Zimbabwe transporters decry expensive DRC visa changes, as move spikes cost of regional freight operations

The sudden cancellation of a visa-free arrangement between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is hitting Zimbabwean transporters hard, adding significant costs to regional freight operations serving the Copperbelt via Haut Katanga Province.

According to a spokesperson for the Transit Assistance Bureau (Transist), the road freight industry was informed two weeks ago that Zimbabwean truck drivers must now apply for DRC work visas—a decision made without prior consultation.

A report by Freight News, seen by Zambia Monitor on Friday, revealed that the DRC’s immigration authority, Direction Générale de Migration (DGM), implemented the change immediately.

The new requirement compels drivers to pay US$50 (approximately R950) for a 30-day visa.

Under a prior bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU), Zimbabwean drivers were exempt from this requirement, making them highly sought after by cross-border transport companies handling mine-bound cargo in the DRC.

“The MoU was revoked without warning or industry consultation,” the Transist spokesperson said. “Now, not only are drivers paying out of pocket, but the visa fee must be paid in cash, with no receipts issued—making compliance with foreign exchange regulations difficult.”

Transist raised concerns over the inability to digitally process visa payments, leaving operators with no proof of transaction and creating accounting issues.

Delays at the congested Kasumbalesa Border Post between Zambia and the DRC further complicate matters.

Drivers are at risk of overstaying their visas due to processing backlogs, incurring additional charges of US$50 upon exit.

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