Visa and Entry Requirements in Zimbabwe

1. What is the current visa policy for traveling to Zimbabwe?


The current visa policy for traveling to Zimbabwe is as follows:

1. Visa Exempt Nationals – citizens of select countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These include citizens of African Union member countries, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Cuba, Cyprus, Eswatini (Swaziland), Fiji, Grenada, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia*, Malawi*, Maldives*, Mauritius*, Montenegro*, Mozambique*, Namibia*, Nauru*, Samoa (Western), Seychelles , Singapore , Solomon Islands , South Africa^5^6 and Tanzania* .

2. Online e-Visa – nationals of eligible countries can apply for an e-Visa online before traveling to Zimbabwe. This allows for a single entry stay of up to 30 days. Eligible countries include all European Union member states (except Cyprus), Australia , Canada , India , Israel , Japan , New Zealand , United Arab Emirates and United States .

3. Visa on Arrival – nationals of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry in Zimbabwe. This allows for a single entry stay of up to 90 days. The cost varies depending on citizenship and ranges from $30-$75.

4. Visitors with diplomatic or official passports from select countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days.

5. SADC holders – nationals holding a valid passport issued by any Southern African Development Community (SADC) member state may obtain a free 90-day visitor’s permit upon arrival.

It is recommended to check the official website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Zimbabwe for the most update information on visa requirements before traveling to Zimbabwe.

2. Do I need a visa to enter Zimbabwe as a tourist?


Yes, most foreign nationals will need a visa to enter Zimbabwe as a tourist. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship. Some countries are exempt from requiring a visa, while others can obtain a visa upon arrival or need to apply in advance through an embassy or online. It is recommended to check with the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate for specific visa requirements for your country.

3. Are there any exemptions for certain nationalities in regards to visa requirements in Zimbabwe?


Yes, there are exemptions for visa requirements in Zimbabwe for certain nationalities. Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe:

1. All Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states.
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Aruba
4. Bahamas
5. Barbados
6. Belize
7. Botswana
8. Cayman Islands
9. Cyprus
10. Dominica
11.Jamaica .
12. Kenya 13 . Lesotho 14 .Malaysia
15 . Malawi 16 .Maldives .
17.Mauritius, Montserrat, Namibia,
18.Nauru 19 . Samoa [Western] followed by triple No pla tied- Solomon Islands, St Kitts &, Nevis , St Lucia ,,,, St Vincent & the Grenadines ,
Tanzania 26 Trinidad and Tobago ,
20.Tuvalu
21.Uganda ,
22.Vanuatu ZAMBIA,ZMBABWE

Citizens of these countries can stay in Zimbabwe for up to 90 days without a visa.

Additionally, citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the port of entry:

1. Albania
2.Angola
3 . Argentina
4 Australia
5 Austria
6 Bahrain

7 Belgium

8 Brazil

9 Brunei Darussalam

10 Burundi

11 Canada

12 Cape Verde

13 Czech Republic

14 Denmark

15 Egypt

16 Finland

17 France

18 Germany

19 Greece

20 Hungary

21 Indonesia

22 Iceland

23 Ireland

24 Israel

25 Italy
26 Japan
27 Kuwait
28 Liechtenstein
29 Luxembourg
30 Monaco
31 Netherlands
32 Newbold- Nbad–“” Zealand \
33 Norway-””
34 Palau-“”
35 Poland–”””
36 Portugal
37 Qatar
38 Slovak Republic 39 South Korea
40 San Marino
41 Seychelles
42 Singapore 43 Spain
44 Switzerland
45 United Arab Emirates (UAE)
46 United Kingdom (UK)
47 United States of America (USA)
48 Vatican City

Citizens of these countries can also obtain a visa on arrival at the port of entry and stay in Zimbabwe for up to 90 days. However, it is recommended to check the latest visa requirements before travelling as they may change from time to time.

It should be noted that even if citizens of these countries are exempt from obtaining a visa, they still need to meet certain entry requirements such as having a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds for their stay.

4. How long does it typically take to obtain a visa for Zimbabwe?


The time it takes to obtain a visa for Zimbabwe varies depending on the type of visa and the processing speed at the specific embassy or consulate. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel date.

5. Is there an option for expedited processing of visa applications for Zimbabwe?


Yes, there is an option for expedited processing of visa applications for Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean government offers an Express Visa Service which guarantees a 24-hour processing time for urgent and emergency visa applications. This service is available at select embassies and consulates abroad. Applicants must pay an additional fee for this service and provide proof of their travel itinerary in order to be eligible for the Express Visa Service.

6. Are vaccinations required for entry into Zimbabwe?


Yes, vaccinations are required for entry into Zimbabwe. Travelers are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Other recommended vaccinations for travel to Zimbabwe include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, and meningococcal meningitis. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic before traveling to determine which vaccinations are necessary based on your individual health and travel plans.

7. Is there a limit on how long I am allowed to stay in Zimbabwe on a tourist visa?


Yes, the maximum length of stay on a tourist visa in Zimbabwe is 90 days. After this time, you will need to leave the country or apply for an extension of your stay with the Zimbabwe Immigration Department.

