Kosi Bay border operating hours extended for Easter

Traveller volumes could exceed 25 000 per day at the country's busiest ports of entry over the Easter period

April 1, 2026

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

The Kosi Bay border post between KZN and Mozambique

Operating hours at some of the country’s borders have been extended amid an anticipated influx of holidaymakers and church congregants who will be travelling for the Easter long weekend.

The Kosi Bay border, connecting South Africa to Mozambique, will operate between 6am and 6pm. The extended hours are in place until 10 April.

ALSO READ: Travelling out of SA with minor children? Here’s what the law says

“Peak travel volumes are expected on Thursday, 2 April, for departures and on Easter Monday, 6 April, for arrivals.

“During these peak periods, traveller volumes may exceed 25 000 travellers per day at the busiest ports of entry.

“The Border Management Authority (BMA) will implement heightened deployments, increased processing capacity, streamlined border checks and reinforced security to facilitate safe and efficient traveller movement while preventing illegal activities,” said BMA commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato.

“Priority will be given to the elderly, persons with disabilities and adults travelling with children.”
Dr Masiapato was briefing media on the Easter operational plan.

The BMA also vowed to intensify the detection and proper processing of undocumented travellers.

“All travellers must present valid machine-readable passports with at least two blank pages and comply with visa conditions. Parents travelling with minors must present required documentation.

“High-risk areas will be closely monitored through coordinated law enforcement operations. Any individual attempting to enter or exit the Republic illegally will face arrest and prosecution in line with the Immigration Act.

“On port health, travellers from yellow fever endemic areas must present valid vaccination certificates. Travellers carrying health-related goods must declare them on arrival,” the commissioner said.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: