This article about Zimbabwe visa requirements has been fully updated in May 2024.
Do I need a Zimbabwe visa as a tourist?
For most tourists, the good news is that the Zimbabwe visa process is fairly simple and doesn’t require much planning.
There are three categories of nationalities, the first requires no visa, the next requiring simply a visa on arrival, and the last requiring a visa in advance. For citizens from the majority of countries, a visa on arrival is all you need to visit Zimbabwe: not much hassle at all. I’ve written the most common countries below, but a full list of countries is in the image towards the end of the article. Don’t forget to read the “Notes for all nationalities” at the bottom of this article, too.
1. Zimbabwe visas for citizens from Category A
- If you’re a citizen of a SADC country, Malta, Hong Kong, or Singapore you do not need a visa to enter Zimbabwe for a holiday.
- When you show your passport upon arrival at the airport or border, you will be allowed to enter Zimbabwe without any fees or visa requirements.
- Read the section “Notes for all nationalities” at the end of this article for Zimbabwe visitor passport requirements applicable for everyone.
- The full list of countries in Category A are shown further down this page; you can also confirm this category list on the official Zimbabwe eVisa website under ‘Visa regime’.
2. Zimbabwe visas for citizens from Category B
- If you’re from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland and USA, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. You will get a Zimbabwe visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe.
- How to get it: When you arrive at the airport arrivals hall or border post in Zimbabwe, you will be given an ‘Immigration Declaration Form’ (the visa form) to complete. It is not a long form; a sample of the form can be viewed here. Ensure you have a pen. You could theoretically print this out and fill it in advance, but I haven’t tried it myself to see if the officials would accept it.
- You will need to pay the visa fee in US Dollars cash at the desk at the airport. Take the exact denomination of notes if possible. The amount to pay is outlined below.
- Types of Zimbabwe visas:
- Single Entry Visa (most common): choose this if you are only entering Zimbabwe once during your holiday and not, for example, going to Livingstone-Zambia or Chobe-Botswana and then back into Zimbabwe. See our map below to be aware of different countries around Zimbabwe. It’s not a huge deal if you change your mind later to do a trip across the border; you’ll simply need to pay for another Single Entry Visa.
- Double Entry Visa: choose this if you need two entries into Zimbabwe and two exits out of Zimbabwe which will be used within 90 days of the issue date. Choose this if, for example, you’re visiting Zimbabwe, then going to Livingstone-Zambia or Chobe-Botswana and back to Zimbabwe again.
- KAZA Visa or UniVisa: choose this in specific circumstances when travelling between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Most travellers won’t need this as a visa isn’t required to enter Zambia (for many countries). See this article for details.
- Multiple Entry Visa: this is hardly used because it can only be done at the town office; choose repeated Double Entry Visas instead.
- How much does it cost?:
- For UK and Ireland citizens: Single Entry: US$ 55 | Double Entry: US$ 70. Payable in cash.
- For Canadian citizens: Single Entry: US$ 75. Payable in cash. Canadian Passport holders can only get a Single Entry Zimbabwe visa at the port of Entry, not a Multiple Entry Visa.
- For the rest of the countries in Category B: Single Entry: US$ 30 | Double Entry: US$ 45. Payable in cash.
- Although you can theoretically apply for your visa online in advance, I don’t recommend this, because it won’t save you any time; you’ll still need to stand in the same queue at the airport, and the online process is tedious.
- Children do need a visa for each of them, too – and for the same price as adults.
- There are no other visa requirements for Category B, but read the section “Notes for all nationalities” at the end of this article for requirements applicable to everyone.
- The full list of countries in Category B are shown further down this page; you can also confirm the category list on the official Zimbabwe eVisa website under ‘Visa regime’.
A map showing the countries that neighbour Zimbabwe: check whether a Single Entry or Double Entry Visa is right for you.
3. Zimbabwe visas for citizens from Category C
- If you’re from India, Nigeria and Mexico, you need to apply for a visa electronically or at the Zimbabwe Embassy in your country in advance before travelling to Zimbabwe.
- The full list of countries in Category B are shown further down this page; you can also confirm the category list on the official Zimbabwe eVisa website under ‘Visa regime’.
- How to do it: Apply at the Zimbabwe Embassy in your own country or online at www.evisa.gov.zw (go to the ‘Apply’ tab). You need to apply for this at least three weeks before your travel date. It should take seven working days to obtain an eVisa. You need to register on the system to create an account, and then fill in all the details. After completing the online form, you will be emailed a document to use upon arrival in Zimbabwe. The visa fee should later be paid in US Dollar cash at the airport or border post when you arrive in Zimbabwe. Use the ‘Help’ tab on the eVisa website for more info.
