Zimbabwe: Entry Rules for VisitorsLast check:Last update:Data statusLast check:Last update:
Zimbabwe:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Zimbabwe: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
- The traveler must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Zimbabwe.
- The traveler may be required to present a return ticket or a ticket showing onward travel from Zimbabwe. If a return ticket is not available, it is necessary to demonstrate sufficient financial means to purchase the ticket. The traveler must also have adequate financial resources to cover their stay in Zimbabwe.
- The Zimbabwe Entry Declaration may be completed online before travel.
- The purpose of travel, the address of stay in Zimbabwe, accommodation arrangements, and the planned date of departure may be asked at border control. If staying with a Zimbabwean citizen or a person legally residing in the country, the host's address, identity details, and residence status may be requested.
- The permitted duration of stay depends on the entry permit granted at the border.
- Hotel reservation, travel health insurance, a specific insurance coverage, bank statement, vaccination certificate, biometric data, and interview are not published as universal requirements for all visa-exempt travelers.
- A detailed checklist applicable to all travelers regarding birth certificates, parental consent forms, or custody documents for children and minors has not been published. If the child is traveling alone or with a single parent, the necessary documents should be verified in advance with the country of departure and border authorities.
E-Visa Application Requirements
- The e-visa application is made by creating an account on the official online portal of the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. The applicant must select the appropriate visa type, complete the online form, upload the required documents, and complete the payment process shown on the portal.
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel must be used in the application. A scan of the passport's biographical data page containing the photo and personal information is uploaded.
- The applicant must upload a recent passport photograph. While the official general visa information states that two color photographs taken within the last six months are required, the online e-visa checklist mentions a single passport photo upload field.
- The applicant must provide their address in the country of citizenship or residence and evidence of residence. The type of accepted evidence of residence may vary depending on the applicant's situation. Whether an identity card, residence permit, utility bill, or another document is required should be checked on the personalized application screen.
- For a holiday or private visit application, the arrival address in Zimbabwe must be provided. A copy of any previously obtained Zimbabwe visa is uploaded. If staying with a citizen or a person legally residing in the country, the host's invitation letter, proof of address, and documentation of residence status such as an identity card or residence permit must be submitted.
- For a business visa application, a passport photograph, passport biographical page scan, evidence of residence, an invitation letter from the inviting organization in Zimbabwe or a business profile, and a business letter from the applicant's sending company are submitted. A copy of the previous Zimbabwe visa, if available, is attached to the application.
- For a conference visa application, a passport photograph, passport biographical page scan, evidence of residence, a copy of the previous Zimbabwe visa, and an invitation letter for the conference, seminar, or workshop are submitted.
- The general visa checklist requests submission of the relevant document for travel from among the travel itinerary, hotel reservation, or host invitation letter. The exact checklist varies by visa type, purpose of travel, and type of accommodation.
- The mandatory insurance coverage amount is also not published.
- An email is sent to the applicant confirming successful receipt of the application. Subsequent notifications regarding the application are also sent via email. The average processing time is seven working days; it is stated that this period may vary for various reasons. It is recommended that the application be made at least three weeks before the planned travel.
- The approved single-entry e-visa is valid for one month from the date of issue. The double-entry e-visa is valid for three months, and the multiple-entry e-visa is valid for six months. After the single-entry visa is used, a new visa is required for re-entry. The double-entry visa allows two entries within its validity period, and the multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries within the permitted period.
- The KAZA UNIVISA is valid for one month from the date of issue. The countries and entry points where this visa can be used should be verified in advance based on the travel itinerary and the availability of the application at the border post.
- The validity period of the e-visa and the permitted duration of stay in the country are not the same concept. The maximum permitted duration of stay according to the purpose of travel may be indicated on the approval document or on the permit granted upon entry.
- Under the general tariff, the online standard single-entry visa fee is USD 30, the standard double-entry visa fee is USD 45, and the multiple-entry visa fee is USD 55. The expedited visa fee is USD 100. Different fees may apply depending on nationality and passport type. The exact fee is shown in the approval or payment notification sent during the evaluation of the application.
- The applicant must use the payment method presented to them on the portal.
