be allowed to cross the border, without the required permits.
No animals (pets) will be allowed to cross the border, without the required permits.
• Third-party insurance is compulsory for all non-Mozambican registered vehicles entering the country. These can normally be procured on the border, from official representatives of the different insurance companies.
• All vehicles are required to be equipped with two red warning triangles, two reflective jackets and one fire extinguisher.
• Health requirements: Vaccinations compulsory – Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected area); recommended – Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Polio; Precautions – malaria risk.
On the South African side:
• On entering the border post you will receive a gate pass.
• Inside the Customs/Immigration building you need to complete the paperwork.
• All goods must be declared, especially valuables such cameras and computers.
• Keep the stamped Customs declaration form in a safe place – you will need to show it to the Customs officials on re-entering South Africa.
• Custom officials will also stamp your gate pass.
• Proceed to complete Immigration procedures.
• Immigration officials will also stamp your gate pass.
• Return to your vehicle and drive through to the Mozambican side.
• Before leaving the South African side you must give the gate pass to the guard on duty.
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On the Mozambican side:
• On entering the border a guard will hand you a gate pass.
• “Runners” are not government officials. No official fees are payable on either side of the border for the completion of documents. It is advised not to use them.
• Proceed to Immigration (Migraçao) – each individual must have passport stamped.
• Ensure that the gate pass is also stamped.
• Driver to obtain a vehicle form – complete request for Temporary Import permission regarding vehicle, boat trailer and electronic equipment – issued by Customs officials (Alfândega) and generally valid for a period of 30 days.
• Proceed to the duty counter declare goods and pay relevant duties. Keep documentation for the duration of your journey as proof of payment.
• Alfândega officials are at liberty to search your vehicle.
• If you should be found to be in possession of any undeclared items these will be confiscated.
• Hand in the gate pass and enter Mozambique.
