Zimbabwe Visa Requirements 2026 — Complete Guide

Planning to visit Zimbabwe? Find out if you need a visa, how much it costs, and how to apply. Zimbabwe uses a three-category system based on nationality.

Quick Guide — Visa Categories

Category A

No Visa Required

SADC countries, some African & Asian nations. Stay up to 90 days.

Category B

Visa on Arrival

UK, USA, EU, most Commonwealth. From $30 single entry.

Category C

Visa Required Before Travel

Some Asian, Middle Eastern countries. Apply at embassy.

Category A — Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of these countries can enter Zimbabwe without a visa for up to 90 days (or 30 days for some). No fees apply.

SADC Countries (up to 90 days):

  • Botswana
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Lesotho
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa
  • eSwatini (Swaziland)
  • Tanzania
  • Zambia
  • Angola
  • Comoros

Other Visa-Free Countries:

  • Kenya
  • Uganda
  • Ghana
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Malaysia
  • Jamaica
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Category B — Visa on Arrival / eVisa

Citizens of these countries can obtain a visa on arrival at any Zimbabwe port of entry, or apply in advance through an embassy or online (eVisa).

Major Category B Countries:

  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Belgium
  • Switzerland
  • Austria
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • China
  • India
  • Brazil
This is not an exhaustive list. Category B includes most European, North American, and East Asian nationalities. If your country is not listed, contact your nearest Zimbabwe embassy to confirm.

Category C — Visa Required Before Travel

Citizens of Category C countries must obtain a visa before travelling to Zimbabwe. Visa on arrival is NOT available. Apply at the nearest Zimbabwe embassy or consulate.

Category C Countries Include:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Cameroon
  • Chad
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Somalia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • South Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen
Important: Category C nationals who arrive without a pre-arranged visa will be denied entry. Allow at least 2-3 weeks for visa processing at the embassy. Contact your nearest Zimbabwe embassy for the application process.

Zimbabwe eVisa — Apply Online

Zimbabwe operates an electronic visa (eVisa) system that allows eligible travellers to apply for a visa online before travel.

How to Apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa:

  1. Visit the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal at www.evisa.gov.zw
  2. Create an account and select your visa type
  3. Upload required documents: passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof
  4. Pay the visa fee online (same fees as at the embassy)
  5. Processing takes 2-5 business days
  6. Download and print your eVisa approval letter
  7. Present the letter at the Zimbabwe port of entry

eVisa Eligibility:

  • Category B nationals — can use eVisa or visa on arrival
  • Category C nationals — check the eVisa portal for availability (some may need to apply at an embassy)
  • Category A nationals — do not need a visa
Recommendation: Even if you qualify for visa on arrival, applying for an eVisa in advance can save time at the border, especially during busy tourist seasons at Victoria Falls.

Visa Fees 2026

Visa Type Validity Fee (USD) Processing
Single Entry Tourist 90 days $30 On arrival / 5-7 days
Double Entry Tourist 90 days $45 On arrival / 5-7 days
Multiple Entry Tourist 1 year $55 Embassy / 5-7 days
KAZA UniVisa 30 days $50 On arrival
Transit Visa 7 days $20 On arrival / 3-5 days
Business Visa (Single) 90 days $30 5-7 days
Business Visa (Multiple) 1 year $55 5-7 days
Student Permit Duration of study $200 10-15 days

Fees verified from zimimmigration.gov.zw (Department of Immigration Control). Last verified: April 2026. Full fee list available on our fee schedule page.

Visas vs Permits: Short-term visas ($30-$55) allow temporary entry. Work permits ($500) and student permits ($200) are separate processes administered by the Department of Immigration, not embassy consular sections. See full fee schedule for all permit fees.

How to Apply for a Zimbabwe Visa

Option 1: Visa on Arrival (Category B only)

Simply arrive at a Zimbabwe port of entry (airport or land border) with your passport, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and the visa fee in USD cash. The visa is stamped into your passport immediately.

Option 2: Apply at an Embassy

  1. Contact the nearest Zimbabwe embassy or consulate
  2. Submit your passport, completed visa application form, passport photo, travel itinerary, and fee
  3. Processing takes 5-7 working days
  4. Collect your passport with the visa stamped inside

Option 3: eVisa (Online)

Zimbabwe is rolling out an electronic visa system. Check the official Zimbabwe immigration website for the latest eVisa availability for your nationality. The eVisa allows you to apply and pay online before travel.

Required Documents:

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if travelling from an endemic area)

KAZA UniVisa — Zimbabwe & Zambia

The KAZA UniVisa is a joint visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia, perfect for tourists visiting Victoria Falls and wanting to explore both sides.

  • Cost: $50 USD
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Covers: Multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia
  • Available at: Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Livingstone Airport, and the Victoria Falls/Livingstone land border
  • Eligible nationalities: Approximately 40 countries including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most EU nations
Money-saving tip: If you plan to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia, the KAZA UniVisa ($50) is cheaper than buying separate visas for each country ($30 + $50 = $80).

Frequently Asked Questions

No. South African passport holders are in Category A (visa-free) and can enter Zimbabwe without a visa for up to 90 days as a tourist. This is part of the SADC free movement arrangement.

Yes. Visa extensions cost $50 and can be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Harare or regional offices. Apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30-90 days.

If you hold a KAZA UniVisa, no additional visa is needed. Otherwise, Category B nationals can get a day-trip visa at the border. A single-entry visa costs $30. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) is recommended if you plan multiple crossings.

Check the lists above on this page. Category A countries do not need a visa. Category B countries can get a visa on arrival or eVisa. Category C countries must apply at an embassy before travel. If your country is not listed, contact your nearest Zimbabwe embassy to confirm.

The Zimbabwe eVisa is an electronic visa you can apply for online at www.evisa.gov.zw. Upload your documents, pay the fee online, and receive your visa approval by email in 2-5 business days. Print the approval letter and present it at the Zimbabwe border. Same fees as visa on arrival.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Brazil). If you are flying directly from the UK, USA, Europe, or South Africa, a yellow fever certificate is not required.

Visa Fees Summary

  • Single Entry$30
  • Double Entry$45
  • Multiple Entry$55
  • KAZA UniVisa$50
  • Transit Visa$20
  • Work Permit$500
  • Student Permit$200

Source: zimimmigration.gov.zw. Last verified: April 2026.

Related Pages

Full Fee Schedule Download Forms Travel Information South Africa Embassy UK Embassy All Embassies