visa requirements to visit uk from zimbabwe

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory June 27, 2023

Zimbabwe - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to crime and civil unrest information.

Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to  crime and official harassment of U.S. citizens. 

Country Summary : Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, theft, and smashing of car windows with intent to steal, is common. Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, also occurs. Criminals often target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash.

Demonstrations may occur and increase in frequency around political events, such as elections. Large gatherings are often restricted by the government and can quickly escalate to violence.

Foreigners, journalists, and non-governmental organizations may be subject to heightened scrutiny in Zimbabwe.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Zimbabwe.

If you decide to travel to Zimbabwe:

• Stay alert and avoid openly displaying cash.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe.
• Stay away from political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Zimbabwe.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Recommend 6 months.

Recommend 2 blanks pages.

Yes, to be obtained at port of entry.

Yellow fever. See below.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Harare Zimbabwe 2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone: +(263) 867-701-1000 Emergency:+(263) 867-701-1000 Fax:+(263) 24-233-4320 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You need a passport, visa, return ticket, and adequate funds to cover your intended stay in order to enter Zimbabwe. If you are traveling to Zimbabwe for tourism, business, or transit, you may obtain a visa at the airports or other border ports-of-entry. There is currently no option of getting a Zimbabwean tourist visa in advance through the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington. You can expect to pay USD $30 for a 30-day/single-entry visa, USD $45 for a 45-day/double entry visa or USD $160 for a 12 month/ multiple-entry visa. Extensions of the 30-day and 45-day visas are possible and require visiting the Zimbabwe Immigration Office's public window. Travelers who intend to engage in any non-tourism related activity require a visa in advance of entry. Contact the  Department of Immigration of Zimbabwe  for further details and information on other types of visas and entry permits.

If you are planning to arrive to Zimbabwe via South Africa, please ensure that you have at least 6 blank pages in your passport. South Africa requires two clean, consecutive pages for each transit through South Africa. You will need two pages to transit South Africa in each direction, and two pages to enter Zimbabwe. South African officials take this requirement very seriously and will turn you around if you do not have sufficient pages. Additionally, South Africa has updated its laws regarding visiting or transiting the country with minor children. See the  country information page for South Africa  for details.

Zimbabwe has implemented measures to stem the flow of U.S. dollars from the country. Tourists and visitors who do not have bank accounts in Zimbabwe should:

• Bring cash sufficient for the duration of your trip; especially $1 and $5 bills, which are used more often than local currency; the importation of any currency into Zimbabwe by travelers is not restricted. However, all travelers are encouraged to complete a Customs Declaration Form (Form 47) and declare the currency in their possession at the time of entry.
• Note that the amount of currency you are allowed to possess when leaving Zimbabwe without authorization in the departure lounge of an airport or any other port is a total of USD $2,000 in any currency or combination of currencies or in bond notes, unless declared/documented upon entry;
• Prepay expenses such as hotels, flights and tours by credit or debit card. Very few places accept international credit cards.

HIV/AIDS restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Zimbabwe.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

See the Department of State  Travel Advisory and Alerts for Zimbabwe. 

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime:  Criminals operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. The downtown sectors of Harare, and its high-density residential suburbs, are particularly high-crime areas. 

While in Zimbabwe:

• Always secure your possessions while in in public areas. 
• Avoid displaying or carrying unnecessary valuables and large sums of money. 
• Leave your passport and valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or room safe. 

For your safety while driving/riding in a car:

• Be alert for “smash and grabs,” where thieves break car windows while you are stopped at intersections and take things within reach. 
• Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up. 
• Put valuable things under car seats or in the trunk.
• Leave sufficient room between cars to maneuver and drive away from danger. 
• If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or other protected public area for assistance. 
• Reduce your time at traffic lights at night by slowing in anticipation of the light change.
• Be cautious of ploys to lure you out of your car and of drivers in vehicles without license plates who stop to render aid or cause minor accidents. 
• Drive to a well-lit and populated area before making repairs or exchanging information following an accident.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Demonstrations  can occur with little notice. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to police at the Harare Central Police Station, 777-777, and contact the U.S. Embassy at + 263 867 701 1000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home if you receive an emergency loan for repatriation
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Zimbabwe can be severe, and convicted offenders can expect average jail sentences of three to seven years and heavy fines. Authorities may detain you for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or for taking pictures of government buildings and police stations. 

Fines for overstaying a visa can be over 1,000 USD and may involve time in jail. Visitors should pay careful attention to the authorized-until-date marked on their entry visa.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Photography :  Photographing the Munhumutapa Building, which houses the President’s offices, is punishable by a jail term and there is no provision for paying a fine.  It is not always apparent what the police deem sensitive, and they have detained people for photographing anything they view as sensitive, no matter how innocuous it may seem.  You should seriously consider the risks of taking pictures anywhere in Zimbabwe other than game parks and other obvious tourist attractions.

Political Sensitivities:  U.S. citizens have been detained and threatened with expulsion for administering humanitarian aid and expressing political opinions or criticism of the government. The streets around the President’s residence and the Botanical Gardens are closed to vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. President Mnangagwa and senior government officials travel around Harare with large and aggressive motorcades that have been known to run motorists off the road. Security personnel occasionally beat and harass drivers who fail to pull out of the way quickly.  Move quickly off the road and come to a complete stop if overtaken by a motorcade.

