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Crossing the border by car from South Africa: documents you need

Rules differ by country, and they change. This guide lists the kinds of documents and costs that are usually asked for. Check the current requirements with the country's embassy or high commission and the border post before you go, and carry the originals of every document.

Passports

Every traveller, including babies, needs their own passport. Check that each one:

• is valid for at least six months after the date you will leave the other country;
• has blank pages for stamps, often two or three.

Check whether the country requires a visa. Many neighbouring countries do not for short visits by South African passport holders, but rules change.

Children

Officials may ask for:

• each child's passport;
• the child's unabridged birth certificate, which shows the parents' details;
• if one parent is not travelling, an affidavit of consent from that parent, with a copy of their ID or passport;
• if the child travels with someone who is not a parent, consent from both parents and copies of their IDs.

The rules have changed over the years, and other countries may ask for these papers even when South Africa does not. Carry them anyway.

The vehicle's documents

• The original registration certificate. A copy is often not accepted.
• If the car is financed, or you are not the registered owner, a letter of authority from the finance house or owner, giving permission to take the vehicle into that country for those dates. Finance houses need time, so ask weeks ahead.
• For some countries, a police clearance confirming that the vehicle is not stolen.
• The ZA sticker on the back of the vehicle and any trailer, where required.
• A valid licence disc, and the registration papers for a trailer or caravan.
• The driving licence of every driver. Some countries may ask for an international driving permit.
• For a hired car, written permission from the hire company. Many do not allow border crossings.

Insurance, levies and equipment

Depending on the country, you may need:

• third-party insurance bought at or near the border;
• a road levy, cross-border charge or carbon tax;
• a temporary import permit for the vehicle;
• equipment such as two warning triangles, reflective vests or a fire extinguisher.

Ask your own insurer whether your car insurance covers you in that country, and whether your medical aid does. Keep receipts for everything you pay, and carry some cash in the right currency, because card machines at border posts do not always work.

At the border post

Border posts can have queues of hours in peak periods, and many are not open 24 hours. Arrive early in the day.

1. Leaving South Africa: immigration with every passport and the children's documents, then customs if you have goods to declare.
2. The exit gate: show the stamped passports and any gate pass.
3. Entering the other country: immigration, then customs and the vehicle paperwork. Pay, and keep the receipts.
4. The entry gate: show the papers.

Stay polite and patient. Use only official windows, and pay only official fees with a receipt. Politely refuse anyone who offers to "fast-track" you for a fee. Keep your documents and money on you while you queue.

Driving next door

• Learn the speed limits and any rules on lights and equipment.
• Police checkpoints may be frequent. Keep your documents within reach.
• Expect fewer fuel stations, and animals and pedestrians on the road.
• Keep a receipt for any fine you pay.

Coming home

At the South African border post, go through immigration and then customs. You may bring in goods within the duty-free allowances. Some items, such as certain foods, plants and meat, are restricted. If in doubt, declare it.

This guide is based on Chapter 10 of Road Trips in South Africa, which includes a border documents checklist.