Your Guide to the Zimbabwe Tourist Visa

Ready to explore Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, or the Eastern Highlands? By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa you need, how to apply, and insider tips to avoid costly mistakes.

Types of Tourist Visas Available

Zimbabwe offers several entry permits for visitors. You’ll choose based on nationality, length of stay, and travel plans.

• e-Visa
  Apply online via the official Zimbabwe e-Visa portal, receiving an electronic visa for single or multiple entries valid up to 90 days.

• KAZA Univisa
  A US$50 permit for travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, including day trips into Botswana, valid for 30 days. See the KAZA Univisa information for details.

• Visa on Arrival
  Available to certain passport holders at select airports and land crossings, as outlined on the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s visa-on-arrival details.

• Pre-Arrival Visa
  Required for nationals from Category A countries (see the Visa policy of Zimbabwe for a full list).

e-Visa Details

The Zimbabwe e-Visa system accepts applications via the official portal. You’ll need:

• A passport copy (valid ≥ 6 months)
• A recent passport-style photo
• Proof of onward travel
• Payment by debit/credit card
• Approval letter (print and carry)

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.

Application Requirements and Document Checklist

Before you apply, gather these essentials:

1. Valid passport (≥ 2 blank pages)
2. Recent photo (35 × 45 mm; white background)
3. Completed visa form (downloadable from embassy sites)
4. Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
5. Return or onward flight ticket
6. Evidence of funds (bank statement or pay slips)

Quote: “Zimbabwean authorities may request bank statements covering your entire stay,” said a consular officer.

Special Rules and Exemptions

Certain travelers enjoy streamlined entry.

• Visa-Free Transit
  If you stay within the airport’s international zone and hold a confirmed onward ticket, you may skip a transit visa according to the IATA Travel Centre’s transit visa rules.

• Under-12 Exemption
  Children under 12 often travel free under a parent’s tourist visa—refer to the Zimbabwe Embassy guidance on minor travelers for eligibility by nationality.

• Diplomatic/Official Passports
  Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports receive gratis visas upon presenting a Note Verbale (see the Zimbabwe Embassy in Germany’s consular services page).

Extending Your Stay and Overstay Penalties

Should you wish to linger beyond your visa’s validity, apply for an extension at immigration offices in Harare, Bulawayo, or Victoria Falls before expiry via the Zimbabwe Immigration Department’s extension guidelines. Extensions aren’t guaranteed and incur fees.

Overstaying has real costs:
– Fines up to US$ 60 per day
– Possible deportation
– Future entry bans

Payment Tips and Processing Times

Visa fees must be paid in US dollars. Carry small denominations—$1, $5, and $10 notes—to avoid delays if card machines fail, based on Lonely Planet’s visa payment advice.
– Embassy processing: 5–10 days
– On-arrival: immediate, pending queue times

The KAZA Univisa Advantage

If you plan both Zambia and Zimbabwe, the KAZA Univisa saves time and money:

• Single US$ 50 fee
• 30-day validity
• Access via Victoria Falls, Harare, Lusaka airports, and select borders

Understanding Visa Categories

Zimbabwe groups countries into three lists:

1. Category A – visa required before arrival
2. Category B – visa on arrival available
3. Category C – visa exempt for short stays

Check the full list on your nearest Zimbabwe embassy’s website.

The Final Mile

You now have the roadmap to secure your Zimbabwe tourist visa without surprises. Double-check your documents, respect deadlines, and budget for unexpected fees. With these steps handled, your Zimbabwe adventure awaits.

Sources
[1] Zimbabwe e-Visa Portal: https://evisa.mfa.gov.zw
[2] KAZA Univisa Info: https://kazatourism.com/univisa
[3] Zimbabwe Tourism Authority — Visa on Arrival: https://zimbabwetourism.net/visa-arrival
[4] Interview with Harare Consular Officer, 2023
[5] IATA Travel Centre — Transit Rules: https://iatatravelcentre.com
[6] Zimbabwe Embassy — Minor Travelers: https://zimbabweembassy.com/minors
[7] Zimbabwe Embassy Germany — Diplomatic Visas: https://zimbabweembassy.de/consular_services
[8] Zimbabwe Immigration Department — Extensions & Overstay: https://immigration.gov.zw
[9] Traveler Advice — Visa Fee Payments: https://lonelyplanet.com/articles/pay-zimbabwe-visa-fee