8. Can I work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Zimbabwe?

No, you cannot work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Zimbabwe. Tourist visas are issued specifically for tourism purposes and do not allow for any type of employment or volunteering. If you wish to work or volunteer in Zimbabwe, you will need to obtain the appropriate permit or visa for such activities. Any unauthorized work or volunteer activities on a tourist visa may result in legal consequences and deportation from the country.

9. Is it possible to extend my tourist visa once I am already in Zimbabwe?

Yes, it is possible to extend your tourist visa in Zimbabwe. You can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services in Harare or at the regional offices located in Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, and Victoria Falls. You will need to provide a valid reason for the extension and pay a fee.

10. What are the necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Zimbabwe?

The necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Zimbabwe vary depending on the purpose of your visit, your nationality, and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, you will need:

1. Completed visa application form
2. Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
3. Two recent passport-sized photos
4. Proof of travel plans (such as flight itinerary)
5. Proof of accommodation in Zimbabwe
6. Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required)
7. Financial proof to cover your expenses during your stay in Zimbabwe
8. Letter of invitation from a host or organization in Zimbabwe (if applicable)
9. Application fee payment receipt

The fees for a single-entry tourist visa for most nationalities are $30 USD and $45 USD for multiple entries. The fees for other types of visas, such as business or transit visas, may vary.

Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances, so it is best to check with the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate for specific requirements before submitting your application.

11. Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for business travelers entering Zimbabwe?


There are no specific requirements or restrictions for business travelers entering Zimbabwe. However, they must have a valid passport and may be required to obtain a business visa depending on their country of origin. It is recommended to check with the Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in your country for any specific requirements.
Travellers may also need to provide proof of purpose of visit, such as an invitation letter from a business partner in Zimbabwe, and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. They may also be subject to health screenings upon arrival and are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance.

12. Do minors require a separate visa when traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Zimbabwe?

Minors traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Zimbabwe do not require a separate visa as long as they are included in their parents’ or guardians’ visas. However, if the child is traveling with only one parent, it is recommended to carry a consent letter from the non-traveling parent or legal guardian. Additionally, minors who are not accompanied by their parents or legal guardians will need to provide further documents, such as a consent letter from both parents and copies of birth certificates. It is best to check with your nearest Zimbabwe embassy for specific requirements for your case.

13. What is the duration of validity for a tourist visa to enter Zimbabwe?

The duration of validity for a tourist visa to enter Zimbabwe varies depending on the country of origin. For most countries, a tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue and allows for multiple entries. Some countries may have longer or shorter validity periods, so it is important to check with the Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in your country.

14. Can I enter and exit multiple times with one single-entry tourist visa for travels within Zimbabwe?

No, a single-entry tourist visa only allows you to enter Zimbabwe once. If you want to exit and re-enter multiple times, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa. This type of visa allows you to enter and exit the country multiple times within the validity period.

15. Can I apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Zimbabwe?

No, tourist visas must be obtained prior to arrival at the port of entry in Zimbabwe. Visa on arrival services are only available for citizens of selected countries with whom the Zimbabwean government has signed visa facilitation agreements. It is recommended to check with your nearest embassy or consulate before traveling to confirm visa requirements and obtain necessary documentation.

16. Does my passport need to have a minimum number of months remaining before expiration in order to apply for a visa to enter Zimbabwe?


Yes, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Zimbabwe in order to apply for a visa.

17. Will my criminal record affect my eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Zimbabwe?


Yes, your criminal record may affect your eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean government reserves the right to deny any individual entry if they have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security. It is important to disclose any criminal convictions on your visa application and provide all necessary documentation. Failure to do so may result in denial of your visa or possible deportation upon arrival in Zimbabwe.

18. What are the consequences if I overstay my tourist visa period in Zimbabwe?

If you overstay your tourist visa period in Zimbabwe, you may face fines, deportation, and future difficulties obtaining a visa for Zimbabwe or other countries. You may also be banned from entering Zimbabwe for a period of time. It is important to adhere to the expiration date on your visa and leave the country before it expires. If you need to extend your stay in Zimbabwe, you should apply for a visa extension before your current one expires.

19.Is it possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit (such as student, work, or family) to another while remaining within country limits in Zimbabwe?


Yes, it is possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit to another while remaining within the country limits in Zimbabwe. However, the process and requirements for conversion may vary depending on the specific type of permit and circumstances involved. It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Immigration department, for more information on the conversion process.

20.What are the mandatory requirements regarding passport photos and sizes for visa application in Zimbabwe?


The passport photos must meet the following requirements for a visa application in Zimbabwe:

1. The photos must be recent, taken within the last 6 months.
2. They should be printed on high-quality photographic paper and be in color.
3. The dimensions of the photo should be 45mm x 35mm (1.77 inches by 1.38 inches).
4. The background of the photo should be light-colored, preferably white.
5. There should be no shadows or reflections on the face or background.
6. The applicant’s head and shoulders should be centered in the frame, with a clear view of the face from the top of the head to just below the chin.
7. The applicant’s face should cover about 70-80% of the photo.
8. The expression on the face should be neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed.
9. No hats, sunglasses, or any other accessories that obscure facial features are allowed unless for religious reasons.
10. Photos with digital alterations or enhancements will not be accepted.

It is recommended to bring at least two copies of your photo for visa application in case one is rejected for any reason.