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For thousands of holidaymakers, December is the perfect time to hit the road and head for Mozambique’s sun-soaked coastline. Whether it’s KZN locals escaping to Ponta do Ouro for a long weekend, or travellers from Gauteng and beyond passing through KwaZulu-Natal en route to a beach break, the festive season is peak travel time for cross-border adventures.
To help ease the annual surge, operating hours at the Kosi Bay border post have been extended for the festive season, making the journey a little smoother for holiday traffic heading in and out of South Africa.
Note the Times
From 15 December to 15 January 2026, the uMhlabuyalingana (Kosi Bay) border connecting South Africa to Mozambique will operate daily from 6am to 8pm.
The extended hours form part of the Border Management Authority’s festive season operational plan, aimed at managing increased traveller volumes and reducing congestion during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Big Numbers Expected
Kosi Bay remains a popular crossing point thanks to its proximity to northern KZN holiday hubs and its direct access to Mozambique’s southern beach destinations. Every December, the border sees a steady stream of families, surfers, divers and adventure-seekers making the annual pilgrimage north.
The numbers highlight just how busy this season can be:
- During the 2023/24 festive period, around 5 million travellers were processed at border posts
- During the 2024/2025 festive period, around 4.5 million travellers crossed borders
With similar volumes expected this year, authorities are deploying additional staff and increasing security at key ports of entry, including Kosi Bay.
Don’t Forget These Items!
There is nothing worse than embarking on a long-planned journey, travelling for hours with your family in the car, only to be turned back at the border because you’ve forgotten a document! Prepare before you go. All travellers need:
- A valid, machine-readable passport with at least two completely blank pages (excluding the final page).
- Parents travelling with children must have an unabridged birth certificate.
- If only one parent is present, the necessary affidavits or court documents are required.
If Mozambique is on your festive itinerary, the extended Kosi Bay hours will be welcome news. Just plan ahead, travel early where possible, and double-check your paperwork before you go!
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