ACROSS THE BORDER
Make sure you have the necessary documents if you’re crossing the border. It will ease things along if you have to deal with grumpy foreign officials. (And when we refer to documents and papers, we don’t mean stacks of R100 notes – Ed.)
Leave your mark. South Africans don’t need to apply for a visa in order to visit our neighbouring countries, but a passport must be valid for six months after the return date. Make sure about regulations if you’re travelling farther north.
Licence? Your South African driver’s licence is valid in all SADC countries.
And where are those papers? You must have the registration certificates of your car and towing vehicle with you. If you’re still paying instalments, the bank must issue a letter of consent for you to use the vehicle as well as a copy of the registration docs.
I promise it’s mine! If a grumpy official stops you in a foreign country, it will be useful to have a clearance certificate handy to prove that your vehicle is legally yours and not stolen. Get this form prior to your departure from the Vehicle Clearance Department at a traffic department’s test centre nearest to you. It’s free of charge.
Insured to the letter. The insurer of both your car and caravan must also issue you with a letter of consent.
Call the doctor. Consider getting medical cover for a holiday across the border.
But I’ve had it forever! Obtain a temporary export permit (the DA 331 form) on the South African side of the border for listing items that you’ll be bringing back with you – such as cameras, binoculars and laptops.
For that unexpected mishap. If you’re going to Mozambique, get third-party insurance for your vehicle and trailer or caravan from Outdoor Warehouse before your departure. It costs R220 for the towing vehicle and R110 for a caravan, normal trailer or off-road caravan.
No bribery, please. You often hear about people who get pulled over and then hand over money to the traffic officials. Don’t do it! Just act friendly and insist on going to the closest police station. >