Currency:  You should carefully review the U.S. sanctions program currently in place prior to engaging in the purchase/sale or transfer of money and other assets with a Zimbabwean citizen or entity. U.S. citizens are advised to consult the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control  for up-to-date information on these sanctions.

Roadblocks:  The Government of Zimbabwe frequently uses marked and unmarked roadblocks to enforce order and collect fines, particularly in urban centers and on major roads. Quickly comply when instructed by police or security officials to stop at a roadblock.

Game Parks:  Safety standards and training vary at game parks and wildlife viewing areas. You should ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. All animals should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Travelers should keep a safe distance from animals and remain in vehicles or other protected enclosures when visiting game parks.

Hunting: Tourists wishing to hunt in Zimbabwe must be accompanied by a licensed operator. You should request and check the authenticity of their license by contacting the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association (Z.P.G.A) . Hunters should confirm that they are not hunting on illegally seized land or on a nature conservancy as you may be subject to arrest, lawsuits, fines, seizure of possessions, and imprisonment. You should also contact the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington, D.C. to determine what permits are required by the Government of Zimbabwe for importing weapons into the country.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  The constitution of Zimbabwe outlaws marriage between people of the same gender and allows for discrimination based on sexual orientation. Consensual sex between men is criminalized in Zimbabwe, with both parties subject to fines of 5,000 USD or a year imprisonment or both. While there is no explicit legal prohibition against sexual relations between women, societal violence and harassment against LGBTQI+ individuals is pervasive. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Zimbabwe prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Accessible facilities, transportation, and communications are extremely rare. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Contact the US Embassy in Zimbabwe to receive a list of providers.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

The public medical infrastructure in Zimbabwe is far below U.S. standards and medical facilities are limited. Provincial hospitals in rural areas are rudimentary and not equipped to care for serious injuries. Serious illnesses or injuries require medical evacuation to South Africa.

You should:

• Bring medications sufficient for the duration of your trip in original packaging;
• Carry your prescriptions;
• Be prepared to pay up front for medical services; and
• Be prepared to arrange your own transportation to medical facilities.

For emergency services in Zimbabwe dial 999 for medical or 995 for police.

Ambulance services are:

• available in the urban areas of Harare and Bulawayo and the tourist area of Victoria Falls, but training and response times of emergency responders is below U.S. standards.
• not present throughout the rest of the country or are unreliable in most areas except major urban centers and Victoria Falls.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The power supply in Zimbabwe is 220 volt 50 Hz and unreliable. Travelers who use electrical medical devices should consider alternatives and verify with lodging accommodations that your needs can be met.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure the medication is legal in Zimbabwe.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention closely monitors the prevalence of disease in Zimbabwe and updates the Travel Health Notice accordingly. Monitor the  CDC website  for current information.

The following disease are prevalent:

• Leptospirosis
• Schistosomiasis
• African Sleeping Sickness (African Trypanosomiasis)
• African Tick-Bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever
• Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
• Rift River Valley
• Tuberculosis (TB)

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended by  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the southern hemisphere winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Health facilities in general:

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Private medical facilities in Harare, Bulawayo, and the tourist area of Victoria Falls can stabilize patients in emergencies.
• Hospitals and doctors normally require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institution

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on medical tourism.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Zimbabwe.

Pharmaceuticals

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.  
• Zimbabwe does not allow the importation of Oxycodone, even with a prescription. Travelers should nor carry Oxycodone.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Zimbabwe to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• There is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Zimbabwe. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Zimbabwe courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Zimbabwe via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .
• CDC recommends that travelers going to Zimbabwe take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.  
• HIV/AIDS: Zimbabwe has an estimated HIV prevalence of 12.6% for those over age 15.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Zimbabwe.  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving in Zimbabwe is hazardous. Zimbabweans drive on the left side of the road and people often drive over the speed limit. Avoid driving at night. The Traffic Safety Council reports there are 40-50 vehicle accidents in Harare every night. Car seats for children are uncommon. Although the main highways throughout Zimbabwe are generally in fair but deteriorating condition, most lack passing lanes, shoulders, breakdown lanes, lighting, reflectors, and similar safety features. Secondary roads are normally in very poor condition.

Hazards you will encounter while driving (especially after dark):

• Pedestrians (in dark clothing) and animals walking along or on the roads. 
• Motor vehicles with no headlights or taillights.
• Restricted visibility when passing.
• Faded lane markers and non-working streetlights and traffic lights.
• Service stations lacking fuel and spare parts. 
• Numerous potholes.

There is no national network of roadside emergency service. However, the Automobile Association (AA) of Zimbabwe is willing to provide roadside emergency service to nonmembers for a fee. They can be contacted at +263-4-788-173. AA Zimbabwe’s 24-hour emergency roadside helpline is +263-4-776-760 or +263-712-406-033. Travelers can also contact the Road Angels, another roadside assistance service, at +263-4-334-304 and +263-4-334-418.

Traffic Laws:  It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Zimbabwe. Drivers are required to wear seat belts or helmets if driving motorcycles. Car seats are not legally required for small children. Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) enforcement does not generally exist, resulting in high rates of impaired drivers, especially at night.

Public Transportation:  The U.S. Embassy prohibits its employees from using “Kombis” – the minibuses that service main routes – due to safety concerns. Inter-city commuter bus travel, except on “luxury coaches,” is dangerous due to overcrowding, inadequate maintenance, and unsafe drivers. Public bus drivers are often fatigued, fail to adhere to local speed limits, and often fail to obey traffic rules or regulations.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Air Travel:  The U.S. Embassy prohibits its employees from using the national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, due to safety concerns. Several other regional airlines offer services, but flights can be subject to unannounced schedule changes.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Zimbabwe’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s Safety Assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Zimbabwe . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, zimbabwe map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

UK Visa Application Centre in Harare

Our Visa Application Centre is open for new appointments.

Centre information

Added Value Services

Designed to enhance your visa application experience.

Application process

Find out all mandatory steps to apply for a UKVI visa.

TLScontact by your side. You might have some questions as you go through the visa process. You will find below some useful information and links to help you.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. WHEN IT DOES, WE'LL BE THERE.

BEWARE OF UK VISA APPOINTMENT SCAMS

Only book UK visa appointments through TLScontact.

TLScontact is the only official partner for UK Visas and Immigration in Zimbabwe.

Beware of other websites, companies or individuals attempting to sell UK visa appointments.

UK visa appointments are available for free at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Harare.

TLScontact also provides some appointments for a fee. These offer additional flexibility or convenience. However, these paid appointments are all optional, and there are always free appointments available at other times or on other days. Please view the Added Value Services page for more information on the fees for these services.

TLScontact cannot guarantee that any appointments arranged through other companies or individuals will be legitimate or accepted when you arrive at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre.

Passport Collection

You will be contacted by our Visa Application Centre when your passport is ready for collection. Please do not attend our centre until you have been invited to do so.

Please note that if you applied as part of a family group, decisions are made separately, and each person will be notified individually when their passport is ready for collection.

If you have applied through a third party, such as an agency or a solicitor, and used their email address on the visa application form, email notifications will go to this address. Please check with the third party if they received a notification about the passport being ready for collection. Do not visit the Visa Application Centre until you have received this email.

If you need to travel urgently, please contact UKVI for assistance. Please note that this is a chargeable service for overseas customers.

Update to Settlement Visa Application Process. Click here for more details.

For your protection, please note that legitimate TLScontact employees will not ask you to make payment via telephone. All payments related to TLScontact services should be made directly via our website or at our visa application centre .

Recommended Services for you

Visa application fees

1 select the country you are making your application from.

Change this answer

• Our Newsletter
• Why Book With Us
• How to Book and Pay
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• All Zimbabwe Information
• Victoria Falls
• Lake Kariba
• Great Zimbabwe
• Wildlife Parks
• All Zambia Information
• Livingstone
• All Botswana Information
• Matobo Hills
• Chobe Riverfront
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Okavango Delta
• Packaged Deals
• Special Offers
• Conference Venues
• For Internationals Only
• For Zimbabwe Residents Only
• For SADC Residents only
• Discount Packages
• Annual Events
• African Safaris
• Property for Sale
• Interesting Articles
• Photos of the Falls
• Vic Falls Gallery
• Waterfalls of the World
• Victoria Falls News
• Client Feedback
• Accommodation Reviews
• Activity Reviews
• Restaurant Reviews
• Travel Reviews

Last updated: 13 February 2023

You may be required to obtain a Visa to enter Zimbabwe depending on your nationality. Please read the details below carefully to understand what you need to know and do.

What are the Zimbabwe Visa Categories?

Zimbabwe has 3 visa categories:

Category A: Countries whose nationals do NOT require a Visa. No action required, you will be granted easy entry at any border post.

Category B: Countries whose nationals are granted a Zimbabwe visa at the port of entry on payment of requisite visa fees. These visas are easiest obtained on your arrival at the Airport or border post.

*Note* We recommend that you do NOT pre-apply online via Zimbabwe evisa website if you are a category B National. The e-visa system is designed for Category C nationals, who HAVE to pre-apply. You do NOT save yourself any time on arrival, in fact it can cost you more time as they need to verify your application. Applying online requires registering an account on the website and then supplying a whole lot of information that you do not need when you are category B. Also E-visa applications often go missing. Same thing applies to overseas companies offering visa services at exorbitant costs. Get your visa on arrival with minimal fuss.

Category C: Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling. You can apply for one through a Zimbabwe High Commission in your home or neighbouring country. Another way is to apply online - click on this link Zimbabwe e-visa for details. Please note that the online system, while convenient, is not always fool proof.

Find out the Category of your country in the tables below.

If you are intending to visit Zambia as well then the Kaza / UniVisa for some nationalities is your most economical choice. Read More

Passport Requirements

All Categories need:-

• Passport valid for a least 6 months from your date of entry. • Return ticket to your country (or enough money to buy one) • Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zimbabwe • Enough blank pages in your passport to fit the required entry visa.

What are the Zimbabwe Visa Types?

Single Entry visa allows for entry into Zimbabwe one time. Once you exit Zimbabwe, the visa cannot be used again.

Double Entry visa allows for up to two entries into Zimbabwe. Valid up to 90 days from the date of issue. Once you have used it for the two entries and two exits, the visa cannot be used again.

Multiple Entry visas - CANNOT be obtained at the port of entry into Zimbabwe. You may enter Zimbabwe on a single entry visa and then obtain a Multiple Entry Visa from the town office - but this may take up to 7 working days to be issued and in many cases is declined - if you need to enter 3 or 4 times rather buy a single entry and then a double entry visa or two doubles, which is a perfectly accepted by immigration.

How Much are the Visa Fees?

