Zimbabwe Visa Services in the UK

Information on visa requirements, categories, and application procedures for travel to Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom.

Visa Categories

Category A (Visa Exempt)

No visa required for entry into Zimbabwe

Includes: SADC countries and select nations

Category B (Visa on Arrival)

Visa can be obtained upon arrival at port of entry

Includes: UK, most Commonwealth countries, EU nations, USA, Japan

Category C (Prior Visa Required)

Visa must be obtained before travel through embassy or eVisa system

Includes: Various countries in Asia, Middle East, and parts of Africa

Visa Types and Fees

Visa Type Validity Fee
Single Entry Visa Valid for entry within 3 months of issue, for stays up to 30 days US$30 / £30
Double Entry Visa Valid for two entries within 3 months of issue, for stays up to 30 days per entry US$45 / £45
Multiple Entry Visa Valid for multiple entries within 6-12 months, for stays up to 30 days per entry US$55 / £55
Business Visa Single, double, or multiple entry options, valid for business activities Single: US$30 / £30, Double: US$45 / £45, Multiple: US$55 / £55
Work Visa/Permit Based on employment contract duration Varies based on type and duration

How to Apply for a Zimbabwe Visa

UK citizens have three options for obtaining a Zimbabwe visa:

Visa on Arrival

Pay and receive your visa upon arrival at any port of entry in Zimbabwe.

Process:
  1. Complete the visa application form provided upon arrival
  2. Present your passport and required documents
  3. Pay the visa fee (cash in USD is preferred)
  4. Receive your visa stamp in your passport

Online eVisa

Apply online through the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal to get pre-approval before travel.

Process:
  1. Visit www.evisa.gov.zw
  2. Create an account and complete the application
  3. Upload required documents
  4. Pay the visa fee online
  5. Receive approval letter via email (typically within 2-3 business days)
  6. Present approval letter upon arrival

Apply at Embassy

Apply in person at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London.

Process:
  1. Download and complete the visa application form from the embassy website or collect in person
  2. Gather required supporting documents
  3. Submit application in person or by mail
  4. Pay the visa fee
  5. Collect your visa or receive by mail

Required Documents

Tourist Visa Requirements:

  • Completed visa application form
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Return ticket or onward travel itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds for stay
  • Hotel booking or invitation letter if staying with host
  • Visa fee payment

Business Visa Requirements:

  • Completed visa application form
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Letter of invitation from Zimbabwean company/organization
  • Letter from UK employer confirming business trip purpose
  • Return ticket or onward travel itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds for stay
  • Visa fee payment

Special Visa Types & Extensions

Work Permits & Business Visas

Work permits must be approved by the Department of Immigration in Zimbabwe before a visa is issued. The process typically involves:

  1. Employer in Zimbabwe submits application to Department of Immigration
  2. Once approved, applicant applies for visa with approval letter
  3. Additional documentation may be required depending on job category

For specific requirements, contact the embassy directly.

Student Visas

For those studying at a Zimbabwean educational institution:

  • Acceptance letter from a recognized Zimbabwean institution
  • Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
  • Completed application form and standard documentation

Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the academic program or year.

Visa Extensions

If you need to extend your stay in Zimbabwe beyond your visa validity:

  • Extensions must be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Zimbabwe
  • Apply before your current visa expires
  • Requirements include application form, passport, reasons for extension, and fee payment
  • Extensions can typically be granted for up to 30 additional days

The embassy cannot extend visas once you are in Zimbabwe.

eVisa Application Process

Zimbabwe's eVisa system allows you to apply for your visa online before your travel. This is the recommended method for tourists and business travelers from the UK.

1

Visit the eVisa Portal

Go to www.evisa.gov.zw, Zimbabwe's official eVisa portal.

2

Create an Account

Register with your email address and password to create an account.

3

Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields with your personal information, travel details, and passport information.

4

Upload Required Documents

You'll need to upload:

  • Passport scan (biographical page)
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • Travel itinerary or return ticket
  • Hotel booking confirmation (for tourists)
  • Invitation letter (for business visitors)
5

Pay the Visa Fee

Payment can be made online using Visa, MasterCard, or other accepted payment methods.

6

Wait for Approval

Processing typically takes 2-3 business days. You'll receive email notifications about your application status.

7

Download Your Approval Letter

Once approved, you'll receive and should download your visa approval letter. Print a copy to carry with you when traveling.

8

Present at Immigration

Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, present your approval letter, passport, and other required documents at immigration for final visa issuance.

Visas for Children

Children traveling to Zimbabwe require their own visas if they are included in Category B or C. Additional requirements include:

  • Child's own passport
  • Birth certificate showing parentage
  • If traveling with only one parent or without parents: consent letter from the absent parent(s)
  • Court documents (if applicable for guardianship)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, British citizens need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. However, as Category B visitors, UK passport holders can obtain a visa upon arrival at any port of entry in Zimbabwe. Alternatively, you can apply online through the eVisa system or at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London before traveling.

For UK citizens, visa fees are: Single Entry - US$30/£30, Double Entry - US$45/£45, and Multiple Entry - US$55/£55. Fees are the same whether you apply on arrival, through the eVisa system, or at the embassy.

Standard tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa itself must be used within 3 months of issue. You can apply for an extension of up to 90 days total at the Department of Immigration in Zimbabwe if needed. Business and multiple-entry visas may have different validity periods based on your specific situation.

While both options are available for UK citizens, applying in advance through the eVisa system is recommended for several reasons: it saves time at immigration upon arrival, ensures you have approval before traveling, and allows you to resolve any issues beforehand. However, visa on arrival is perfectly acceptable if you prefer and is widely used by British travelers.

For visa on arrival, payment is typically accepted in US Dollars (cash). Some major ports of entry may accept credit cards or other currencies, but it's best to carry US Dollars to avoid any issues. Make sure to have the exact amount as change may not always be available.

Contact for Visa Inquiries

For specific inquiries about visa services, please contact:

  • Email: zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw
  • Phone: +44 20 7836 7755
  • In person: Visit the Consular Section during operating hours (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday)

For eVisa support, contact: support@evisa.gov.zw