Zimbabwe visa on arrival

The Department of Immigration's list of visa regimes has three categories: nationals who need no visa, nationals who are not required to apply before travelling but pay for and obtain a visa on entering Zimbabwe, and nationals who must obtain a visa before travel. The visa-on-arrival group includes EU member states, Australia, Brazil and Canada, among others.

The department reserves the right to change the visa type during processing, which can change the cost.

The single-entry visa on arrival is valid for one month. The double-entry visa on arrival allows two entries within three months. The multiple-entry visa on arrival, valid for six months, is available only to nationals of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, so other travellers who need multiple entries should buy a multiple-entry eVisa in advance. The KAZA UNIVISA on arrival is valid for one month and covers the Kavango Zambezi area.

For a holiday visa the department lists a passport photo, a scan of the passport bio-data page, proof of residence in your home country and the address where you will stay in Zimbabwe. If you stay with someone who lives in Zimbabwe, add the host’s invitation letter and the host’s proof of residence or identity document. Conference visitors replace the host papers with the conference invitation letter.

The department's fee table lists USD 30 for an ordinary single-entry visa at the port of entry, the same as online. A multiple-entry visa is USD 55 and an emergency visa USD 100. Fees are payable in US dollars.

Fill in the entry declaration online on the eVisa platform before travelling to save time, then pay for the visa at the immigration desk on arrival. Officials retain the right to refuse entry. The visa does not allow work.

Under section 31 of the Immigration Act, the entry endorsement given to a visitor is valid for the period stated in it, never more than six months in the first instance, and the Minister may extend it or change its conditions. An immigration officer may also stamp your return air, sea or rail ticket “Not Refundable in Zimbabwe” as a condition of entry.

A traveller refused leave to enter, or told in writing that he or she is a prohibited person, can appeal to the nearest magistrates court: within three working days if the notice is received in Zimbabwe, or ten working days if received outside the country. A visitor refused the entry certificate may also apply to the Minister, but may not stay in Zimbabwe while waiting for that decision.

Visas are issued by the Department of Immigration, online on evisa.gov.zw or at the port of entry. The department's head office is at the Chingaira Building, corner of Leopold Takawira and Herbert Chitepo, Harare, open 07:45 to 16:45 on weekdays except public holidays; email customercare@zimimmigration.gov.zw.