Festive Rush Begins: Beitbridge Clears 13 000 Travellers Daily as Border Plans Activate

Beitbridge Border Post is clearing about 13 000 travellers daily as Zimbabwe and South Africa activate coordinated festive season plans to manage rising holiday traffic and ease congestion (image source)

Traffic is steadily building at Beitbridge Border Post, with authorities now clearing about 13 000 travellers daily as the region heads toward the festive season peak. Zimbabwean and South African authorities have activated a coordinated cross-border festive season management plan, running from Wednesday until January 15, aimed at easing congestion, improving efficiency and ensuring traveller safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Beitbridge is a critical gateway linking South Africa to the north-bound regional corridor serving Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana, and traditionally experiences dramatic traffic surges during major holidays. Assistant regional immigration officer Lucky Matyora said between December 6 and December 12, the border was processing an average of 8 000 arrivals and 5 000 departures daily, signalling a gradual climb toward festive season highs.

“We are equal to the task; we have adequate manpower and so far, we haven’t felt the full effects of increased traffic,” Matyora said. “We have deployed sufficient staff to all terminals bus, light vehicles, pedestrians and freight to enhance efficiency and compliance.”

Zimbabwe and South Africa are operating harmonised systems, including permanent separation of traffic streams and close coordination between officials on both sides of the border. Matyora urged travellers to avoid touts and deal directly with immigration officers, warning that con artists often cause unnecessary delays.

The modernised Beitbridge Border Post, which now permanently separates traffic, has significantly improved service delivery. Travellers are processed through three automated terminals, reducing congestion and waiting times. The Online Border Management System and electronic gates (eGates) have further streamlined clearance, particularly for visa-required travellers and holders of Zimbabwe’s new e-passports.

“We encourage visitors to apply online before arrival,” Matyora said. “This makes clearance faster, as only minimal compliance checks are done at the port.”

Parents and guardians were reminded to ensure children travel with proper documentation and trusted companions. During off-peak periods, Beitbridge typically clears 15 000 travellers, 1 000 commercial trucks, 120 buses and 2 000 light vehicles daily figures that usually double during festive peaks.

On the South African side, Border Management Authority spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said the country’s 2025/2026 festive season operational plan had been launched in Pretoria. Major transport corridors leading to land ports are under close monitoring, supported by traffic and cross-border agencies. Additional personnel have been deployed, with some ports operating between 16 and 24 hours daily.

Authorities on both sides of the border expressed confidence that the joint measures will deliver smoother movement and safer travel as thousands of travellers cross Beitbridge during the holiday rush.