Practical Travel Guide to Zimbabwe

NGZ7
National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare

Please read carefully and keep in mind these important points before planning your trip to Zimbabwe.

Visa formalities may vary according to your nationality and the passport on which you will be travelling. Although we do our very best to assist by outlining basic passport and visa requirements for each country, we are ultimately not responsible for your obtaining these permissions and documents for travel. The external links given have been picked for the reliable nature of their host organizations, but we cannot be responsible for their content. It is therefore essential that you check and comply with the visa requirements stipulated by your respective Consulates, Embassies or High Commissions, as these may be more in-depth or, in rare circumstances, be more accurate than the details listed below.

1) Passport Validity and Entry Stamps

A common mistake made with preparations for travel through Africa is not having sufficient space in one’s passport when arriving at ports of entry. African border controls tend to issue large number of stamps upon entry to and exit from their countries – much more so than most other countries – and this can take some visitors by surprise. Insufficient space in your passport can result in denial of entry to the country. Please also note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date.

2) Visa Payments in Cash

Although some countries advertise their international airports as having credit card processing systems for visas, this can be unreliable. As such, we recommend paying for your visa with cash (US dollars, but please check ahead of time to make sure).

3) Vaccinations

Most countries in Africa require a yellow fever vaccination if you have recently passed through the Yellow Fever Belt in Africa or South America. However, some countries are more stringent about this requirement than others (e.g. Mozambique). For this reason, we strongly recommend checking the requirements for your country and also reviewing information on tetanus and hepatitis vaccines.

More information on the yellow fever vaccine can be found on the CDC website. Please check with your respective Consulates, Embassies or High Commissions as to further vaccination requirements for travel to their respective countries.

4) Medications

Another important point to keep in mind is the issue of transporting medication across borders. Over the counter medications in one country can sometimes only be purchased with a prescription in another. Some may even appear on lists of controlled substances in your destination countries. If you are bringing medication with you on your trip, we would recommend not bringing any unnecessary non-prescription medication with you. For prescription medications, please carry a doctor’s prescription/letter with you for presentation at customs and ensure that the medication is in its original bottle/container.

VISA CATEGORIES

Zimbabwe organizes visitors into three categories that determine visa requirements:

- Category A: Visa Exemption

Nationals from these countries do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for tourism: https://www.zimimmigration.gov.zw/?p=7176

- Category B: Visa on Arrival

Nationals from these countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Zimbabwean ports of entry: https://www.zimimmigration.gov.zw/?page_id=6900

  • Most European Union countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Most South American countries
  • Most Asian countries including Japan, China, and South Korea

Documentation needed:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
  • Completed visa application form (available at entry points)
  • Return ticket or proof of onward travel
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Payment for visa fee (USD cash)

- Category C: Visa Required in Advance

Nationals from these countries must apply for a visa before traveling to Zimbabwe: https://www.zimimmigration.gov.zw/?page_id=6900

  • Most Middle Eastern countries
  • Most North African countries
  • Some Asian countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka
  • Several Eastern European countries

Application process:

  • Apply at nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate
  • Online application via Zimbabwe eVisa portal
  • Allow a mínimum of 2-3 weeks processing time

- KAZA Visa

For $60 USD, allowing multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus day trips to Botswana via Kazungula, ideal for Victoria Falls travel. Also obtainable via Zambia immigration portal: https://eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/

Important Visa Payment Information

  • Visa fees are payable in US dollars, cash only
  • Notes must be in good condition (no tears, marks, or excessive wear)
  • No change is given for large bills; bring exact amounts
  • Credit cards and other currencies generally not accepted for visa payments
  • ATMs are available at major entry points but not guaranteed to work

*Visa regulations can change without notice. Always check with your nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate or the official immigration website for the most current information before traveling.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1) Health Requirements

- Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if you’re arriving from a yellow fever endemic country or have transited more than 12 hours through one. Endemic countries include:

  • Many Central and West African countries
  • Parts of South America
  • For more info, visit the CDC website

- Other Health Considerations

  • No routine vaccination requirements for direct arrivals from Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania
  • Proof of polio vaccination sometimes requested for travelers from polio-affected countries

2) Passport Requirements

Your passport must:

  • Be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date
  • Have at least 3 blank pages for entry stamps
  • Be in good condition with no damage to the cover, binding, or pages

Lost/Stolen Passport: Contact your embassy in Zimbabwe immediately. Keep a digital copy of your passport and a physical copy separate from the original to expedite replacement.

OVERSTAYING YOUR VISA

Penalties for overstaying include:

  • Fines of $20-100 USD per day overstayed
  • Possible deportation at your expense
  • Potential ban from future entry
  • Detention until fine payment

If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension before your visa expires at the nearest Immigration Office.

BORDER SCAM AND SAFETY

Be aware of these common border issues:

  • Unofficial “helpers” offering to expedite your crossing (often scams)
  • Unofficial money changers offering better rates (illegal and risky)
  • Overcharging for visa fees (always check official rates)
  • “Express” services demanding additional fees (usually unofficial)

Always use official immigration counters and banking facilities at borders.

USEFUL RESOURCES