Cross-Border Permits

What is a Cross-Border Permit?

A permit that allows the cross-border road transportation of goods for business purposes. In accordance with the Cross-Border Road Transport Act 4 of 1998, cross-border road transport needs to be regulated when undertaken for business purposes. These permits allow cross-border operators to conduct cross-border road transport business in South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The purpose of cross-border permits is to ensure a more efficient flow of goods and passengers across borders. The permits assist freight operators, passenger transport, and tourism vehicles to move from one SADC country to the next without experiencing extended delays at border posts.

C-BRTA offers different types of permits for passenger and freight road transport operators. These are categorized as follows:

• Goods Permit
• Bus Passenger Permits
• Taxi Passenger Permits
• Tourist Passenger Permits
• Organized Group Permits
• Cabotage Permits

We will quote you upon application if you need one of the following permits:

• Class 1 (Below 20 000kg) : 3 Month Permit
• Class 1 (Below 20 000kg) : 1 Year Permit
• Class 2 (Above 20 000kg): 3 Month Permit
• Class 2 (Above 20 000kg) : 1 Year Permit

Fees for a cross border permit in South Africa vary. For example, if you complete the entire 2 – 3 week process on your own a 12-month permit for a passenger vehicle over 35-seaters costs R2,877, while freight vehicles may incur higher charges based on their class and weight.

You can access the full list of permit fees on the CBRTA website.

Requirements for a cross-border permit include:

1. 1. Roadworthy Certificate Vehicle Registration Certificate;
   2. Company Registration Documents
   3. Tax Clearance
   4. SARS Registered Representative updated at SARS
   5. The appropriate fees.

Additional documents may be required depending on the specific permit type.

Cross border permits are issued by the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA), which is responsible for the regulation of transportation between South Africa and its neighbouring countries.

The issuance time for a cross border permit can vary based on the type of permit applied for. Temporary permits are typically processed immediately, while other types may take between 2 – 4 weeks.

The cross border permit fee for a taxi (35-seaters) ranges from R432 for a temporary 14-day permit to R5,551 for a 5-year permit, depending on the permit’s duration and type.

Please note that the above applies where you apply yourself directly from Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA).