Zimborders Issues Urgent Travel Warning as Easter Delays Hit Beitbridge Border
BEITBRIDGE – The Zimborders Consortium, which partnered with the Government to modernize the Beitbridge border post in a US$300 million transformation, has urged travelers to plan their journeys carefully during the Easter holidays to avoid congestion at Zimbabwe’s busiest Port of Entry (PoE).
Authorities from Zimbabwe and South Africa have already activated harmonized clearance plans to manage the anticipated surge in traffic.
Border officials are deploying additional staff and expanding service points to ensure smoother passage for travelers.
Following the border’s major upgrade, traffic is now permanently separated into dedicated terminals for cargo, buses, pedestrians, and light vehicles.
Meanwhile, South African authorities are enhancing service points to accommodate increased movement, with senior officials overseeing operations to ensure efficiency.
According to The Herald, Zimborders Consortium’s general manager, Mr. Nqobile Ncube, emphasized that travellers and transporters are already benefiting from the improved infrastructure.
He urged travellers to use the correct terminals and stagger their movement to avoid delays.
“You will note that Easter and the festive season are peak periods at this border, and all stakeholders have put plans in place to ensure travellers enjoy the premium of passing through this facility,” said Ncube.
To assist travelers, Zimborders has set up an information centre on their website, www.zimborders.com, where the public can access general travel guidelines for Beitbridge.
Additionally, travelers are encouraged to use pre-clearance facilities or the electronic tip system for foreign-registered vehicles to expedite border processes.
Pre-clearance allows travelers to declare imports and pay duties before arrival, reducing physical clearance time at the border.
With Easter traffic already building up, authorities are strengthening security measures to manage touts and unauthorized border crossings, while marshals are directing travellers to designated terminals for customized services based on their needs.