Visitors coming from Category B countries (listed below) can pay the fee for their visa when they arrive at the port of entry, whether it is at the land border or at the airport. We strongly advise visitors who wish to pay on arrival to have cash for their visas, in case the credit card machines are not working due to network problems. Category C nationals who applied for a visa online will pay for the visa during the online application.

Here is the fee structure for Category B - Zimbabwe visas:

What are Zimbabwe Visa Fees for British, Irish, Canadian and Chinese Citizens?

Category C nationals can apply for a single or double entry Zimbabwe visa

Children - Zimbabwe will charge FULL VISA fees for any individual who is required to have a VISA despite their age. This includes infants and children (who were previously being exempted from this).

Do I Need a Zimbabwe Visa?

See below to find out if you will need a visa to go to Zimbabwe. If you plan on travelling to Zambia as well, read this Zambia Visa page.

Visitors from the list below DO NOT require a visa to travel to Zimbabwe

Angola Antigua & Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize Botswana Cayman Islands Congo (DRC) Cyprus Fiji Ghana Grenada Hong Kong Jamaica Kenya Kiribati Leeward Islands Lesotho Madagascar Malaysia Malawi Maldives Malta Mauritius Montserrat Mozambique Namibia Nauru Samoa Western Seychelles Singapore Solomon Islands South Africa St Kitts & Nevis St Lucia St Vincent & The Grenadines Swaziland Tanzania Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Turk & Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Vanuatu Zambia

Visitors from the list below are granted a Zimbabwe Visa at port of entry on payment of requisite visa fees

Albania Algeria Andorra Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Belarus Belgium Bermuda Bhutan Bosnia-Herzegovina Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burundi *Canada Cape Verde Islands Chile China Comoros Islands Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French West Indies Georgia Germany Gibraltar Greece Guam Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran *Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kazakhstan Korea (South) Kyrgyzstan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxemburg Macau Macedonia Marshall Islands Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Norfolk Islands Northern Mariana Islands Norway Palau Island Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Samoa (America) San Marino Sao Tome & Principe Senegal Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Suriname Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United Arab Emirates *United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vatican Venezuela Virgin Islands

Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling. Now Apply Online . Click on this link eVisa Zimbabwe .

Afghanistan Anguilla Bangladesh Benin Bolivia Burkina Faso Cambodia Cameroon Central Africa Republic Chad Colombia Congo (Brazzaville) Cote d'Voire (Ivory Coast) Djibouti Republic East Timore Eritrea Gabon Gambia Guinea Bissau Guinea Conakry Iraq Jordan Kosovo Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya Mali Mauritania Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Myanmar Nepal Niger Nigeria North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sri Lanka Sudan Syria Taiwan Thailand Togo Tunisia Vietnam Yemen

Afghanistan  - Category C

Albania  - Category B

Algeria  - Category B

Andorra  - Category B

Angola  - Category A

Anguilla  - Category C

Antigua & Barbuda  - Category A

Aruba  - Category A

Argentina  - Category B

Armenia  - Category B

Australia  - Category B

Austria  - Category B

Azerbaijan  - Category B

Bahamas  - Category A

Bahrain  - Category B

Bangladesh  - Category C

Barbados  - Category A

Belarus  - Category B

Belgium  - Category B

Belize  - Category A

Benin  - Category C

Bermuda  - Category B

Bhutan  - Category B

Bolivia  - Category C

Bosnia-Herzegovina  - Category B

Burkina Faso  - Category C

Botswana   - Category A

Brazil  - Category B

British Virgin Islands  - Category B

Brunei Darussalam  - Category B

Bulgaria  - Category B

Burundi  - Category B

Cambodia  - Category C

Cameroon  - Category C

*Canada   - Category B

Cape Verde Islands  - Category B

Cayman Islands  - Category A

Central Africa Republic  - Category C

Chad  - Category C

Chile  - Category B

China  - Category B

Colombia  - Category C

Comoros Islands  - Category B

Congo (Brazzaville)  - Category C

Congo (DRC)  - Category A

Cook Islands  - Category B

Costa Rica  - Category B

Cote d'Voire (Ivory Coast)  - Category C

Croatia  - Category B

Cuba  - Category B

Cyprus  - Category A

Czech Republic  - Category B

Denmark  - Category B

Djibouti Republic  - Category C

Dominican Republic  - Category B

Ecuador  - Category B

Egypt  - Category B

El Salvador  - Category B

Equatorial Guinea  - Category B

Eritrea  - Category C

Estonia  - Category B

Ethiopia  - Category B

Fiji  - Category A

Finland  - Category B

France  - Category B

French Guiana  - Category B

French Polynesia  - Category B

French West Indies  - Category B

Gabon  - Category C

Gambia  - Category C

Georgia  - Category B

Germany  - Category B

Ghana  - Category A

Gibraltar  - Category B

Greece  - Category B

Grenada  - Category A

Guam  - Category B

Guatemala  - Category B

Guinea Conakry  - Category C

Guinea Bissau  - Category C

Guyana  - Category B

Haiti  - Category B

Honduras  - Category B

Hong Kong  - Category A

Hungary  - Category B

Iceland  - Category B

India  - Category B

Indonesia  - Category B

Iran  - Category B

Iraq  - Category C

*Ireland   - Category B

Israel  - Category B

Italy  - Category B

Jamaica  - Category A

Japan  - Category B

Jordan  - Category C

Kazakhstan  - Category B

Kenya  - Category A

Kiribati  - Category A

Korea (North)  - Category C

Korea (South)  - Category B

Kosovo  - Category C

Kuwait  - Category B

Kyrgyzstan  - Category B

Laos  - Category C

Latvia  - Category B

Lebanon  - Category C

Leeward Islands  - Category A

Lesotho  - Category A

Liberia  - Category C

Libya  - Category C

Liechtenstein  - Category B

Lithuania  - Category B

Luxemburg  - Category B

Macau  - Category B

Madagascar  - Category A

Malaysia  - Category A

Malawi  - Category A

Maldives  - Category A

Malta  - Category A

Marshall Islands  - Category B

Mauritius  - Category A

Mexico  - Category B

Micronesia  - Category B

Moldova  - Category B

Monaco  - Category B

Montserrat  - Category A

Mozambique  - Category A

Namibia  - Category A

Nauru  - Category A

Netherlands  - Category B

New Caledonia  - Category B

New Zealand  - Category B

Nicaragua  - Category B

Norfolk Islands  - Category B

Northern Mariana Islands  - Category B

Norway  - Category B

Oman  - Category C

Pakistan  - Category C

Palau Island  - Category B

Palestine  - Category B

Panama  - Category B

Papua New Guinea  - Category B

Paraguay  - Category B

Peru  - Category B

Philippines  - Category C

Poland  - Category B

Portugal  - Category B

Puerto Rico  - Category B

Qatar  - Category C

Refugee  - Category C

Reunion  - Category B

Romania  - Category B

Russia  - Category B

Rwanda  - Category B

Samoa (America)  - Category B

Samoa Western  - Category A

San Marino  - Category B

Sao Tome & Principe  - Category B

Saudi Arabia  - Category C

Senegal  - Category B

Serbia  - Category B

Seychelles  - Category A

Sierra Leone  - Category C

Singapore  - Category A

Slovakia  - Category B

Slovenia  - Category B

Solomon Islands  - Category A

Somalia  - Category C

South Africa  - Category A

South Sudan  - Category C

Spain  - Category B

Sri Lanka  - Category C

St Kitts & Nevis  - Category A

St Lucia  - Category A

St Vincent & The Grenadines  - Category A

Sudan  - Category C

Suriname  - Category B

Swaziland  - Category A

Sweden  - Category B

Switzerland  - Category B

Syria  - Category C

Tajikistan  - Category B

Taiwan  - Category C

Tanzania  - Category A

Thailand  - Category C

The Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia  - Category C

Togo  - Category C

Tonga  - Category A

Trinidad and Tobago  - Category A

Tunisia  - Category C

Turk & Caicos Islands  - Category A

Turkey  - Category B

Turkmenistan  - Category B

Tuvalu  - Category A

Uganda  - Category A

Ukraine  - Category B

United Arab Emirates  - Category B

*United Kingdom   - Category B

United States of America  - Category B

Uruguay  - Category B

Uzbekistan  - Category B

Vanuatu  - Category A

Vatican  - Category B

Venezuela  - Category B

Vietnam  - Category C

Virgin Islands  - Category B

Yemen Rep  - Category C

Zambia   - Category A

British and Canadian Passports Holders

British and Canadian passport holders need a Zimbabwe visa to visit Zimbabwe. It is easier and in most cases cheaper to get one at the port of entry.

The current charge for a single entry Zimbabwe visa is US$ 55 and US$ 75 for a Double Entry Zimbabwe visa. The KazaVisa ($50) is in theory no longer available for British and Canadian passport holders as Britons and Canadians don't need a visa to get into Zambia anymore. However, there doesn't seem to be a definitive ruling on this, so you can request one, as it is a cheaper option for you.

If you are entering Zimbabwe 3 times i.e. going to Zambia and Botswana and back to Zimbabwe, then you can ask for a KazaVisa, instead of a buying a double entry and a single entry. Again, there are no guarantees that you will be granted one, but worth the try. Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted but always have a cash reserve just in case the card machines are not working.

American and Australian Passport Holders

American and Australian passport holders need a Zimbabwe visa to visit Zimbabwe. It is easier and in most cases cheaper to get one at the port of entry.

The current charge for a single entry Zimbabwe visa is US$ 30 and US$ 45 for a Double Entry Zimbabwe visa. If you are also visiting Zambia, you no longer need a visa for Zambia, so there is no point in buying the KazaVisa ($50) as it is more expensive. However, if you are entering Zimbabwe 3 times i.e. going to Zambia and Botswana and back to Zimbabwe, then you can ask for a KazaVisa. However, there are no guarantees that you will be granted one. Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted but always have a cash reserve just in case the card machines are not working.

Where Do I Find My Nearest Zimbabwe Embassy and Consulate?

Australia Embassy Of Zimbabwe 26 Numeralla Street, O'Mally, Canberra, ACT 2606 Tel: +61 2 6286 2281 | +61 2 6286 2303 | +61 2 6286 2700 Fax: +61 2 6290 1680

Austria Embassy Of Zimbabwe Neustift am Walde 91, 1190, Vienna Tel: +43-1-4079236 | +43-1-4079237 Fax: +43-1-4079238

Belgium Embassy of Zimbabwe Square Joséphine Charlotte 11, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels Tel: +32 2 762 58 08 Fax: +32 27629605 | +32 27756510

Botswana Embassy Of Zimbabwe Plot 8850, Orapa Close, Government Enclave, Gaborone Tel: +267 314495 Fax: +267 305863

Canada Embassy Of Zimbabwe 332 Somerset St West, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J9 Tel: +1 613 421 2824 | +1 613 421 1242 | +1 613 421 1239 Fax: +1 613 422 7403

