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Visas and Entry Requirements

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.

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Visa Categories

Zimbabwe organizes visitors into three categories that determine visa requirements:

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.

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Visa Types and Fees

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Tourist Visa Options

Single Entry

  • Valid for 30 days

  • US$30-50 (depends on nationality)

  • One entry into Zimbabwe

  • Most common option for short vacations

Double Entry

  • 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

Multiple Entry

  • 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

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Special Visa Types

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

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Payment Information

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

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Entry Points

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Major Ports of Entry

Airports

  • Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare)

  • Victoria Falls International Airport

  • Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo)

Land Borders

  • 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

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Additional Entry Requirements

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Health Requirements

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

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Passport Requirements

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.

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Special Situations

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Overstaying Your Visa

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.

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Border Scams and Safety

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.

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Useful Resources

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.

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