- Types of Zimbabwe holiday visas:
- Single Entry Visa (most common): choose this if you are only entering Zimbabwe once during your holiday and not, for example, going to Livingstone-Zambia or Chobe-Botswana and then back into Zimbabwe. See our map below to be aware of different countries around Zimbabwe. It’s not a huge deal if you change your mind later to do a trip across the border; you’ll simply need to pay for another Single Entry Visa.
- Double Entry Visa: choose this if you need two entries into Zimbabwe and two exits out of Zimbabwe which will be used within 90 days of the issue date. Choose this if, for example, you’re visiting Zimbabwe, then going to Livingstone-Zambia or Chobe-Botswana and back to Zimbabwe again.
- KAZA Visa or UniVisa: choose this in specific circumstances when travelling between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Most travellers won’t need this as a visa isn’t required to enter Zambia (for many countries). See this article for details.
- Multiple Entry Visa: this is hardly used because it can only be done at the town office; choose repeated Double Entry Visas instead.
- Holiday eVisa requirements for Category C nationals (official info here):
- Completion of online visa form at evisa.gov.zw.
- Two passport-sized colour photographs showing ears, no smiling.
- Scanned colour photocopy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months. If you live in a country that is different to your nationality, you will need to include a photocopy of your residence stamp or card. If you have previously visited Zimbabwe, include copies of previous Zimbabwe visas.
- Proof of residence in your country of origin (e.g. a utilty bill or lease displaying your name and your address).
- Address of hotel in Zimbabwe and scanned booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Zimbabwean host, signed with a signature in blue ink.
- If using a letter of invitation, the letter should include the host’s address, full name and ID number, as well as your full name, ID number and dates of visit. You will also need colour scanned copies of the host’s proof of residence in form of current telephone bill or water bill.
- Scanned colour photocopy of your ID if you have one.
- Scanned colour photocopy of your previous Zimbabwe visa if you’ve had one.
- Children do need a visa for each of them, too – and for the same price as adults.
- Read the section “Notes for all nationalities” at the end of this article for requirements applicable to everyone.
Notes for all nationalities visiting Zimbabwe
- Passport requirements for everyone: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Zimbabwe, and should have at least 3 blank pages left in it. You should have proof of onward/return tickets out of the country, or sufficient money to buy one (although I have never seen this being checked at the airport).
- Top tip: Children and babies are charged full visa fees regardless of their age (if they are citizens of Category B or C). You will of course need to bring your child’s passport with you. Officially you do not need to bring your child’s birth certificate, but I would bring it anyway, as a precaution (see the note further down about travelling through South Africa [a different country to Zimbabwe] with a child).
- Declaring cash: If you enter the country with less than US $2000, and you don’t anticipate taking more than $2000 amount out the country, then you don’t need to use a special form to declare your cash. You can just write the amount of cash in the regular Immigration Declaration Form upon arrival. However, if you plan on taking more than US $2000 out of Zimbabwe, you will need to do the following: When arriving in Zimbabwe, go to Customs (red route), declare your cash in the blue Form 47 provided, and keep this form safe to display it to officials when departing Zimbabwe. (To see details of this form, you can find the PDF online by Googling “Zimra Form 47“).
- Length of time for a Zimbabwe holiday visa (Category B and C): Holiday visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and they are issued for a maximum of a 30-day stay. If you wish to stay in Zimbabwe for longer than 30 days, you can extend the visa at a consulate office in Zimbabwe without too much fuss if you’re a Category B citizen. A reader from New Zealand says: “The immigration office in Harare (Herbert Chitepo Avenue) is clearly signposted about 100 metres along from the US embassy on the opposite side. A month after we arrived in Zimbabwe we turned up at the immigration building. Just had to fill in another immigration form – the same one as at the airport – and then went into the next room to submit it to the immigration officer who stamped it and gave us another 30 days no questions asked (took all of 15 minutes with no queues).” You can get two free extensions up to three months. From three to six months it costs US$20 per month. Any extension seven months and more is US$100 per month. There is a three day grace period from the visa expiry date.
- Important note on flights via South Africa with children: If you are travelling from, or via, the country of South Africa with children, have a look at the South African entry requirements which includes needing to show their birth certificate (here’s a link to official UK travel advice for SA). The South African Department of Home Affairs have confirmed that no supporting documents will be required by people in direct transit through a South African International Airport to another country. However, to be on the safe side, I would advise that it would be best to travel with your child’s birth certificate, as well as a letter from the other parent if you are travelling without them.
