Visas and Entry Requirements Navigating visa requirements is an essential part of planning your Zimbabwe trip. This guide covers everything you need to know…
Navigating visa requirements is an essential part of planning your Zimbabwe trip. This guide covers everything you need to know about entry regulations, visa types, and border procedures.
Important Note: Please Note: You will now have to fill in your arrival form online prior to your arrival in Zimbabwe. Here is the link to do this - https://evisa.gov.zw/app/index.html#/standby-kiosk You will get a QR code once this is completed and this will be scanned on arrival.
Zimbabwe organizes visitors into three categories that determine visa requirements:
Category A: Visa Exemption
Nationals from these countries do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for tourism:
Most Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania
Singapore
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Jamaica
Length of stay permitted: Usually 90 days for tourism purposes
Category B: Visa on Arrival
Nationals from these countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Zimbabwean ports of entry:
Most European Union countries
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Most South American countries
Most Asian countries including Japan, China, and South Korea
Documentation needed:
Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Completed visa application form (available at entry points)
Return ticket or proof of onward travel
Proof of sufficient funds
Payment for visa fee (USD cash)
Category C: Visa Required in Advance
Nationals from these countries must apply for a visa before traveling to Zimbabwe:
Most Middle Eastern countries
Most North African countries
Some Asian countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka
Several Eastern European countries
Application process:
Apply at nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate
Online application via Zimbabwe eVisa portal
Allow 2-3 weeks processing time
Visa regulations can change without notice. Always check with your nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate or the official immigration website for the most current information before traveling.
Valid for 30 days
US$30-50 (depends on nationality)
One entry into Zimbabwe
Most common option for short vacations
Valid for 30-60 days
US$45-65 (depends on nationality)
Allows two entries into Zimbabwe
Ideal for visitors also going to Zambia for Victoria Falls
Valid for 6-12 months
US$55-75 (depends on nationality)
Unlimited entries during validity period
Good for regional travel using Zimbabwe as a base
KAZA Univisa
The Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Univisa is an excellent option for visitors planning to see both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls:
US$50 fee
Valid for 30 days
Allows multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Includes day trips to Botswana (through Kazungula Border)
Available to citizens of 65+ countries (all Category B countries)
Can be obtained at Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls land border, Kazungula border, and Harare Airport
Availability: The KAZA Univisa program sometimes gets suspended and reinstated. Check current status before travel.
Business Visa
For those conducting business activities:
Single entry: US$75
Multiple entry: US$150
Requires letter of invitation from Zimbabwean company
May require additional documentation
Important payment details:
Visa fees are payable in US dollars cash only
Notes must be in good condition (no tears, marks, or excessive wear)
No change is given for large bills; bring exact amounts
Credit cards and other currencies generally not accepted for visa payments
ATMs are available at major entry points but not guaranteed to work
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare)
Victoria Falls International Airport
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo)
Victoria Falls (to/from Zambia)
Kazungula (to/from Botswana)
Beitbridge (to/from South Africa)
Chirundu (to/from Zambia)
Plumtree (to/from Botswana)
Nyamapanda (to/from Mozambique)
Forbes/Machipanda (to/from Mozambique)
Border Crossing Tips:
Arrive early in the day to avoid long queues
Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders generally efficient
Beitbridge (South Africa border) can be extremely busy with long delays
Keep all vehicle documents ready for land crossings
Temporary import permits required for vehicles
Yellow Fever Certificate
Required if you’re arriving from a yellow fever endemic country or have transited more than 12 hours through one. Endemic countries include:
Many Central and West African countries
Parts of South America
COVID-19 Regulations
Requirements have changed frequently during the pandemic. Check current regulations before travel, which may include:
Vaccination certificates
Negative PCR test results
Health declaration forms
Other Health Considerations
No routine vaccination requirements for direct arrivals from Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania
Proof of polio vaccination sometimes requested for travelers from polio-affected countries
Your passport must:
Be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date
Have at least 3 blank pages for entry stamps
Be in good condition with no damage to the cover, binding, or pages
Lost/Stolen Passport: Contact your embassy in Zimbabwe immediately. Keep a digital copy of your passport and a physical copy separate from the original to expedite replacement.
Traveling with Children
Additional requirements for minors:
Full unabridged birth certificate
Parental consent affidavit if traveling with only one parent or guardian
Certified copies of parents’ ID/passports
Court orders granting full parental responsibilities if applicable
These requirements are strictly enforced, especially at the South African border.
Digital Nomads & Extended Stays
Zimbabwe does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. Options for longer stays:
Apply for temporary residence permit ($500+)
Business visa with extension
Exit and re-enter on a new tourist visa
Working while on a tourist visa is technically not permitted.
Students & Volunteers
For study, research, or volunteer work:
Student visa/permit required for formal study
Temporary employment permit for volunteer work
Organizations should provide support letters
Apply at Zimbabwean embassy/consulate before travel
Penalties for overstaying include:
Fines of $20-100 USD per day overstayed
Possible deportation at your expense
Potential ban from future entry
Detention until fine payment
If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension before your visa expires at the nearest Immigration Office.
Be aware of these common border issues:
Unofficial “helpers” offering to expedite your crossing (often scams)
Unofficial money changers offering better rates (illegal and risky)
Overcharging for visa fees (always check official rates)
“Express” services demanding additional fees (usually unofficial)
Always use official immigration counters and banking facilities at borders.
Embassy of your home country in Zimbabwe
Planning Tip: Take photos of all your important travel documents and email them to yourself or store in a secure cloud service. This creates backups you can access if originals are lost.