Driving to Zimbabwe in December? You'll pay about R1 273 at Beitbridge
Motorists driving into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge this December should budget about US$77 (roughly R1 273) for the bridge toll, Zimborders fee, insurance and carbon tax. Here's the breakdown and what papers you need.
If you're driving a South African-registered car into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge this December, budget about US$77 (roughly R1 273) in charges on the Zimbabwean side, paid in US dollars (The South African).
That covers four payments: the bridge toll, the Zimborders border access fee, third-party insurance and carbon tax. The rand figure uses an exchange rate of R16.53 to the dollar on 11 November 2026, so it will move with the rand (The South African).
What will I pay at Beitbridge in a car?
| Charge | US dollars | About in rand |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge toll (gate pass) | US$9 | R149 |
| Zimborders border access fee | US$28 | R463 |
| Third-party insurance | US$30 | R496 |
| Carbon tax | US$10 | R165 |
| Total | US$77 | R1 273 |
Sources: The South African, citing ZIMRA; Zimborders tariff list. Rand amounts are approximate.
The US$28 Zimborders fee applies to light vehicles with fewer than 8 seats and includes VAT (Zimborders). Zimborders said light vehicles and motorcycles would get no increase in 2026, while minibuses, coaches and goods vehicles went up from 1 February (Zimborders notice).
What if I'm driving a minibus or a bigger vehicle?
The border access fee is higher for larger vehicles (Zimborders):
| Vehicle | Zimborders fee (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | US$6 |
| Car with fewer than 8 seats | US$28 |
| Vehicle with 8 to 24 seats | US$41 |
| Light goods vehicle or minibus carrying goods | US$83 |
| Coach (more than 24 passengers) | US$83 |
Source: Zimborders Beitbridge toll fees. The notice issued in December 2025 lists slightly higher February 2026 tariffs for some commercial classes (Zimborders notice), so check at the border.
Do I still pay the road access fee?
No. Zimbabwe scrapped the road access fee through Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026, gazetted on 24 July 2026, because ZINARA's toll gates already charge motorists for the roads (The Herald). Expect to pay at toll gates on the road north instead.
What papers do I need for my car?
Foreign-registered vehicles need a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) at the border (ZIMRA). ZIMRA says its services are free. If your car is hired, carry the rental company's letter of authority to take it across, and note that a hired car needs a commercial TIP backed by a clearing agent's guarantee (Travel Africa Guide).
Carbon tax and insurance are paid at the ZIMRA counter in US dollars, so take cash in small notes (Travel Africa Guide).
When is Beitbridge open, and how bad are the queues?
Both sides of Beitbridge are open 24 hours, according to Travel Africa Guide, which checked the Border Management Authority's list in October 2026 (Travel Africa Guide). It is the busiest road border in southern Africa, and queues are longest in the second half of December (Travel Africa Guide).
FAQ
How much does it cost to drive into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge?
About US$77 (roughly R1 273 at R16.53 to the dollar) for a car: a US$9 bridge toll, US$28 Zimborders fee, US$30 third-party insurance and US$10 carbon tax.
Can I pay the Beitbridge fees in rand?
The charges are quoted in US dollars and the ZIMRA payments are made in US dollars, so carry US dollar cash.
Was the Zimbabwe road access fee scrapped?
Yes. Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026, gazetted on 24 July 2026, removed the road access fee.
Is Beitbridge border open 24 hours?
According to Travel Africa Guide, both the South African and Zimbabwean sides operate 24 hours a day.