- Other types of visas: This article discusses tourist visa information; however see the e-visa website for guidance on alternative types of visa, such as Zimbabwe Business Visas, Transit Visas and Conferencing Visas (more info on the Zimbabwe eVisa website).
Useful websites and contact info about Zimbabwe visas
- Official Zimbabwe e-visa website | Email: [email protected] | Address: Department of Immigration, PO Bag 7717, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe. Telephone: +263-4-791913/8
- Zimbabwe Embassy in USA | Address: 608 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States. Telephone: +1 202-332-7100
- Official UK Government Zimbabwe visa information
Make sure you also read the Zimbabwe travel quick reference guide
You may also be interested in the following articles on related Zimbabwe topics:
- How to renew a Zimbabwe passport from the UK: step-by-step guide
- Flights to Zimbabwe
- Transport within Zimbabwe
- Tips on flying to Africa with a baby
- Practical information and FAQs about visiting Zimbabwe
- Top tips on staying safe in Zimbabwe
- What to pack for a Zimbabwe holiday
- Harare travel guide
- Victoria Falls travel guide
- Bulawayo travel guide
- A guide to Great Zimbabwe Monument
Great Zimbabwe Guide gives travel tips, information and inspiration about Zimbabwe, Africa. We share stories of Zimbabwe’s talented people, world-class wilderness & wildlife safari experiences, all wrapped up in an unmatched climate.
Do you have a question about visiting Zimbabwe? Start with the Quick-reference list of travel advice.
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Chuck Wilkinson
Beth,
Thanks, good information. A few questions to clarify (based on other info):
Are two passport-type photos really required for a tourist visa on arrival? Seems a bit much since our passports have photos?
Is a bank statement or financial proof required if we can show proof of outbound airline ticket?
Separately, is Go2Africa better than Viator?
Chuck
Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
Hi Chuck, thanks for your comment.
Passport photos are *not* required for tourist visas if you are getting one on arrival (if you are from a country in category A or B). However, if you’re from a country in Category C, you will need a visa *and* photos, but this type of visa *cannot* be done on arrival. It has to be done in advance, before you arrive. Please have a read of the whole article again to see whether you are in category A, B, or C. The image at the bottom of the article shows the countries in the categories.
I would recommend Go2Africa over Viator because Go2Africa is specialised in Africa and has more experience and contacts in this field.
Daphne
Hi Beth, you mean you can access to the website https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home ? Because we can’t access from here. I had emailed them since last week but no response from them also. No idea what’s going on there. Regards, Daphne
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hi Daphne, yes, I can view the website fine from the UK at the moment. Sorry to hear of the access problems on your side. Hope they respond to you soon. All the best, Beth
Daphne
Hi, we tried to visit the website for visa application, but it seems the website was down since last month, do u have any idea? Please advise and thanks.
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hi Daphne, as far as I’m aware the Zimbabwe eVisa website https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home is still operational, otherwise you could try emailing them at [email protected]. All the best, Beth
Callum
Hiya,
I am travelling to Zim in September and planning on extending my visa to the 6 months mark. After I will be returning to the UK but was wondering if you know if there is a duration of time I have to wait before being able to go back to Zim and extend another visa to 6 months?
Brittany
Hello! Can you give me a better idea on how much space Zimbabwe requires you to have in your passport for this visa? I have seen reports of everything from one single page, to two pages, to two pages adjoining. I have plenty of single pages, but only one set of blank pages facing each other and I need to save that for south Africa!
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hi Brittany, the actual visa sticker takes up 1 page. However the official requirement is that 3 pages be remaining in your passport. Please see the points under the heading “Visa notes for all nationalities visiting Zimbabwe” in the article above.
Augustin Njong FONSO NGUFOR
Hi,
I don’t know if this channel will be of help to my problem. I applied for an evisa to zimbabwe on 11/12 /18 with reference Number A0260457. Yesterday an email was sent to me stating my application process is pending awaiting payment. Meanwhile payment was done and a confirmatory letter was sent as proof of payment. I don’t know who gonna help me. I write to the immigration they don’t reply, call and they don’t answer. I’m really confused.
Victor
Hi Beth,
great bog, it’s very useful! My wife and I (both German) will be staying for three nights in Victoria Falls, so we can get the $30 Visa, right? Do you know anything about the departure tax at Victoria Falls Airport? I’ve read somewhere that you have to $50 to be able to leave the country again? If so, do you know where exactly we have to pay that tax?
Keep up the brilliant work!