China Embassy of Zimbabwe No. 7, Dong San Jie, San Li Tun, Beijing 100600 Tel: +86 10 65323665 | +86 10 65323665 Fax: +86 10 65325383

Cuba Embassy of Zimbabwe Ave. 3ra. No.1001 e/ 10 y 12, Miramar, Havana Tel: +53 7 242837 | +53 7 273565 | +53 7 2069504 Fax: +53 2 42720

Egypt 7 Mohandes El Galal Street, Mohandessin, Giza, Cairo Tel: +20 2 305 9743 | +20 2 303 0404 Fax: +20 2 3059741  

France Embassy Of Zimbabwe 10 Rue Jacques Bingen, 75008, Paris Tel: +33 1 56 88 16 00 ax: +33 1 56 88 16 09

Germany Embassy of Zimbabwe Kommandantenstrasse 80, 10117 Berlin Tel: +49 30 2062263 Fax: +49 30 20455062

India High Commission Of Zimbabwe 4, Poorvi Marg Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057 Tel: +91 11 2611 0430 / 31 | +91 11 2615 4313 | +91 11 2614 4314 Fax: +91 11 2611 4316

Indonesia Embassy Of Zimbabwe Jalan Patra Kunningan VII/15, Jakarta Selatan Tel: +62 21 522 1378 Fax: +62 21 525 0365  

Italy Embassy Of Zimbabwe Via Virgilio, 8, Int. 8, 00193 Roma Tel: +39 06 6830 8282 | +39 06 6830 8273 Fax: +39 06 6830 8324 Consulate General in Milan Viale Abruzzi 91, Milano 20131 Tel: +39 800 90 99 99 Fax: +39 02 49 665 244

Japan Embassy Of Zimbabwe 5-9-10, Shiroganedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108 0071 Tel: +81 3 3280 0331/2 Fax: +81 3 3280 0466  

Kenya Embassy Of Zimbabwe 111/192 Mumwe Avenue, Runda, P.O. Box 693, Nairobi Tel: +254 20 374 4052 | +254 20 374 6546 Fax: +254 20 374 8079

Malawi Embassy Of Zimbabwe Presidential Way, Area 19, Lilongwe Tel: +265 1 774 988 | +265 1 774 997 | +265 1 774 413 Fax: +265 1 772 382

Malaysia Embassy Of Zimbabwe 124, Jalan Sembilan Taman Ampang Utama 68000 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur Tel: +60 3 4251 6779 | +60 3 4251 6781/2 | +60 3 4251 7346 Fax: +60 3 4251 7252

Mozambique Embassy Of Zimbabwe Ave Machava, Caixa Postal 743, Maputo Tel: +258 21 490 404 | +258 21 488 877 Fax: +258 21 492 293

Consulate Of Zimbabwe 617 Rua Francisco Dechage Almeda, Ponde Gea, P.O. Box 649, Beira Tel: +258 23 327 950 | +258 23 327 942 Fax : +258 23 328 942

Namibia High Commission Of Zimbabwe Cnr Independence Ave and Grimm St, PO Box 23056, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 227738 | +264-61-227204 | +264-61-228137 Fax: +264 61 226859

Portugal Consulate of Zimbabwe Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho No. 56-6-esq., 1700 Lisbon Tel: +351 218 02091 | +351 218 472401 Fax: +351 218 472 400

Russia Embassy Of Zimbabwe Mytnaya Street 3, Office 29-31, Moscow Tel: +7 499 230 1864 | +7 499 230 1932 | +7 499 230 1932 Fax: +7 495 230 1932

Singapore Embassy of Zimbabwe 7500A Beach Road, #13-308 The Plaza 199591 Tel: +656 297 7753/4 Fax: +656 297 7761

South Africa Embassy Of Zimbabwe 798 Mertons, Arcadia 0083, Pretoria Tel: + 27 12 342 5125 Fax: +27 12 342 5126

Consulate of Zimbabwe 13A Boeing Road West, Bedfordview, Johannesburg 2007, P O Box 61736 Tel: +27 11 838 2156/7/8/9 Fax: +27 11 838 5620

Consulate Of Zimbabwe 55 Kuyper St, Zonnebloem 7925, Cape Town 8000, P.O. Box 5561 Tel: +27 21 4614710 Fax: +27 21 4614896

Sweden Embassy of Zimbabwe Herserudsvgen 5A, 7th floor. 181 34 Lidingö Box 3253 103 65 Stockholm Tel: +46 8 765 53 80 Fax: +46 8 21 91 32

Tanzania Embassy Of Zimbabwe 6th Floor New Life House, Sokaine Drive/Ohio St, PO Box 20762, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 22 260 2930

United Kingdom High Commission Of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe House, 429 The Strand, London WC2R 0SA Tel: +44 20 7836 7755 Fax: +44 20 7379 1167 | +44 20 7836 7755

United States of America Ambassador Of Zimbabwe 1608 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20009 Tel: +1 202 332 7100 Fax: +1 202 438 9326

Permanent Mission 128 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022 Tel: +1 212 980 9511 Fax: +1 212 308 6705

Top of Page

Return from Zimbabwe Visa to our home page

Powered by SBI!

