Zimbabwe business visa

Zimbabwe does not run a separate long-stay business visa for short visits: the department's business and conferencing requirements apply to the ordinary single, double or multiple-entry visa. Nationals in Category B need a visa but may obtain it at the port of entry after paying the fee; the department still encourages applying online before travel and pre-filling the Zimbabwe Entry Declaration Form. Nationals who must obtain a visa before travel apply online. Taking up employment requires a temporary employment permit, and investors setting up a company apply for an investor residence permit.

For a business visa the department lists a passport photo, a scan of the passport bio-data page, proof of residence, an invitation letter or business profile of the Zimbabwean partner, a business letter from the sending company and a copy of any previous Zimbabwe visa. For a conference visa it lists the photo, the bio-data scan, proof of residence and the conference invitation letter. Your details must match your passport exactly, since an eVisa that does not match the travel document is invalid.

The department's fee table lists USD 30 for an ordinary single-entry visa, online or at the port of entry, USD 55 for a multiple-entry visa and USD 100 for an emergency visa. Single entry is valid one month, double entry three months and multiple entry six months from issue. Multiple entry on arrival is offered only to UK, US and Canadian nationals, so other frequent business travellers should buy the multiple-entry eVisa beforehand. Fees are not refunded if the visa is refused or not used.

On evisa.gov.zw choose the visa type, upload the photo, the bio-data scan and the business documents, and pay online; the platform sends a confirmation email and later decisions by email. Processing takes about seven working days on average, and the department advises applying at least three weeks ahead. You may enter on any date within the validity period. At the border the officer writes the permitted stay on the entry endorsement, which under the Immigration Act cannot exceed six months in the first instance.

Officials may refuse entry without explanation. A person refused leave to enter, or declared a prohibited person in writing, may appeal to the nearest magistrates court within three working days if the notice is received in Zimbabwe or ten working days if received abroad. eVisas cannot be amended: if your dates or details change, apply again or contact the immigration office.

The Department of Immigration's head office in Harare is at the Chingaira Building, corner of Leopold Takawira and Herbert Chitepo, open 07:45 to 16:45 on weekdays, email customercare@zimimmigration.gov.zw. Investors can also get help from ZIDA's One Stop Investment Services Centre, which ZIDA says assists with visas.