All the best,
Victor
Siel
Hi Beth, thank you for making all these information available to potential visitors, very helpful and insightful.
Can I kindly ask, do you know if Category C Passport holders, with Green Card (residents of the United States) are able to obtain visa on arrival to Zimbabwe? Thanks for the help.
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hello, I’m afraid I don’t know – best to contact the eVisa Zimbabwe website to inquire.
Siel
Thank you, I have emailed them with no response as of yet, will share with you when I hear back, perhaps can be helpful to others too. Appreciate your response. Thanks
Dave Price
Hi Beth,
We are travelling to VIctoria Falls at the end of April, staying 3 nights in Vic Falls, 1 night in Chobe and 4 nights in Zambia (David Livingstone Lodge). We plan to buy (US$50 cash) KAZA visas (Australian and NZ passports) which will cover Zimbabwe and Zambia. However does our trip to Chobe (overnight) mean that we would have to purchase additional KAZA visas when we return to Zambia via Zimbabwe?
Kind Regards
Dave
Clair
Hi Beth
I grew up in Zim but left in 1999. I return annually with my (British) family and love your blog, always great ideas as the country changes from what I knew. They love it as much as I do, and with recent changes in politics we are considering moving there permanently. However I find official information really confusing on residence permits, are you able to, or aware of anyone who could give advice? Neither myself or parents were born there 🙁
Francois Gerles
Hello and many thanks for your precious information.
I plan to arrive in Harare by plane but I’m not sure yet how I’ll get out of the country, probably overland to Botswana. Therefore, I’d prefer not to buy any return ticket.
Do immigration officers at the Harare airport really request a proof of a return ticket and could refuse to deliver a visa? In that case, are there other kinds of proof than air tickets?
Many thanks for your help
Francois
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hello, Francois, I understand that you will be arriving as a Category A or B national. If this is the case, I have never been asked for a return ticket upon arrival. If you don’t have one, perhaps have a copy of a bank statement with you to show that you can afford a ticket if needed. If you’re a Category C national then you’ll be applying in advance and an onward itinerary will be necessary. All the best.
Great Zimbabwe Guide
PS – If you had proof of accommodation in your next country you could also try show that as proof that you don’t intend to overstay in Zimbabwe.
Sommes
Hi Jess , great information . looking forward to your newsletter as am coming to zim in Dec. whats the situation regarding Zimbabweans holding Cat B passports? do they still have to pay for the visa or is the dual citizen thing sorted now?
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hello and thank you! The dual citizenship aspects hasn’t been implemented yet so anyone with a category B passport will need to pay the visa fee, irrespective of where they were born. – All the best, Beth.
Christine Aird
Hi Beth, We found your blog by accident, and have found the information it contains incredibly helpful for a trip we hope to take next year. However we are in a dilemma and I don’t know whether you can offer an unbiased opinion? We are based in UK and so require a category b visa, which will be issued at the arrival airport. My husband has a minor police record, and I am unsure how important this will prove to be. We hoped to find out before finalising our trip, and so I contacted the Zimbabwe embassy in London for clarification. The response I received stated that it was up to
The Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry. If you regularly fly in to Zimbabwe, can you offer an opinion, as to whether this is an issue ? If you think there is anywhere else we could contact for further information that would be helpful as I am running out of ideas!
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hi Christine, thanks for the positive words, they are always appreciated. I’m afraid I don’t have a definitive answer to this one as I don’t have experience of it. When you arrive in the Zimbabwe airport, your husband will need to complete the Immigration Declaration Form. There is a section there asking whether the applicant has been convicted of a crime. I would imagine that minor issues would not be reason for denying a visa, but take any records with you. A sample form can be found here: http://thesafarisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Zimbabwe-Visa-Immigration-Form-2015.pdf. I would suggest that you ask your question to a wider group of people, such as the Facebook group ‘Zimbo birds in the UK’ as someone there may have had a similar experience in the past. All the best.
Jess White
Hi Beth
I hope this email finds you well.
I just wanted to send a quick message to let you know how helpful I found your blog!
I actually grew up in Victoria Falls, but I am in my fourth year of university at Rhodes studying journalism.
I recently started writing for the Victoria Falls Travel Guide, and I found you pages incredibly helpful when researching some of the articles 🙂
Anyways, just a thank you from a fellow Zimbabwe lover!
Hope you are having a good weekend and I look forward to reading more of your work!
Kind Regards,
Jess
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hi Jess,
Thanks for the email and kind words! Your degree and job for the website sound great! I have read the VF guide and it has a wealth of info too. Let’s keep in touch!
All the best,
Beth