• What is a visa?
• Electronic Visa (eVisa)
• Visa on Arrival
• Appointment Required Visa
• Invitation Letter
• Arrival Card
• Passport Renewal
• Project Kosmos: Meet the man with the world's most challenging travel schedule
• Australia Visa and ETA requirements for US citizens explained
• Brazil eVisa for US citizens
• India Tourist Visa for UK citizens
• Possible B1/B2 Visa questions during the interview

Select Your Language

• Nederlandse
• 中文 (Zhōngwén), 汉语, 漢語

Select Your Currency

• AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
• AFN Afghan Afghani
• ALL Albanian Lek
• AMD Armenian Dram
• ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
• AOA Angolan Kwanza
• ARS Argentine Peso
• AUD Australian Dollar
• AWG Aruban Florin
• AZN Azerbaijani Manat
• BAM Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
• BBD Barbadian Dollar
• BDT Bangladeshi Taka
• BGN Bulgarian Lev
• BIF Burundian Franc
• BMD Bermudan Dollar
• BND Brunei Dollar
• BOB Bolivian Boliviano
• BRL Brazilian Real
• BSD Bahamian Dollar
• BWP Botswanan Pula
• BZD Belize Dollar
• CAD Canadian Dollar
• CDF Congolese Franc
• CHF Swiss Franc
• CLP Chilean Peso
• CNY Chinese Yuan
• COP Colombian Peso
• CRC Costa Rican Colón
• CVE Cape Verdean Escudo
• CZK Czech Republic Koruna
• DJF Djiboutian Franc
• DKK Danish Krone
• DOP Dominican Peso
• DZD Algerian Dinar
• EGP Egyptian Pound
• ETB Ethiopian Birr
• FJD Fijian Dollar
• FKP Falkland Islands Pound
• GBP British Pound Sterling
• GEL Georgian Lari
• GIP Gibraltar Pound
• GMD Gambian Dalasi
• GNF Guinean Franc
• GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
• GYD Guyanaese Dollar
• HKD Hong Kong Dollar
• HNL Honduran Lempira
• HTG Haitian Gourde
• HUF Hungarian Forint
• IDR Indonesian Rupiah
• ILS Israeli New Sheqel
• INR Indian Rupee
• ISK Icelandic Króna
• JMD Jamaican Dollar
• JPY Japanese Yen
• KES Kenyan Shilling
• KGS Kyrgystani Som
• KHR Cambodian Riel
• KMF Comorian Franc
• KRW South Korean Won
• KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
• KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
• LAK Laotian Kip
• LBP Lebanese Pound
• LKR Sri Lankan Rupee
• LRD Liberian Dollar
• LSL Lesotho Loti
• MAD Moroccan Dirham
• MDL Moldovan Leu
• MGA Malagasy Ariary
• MKD Macedonian Denar
• MNT Mongolian Tugrik
• MOP Macanese Pataca
• MUR Mauritian Rupee
• MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa
• MWK Malawian Kwacha
• MXN Mexican Peso
• MYR Malaysian Ringgit
• MZN Mozambican Metical
• NAD Namibian Dollar
• NGN Nigerian Naira
• NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
• NOK Norwegian Krone
• NPR Nepalese Rupee
• NZD New Zealand Dollar
• OMR Omani Rial
• PAB Panamanian Balboa
• PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
• PGK Papua New Guinean Kina
• PHP Philippine Peso
• PKR Pakistani Rupee
• PLN Polish Zloty
• PYG Paraguayan Guarani
• QAR Qatari Rial
• RON Romanian Leu
• RSD Serbian Dinar
• RUB Russian Ruble
• RWF Rwandan Franc
• SAR Saudi Riyal
• SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
• SCR Seychellois Rupee
• SEK Swedish Krona
• SGD Singapore Dollar
• SHP Saint Helena Pound
• SLL Sierra Leonean Leone
• SOS Somali Shilling
• SRD Surinamese Dollar
• SVC Salvadoran Colón
• SZL Swazi Lilangeni
• THB Thai Baht
• TJS Tajikistani Somoni
• TOP Tongan Pa anga
• TRY Turkish Lira
• TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
• TWD New Taiwan Dollar
• TZS Tanzanian Shilling
• UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
• UGX Ugandan Shilling
• USD United States Dollar
• UYU Uruguayan Peso
• UZS Uzbekistan Som
• VND Vietnamese Dong
• VUV Vanuatu Vatu
• WST Samoan Tala
• XAF CFA Franc BEAC
• XCD East Caribbean Dollar
• XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
• XPF CFP Franc
• YER Yemeni Rial
• ZAR South African Rand
• ZMW Zambian Kwacha

We've updated our app!

Download it now

UK Standard Visitor Visa for Zimbabwean citizens: Complete guide for 2024

Are you a Zimbabwean citizen wanting to explore the United Kingdom's iconic landmarks and indulge in its rich cultural heritage? Look no further! Here is a complete guide to securing a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Zimbabwean citizens.

The visa application process may seem daunting, but fear not, this guide is designed for first-time applicants and has expert recommendations for a stress-free journey to the UK.

Do Zimbabwean citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, Zimbabwean passport holders need a Standard Visitor Visa before traveling to the United Kingdom . This visa applies to tourists, business travelers, and individuals visiting family and friends in the UK. Applying well before your trip is crucial to ensure your visa is processed on time.

You can choose to apply directly through the UK Government or use our handy expert visa services to guide you through your UK Visitor visa process.

What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is an official travel document issued by the UK government to allow individuals outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to travel to the United Kingdom temporarily , usually for up to 6 months.