- No fee refund is made for an application or an unused e-visa. Payment of the fee does not guarantee that the visa will be approved. The Department of Immigration may change the visa type during evaluation, and this change may affect the amount payable.
- The information on the application form must be exactly the same as the passport. Any discrepancy between the e-visa information and the travel document renders the visa invalid. For incorrect information or changed travel dates, a new application must be made or the Department of Immigration must be contacted.
- Digital and printed copies of the e-visa approval with QR code should be stored securely. The approval document must be accessible together with the passport during travel. The e-visa does not guarantee final admission to the country; the final decision on entry rests with the immigration authority at the border.
- The competent authority may request additional documents or explanations during the evaluation.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- A visa on arrival is issued only to travelers eligible for this facility at Zimbabwe's legal air, land, or other border entry points. Whether the traveler needs to obtain a visa before travel should be checked from the official visa category.
- The applicant must present a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Two passport-type photographs are required.
- The traveler must have a return or onward travel ticket and sufficient financial means to cover their stay in Zimbabwe.
- The border officer may request documents regarding the purpose of travel, accommodation address, duration of stay, and host information.
- The Zimbabwe Entry Declaration may be completed online before travel. Completing it in advance is encouraged to facilitate entry procedures.
- The standard single-entry visa-on-arrival fee is USD 30, and the standard double-entry visa fee is USD 45. The multiple-entry visa fee is USD 55 and may require a supporting letter. Special fee rates may apply based on nationality.
- The single-entry visa on arrival is valid for one month, the double-entry visa for three months, and the multiple-entry visa for six months. The availability of the multiple-entry visa on arrival varies by nationality and the approval of the border authority.
- The KAZA UNIVISA may be issued to eligible travelers upon arrival at participating entry points and is valid for one month. Whether this visa is issued at the border post to be used should be verified before travel.
- Obtaining a visa on arrival does not confer an automatic right of admission to the country. An immigration officer may request additional documents or refuse entry if the entry conditions are not met.
Consular Visa Application Requirements
- Zimbabwe's short-term standard visa applications are primarily conducted through the official e-visa system. However, diplomatic missions provide support regarding visa procedures, and some missions accept applications for diplomatic, official, or service passports. Whether standard passport applications are processed at the mission varies according to the embassy applied to.
- The application form must be completed in full. Some official instructions require the form to be filled in block capitals and all sections to be completed.
- The applicant must submit the original passport valid for at least six months and a copy of the biographical information page. Two color passport photographs taken within the last six months are required.
- A travel itinerary, hotel reservation, or an invitation letter from the host in Zimbabwe must be submitted. For business travel, an invitation letter from the business partner in Zimbabwe and a letter from the applicant's sending company are required.
- For applications for diplomatic, official, or service passports, a note verbale explaining the purpose and dates of travel is submitted. The note verbale must include the applicant's name and passport number. At some official missions, the visa is issued free of charge for these passports.
- Whether the application is accepted in person, by mail, by email, or only through the online system varies by mission. Some missions no longer process standard tourist visa applications, directing the traveler to the e-visa system or visa on arrival.
- The application fee, payment method, processing time, exact photograph size, number of blank pages in the passport, and evidence of the applicant's residence may vary according to the mission applied to.
- The competent mission or the Department of Immigration may request additional documents, updated travel reservations, an invitation letter, or an interview. Acceptance of the application does not guarantee that the visa will be issued.
Transit Visa Requirements
- A transit visa is issued for travelers passing through Zimbabwe to another country and entering Zimbabwe through immigration control. This visa must be used for transit purposes, not for permanent or tourist stays in the country.
- The transit visa application is made through the official e-visa portal. The applicant must complete the online form, upload the required documents, and pay the fee indicated in the system.
- The applicant must have a passport valid for at least six months. The biographical data page of the passport, a recent passport photograph, evidence of residence, and a travel itinerary showing the transit route must be submitted.
- The official general visa checklist requests two color photographs taken within the last six months, along with the original passport and a copy of the biographical data page. At what stage the physical original passport is to be presented in the online system may vary depending on the nature of the application and entry control.
- Any additional transit documents requested individually by the portal must be submitted.
- It is recommended that the application be made at least three weeks before travel. The general e-visa processing time averages seven working days; the time may vary depending on the conditions of the transit application.