This visa is intended for individuals who plan to visit the UK for tourism purposes, business meetings, academic conferences, medical treatments, or to visit family members and friends.

However, there are restrictions on what you can do. For instance, you cannot work, study for more than 30 days, marry or form a civil partnership, or receive public funds.

How long can Zimbabwean citizens stay in the UK?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa typically allows Zimbabwean citizens to stay in the UK for up to 180 days in Total . We assist you in applying for a Multiple Entry visa valid for 180 days after issued .

Your visa will usually specify the permitted length of your stay, and it's crucial that you strictly adhere to this timeframe. Overstaying your welcome may result in penalties and impact your chances of returning to the UK.

There are circumstances where your stay could be extended, such as receiving medical treatment or engaging in academic activities. However, any extension is subject to the approval of UK immigration authorities and necessitates a separate application.

If you require longer stays in the UK, consider other types of UK visas depending on the purpose of your visit. This includes options such as a long-term student visa. For any such enquires or visa applications, we recommend applying via the UK Gov website .

Eligibility criteria for the UK Visitor Visa

Purpose of visit: You must demonstrate that you are visiting the UK for a legitimate purpose such as tourism, business meetings, visiting friends or relatives, short-term studies, medical treatments, or participating in artistic, sportive, or academic events.

Financial stability: You need to provide evidence that you can support yourself (and any dependents) financially for your stay in the UK without access to public funds. This might include bank statements, payslips, or a letter of financial support.

Accommodation: You should provide details of where you plan to stay during your visit to the UK. This could be a hotel booking, a friend or relative invitation, or tour package details.

Intention to return: You must show that you plan to return to Zimbabwe after you visit the UK. This can be demonstrated through ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family responsibilities.

Healthcare: You must declare any pre-existing health conditions and may be required to prove that you have travel insurance to cover any potential medical costs during your stay.

Good character: You must not have a criminal record or pose a risk to UK security. You may need to provide a police certificate to prove your good character.

Previous immigration history: If you've previously been refused entry, deported, or overstayed a visa in the UK or any other country, this could affect your eligibility.

UK Standard Visitor Visa required documents for citizens of Zimbabwe

To apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa as a citizen of Zimbabwe, you'll need to prepare the following documents:

Passport: You must have a valid passport or other travel identification document. The passport should have at least one blank page on both sides for your visa.

Visa application form: A completed and signed application form, typically available online.

Proof of financial means: Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements or payslips from the last six months.

Accommodation details: Information about where you'll be staying during your visit to the UK. This could be a hotel booking confirmation, an invitation from your host, or a letter from your tour operator.

Travel itinerary: Details about your travel plans in the UK.

Photograph: Depending on the application method, you may need to provide a color photograph that meets the UK visa photo requirements.

Proof of residence: This can be in the form of a basic services invoice, permanent resident card, national ID

Proof of ties to home country: This can include proof of employment status, studies, or property ownership.

Additional documents: You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances and the purpose of your visit. These could include a letter of invitation, proof of medical appointment, yellow fever certificate, or evidence of business activities. Dependent children may also require birth certificates etc, to apply.

Please note that this is a general list, and the documents you must provide can vary depending on your circumstances.

How to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Zimbabwe?

For a quick and straightforward process to obtain your visa, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Provide your personal and travel information on our online visa form or through our user-friendly app . Double-check that all information is accurate, and select the closest location for your interview from the list provided.

If you do not see an appropriate option on the Appointment Location list, please contact [email protected] so that our team of experts can help you complete your application.

Step 2: Pay our iVisa service fee and British government visa fee using a debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.

Step 3: Complete the remaining sections of our simplified application form, following our instructions, and upload a scanned copy of your passport and a photo before submitting the information for expert review.

We will arrange the interview appointment on your behalf at your chosen location. You'll receive a step-by-step manual providing instructions and a list of documents to prepare for your visa interview.

• Step 4: Attend the interview at the UK visa application center or British Embassy. Remember to bring all the required documents, including the completed and signed application form.

What are the UK Standard Visitor Visa costs and processing time in Zimbabwe?

When you apply with us, you will pay visa application fees. The total cost of USD $261.99 ; this total is made up of two parts:

Government Fee of USD $127.00 (subject to exchange rate and change).

iVisa Standard Processing fee of USD $134.99 . Our standard processing takes up to 30 days . Our experts carefully review your application and ensure everything is in order during this time. We also begin the process of securing your interview date.

Our processing time does not include the date of the interview nor the time it will take the government to process and approve or deny your application. We advise applying for your visa before your intended travel date to avoid delays or issues.

Need more information about the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

Have more questions about the UK and your visa options? Don't hesitate to get in touch! Our customer service team is always ready to help. Send us a message online or chat with us on WhatsApp .

Related Articles

My experience of London Gatwick Airport: What to expect on arrival

UK Work Visa: Eligibility, Types, and How to Apply

UK ETA for US citizens

• Skilled Worker Visa (Formally Tier T2 general)
• Tier 2 Work Visa Extension
• Tier 2 minister of religion Visa
• Tier 2 Sportsperson
• Tier 5 Temporary work visa
• Tier 5 Youth mobility visas
• Partner and Spouse Visas
• Spouse Visa Application
• Spouse Visa Extension
• Spouse Visa Requirements
• Fiance Visa Application
• Unmarried Partner visa
• Civil Partner Visa
• Study Visas
• Student visa
• Child student visa
• Short term study
• Post study work
• Settlement and UK Citizenship
• Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
• British Naturalisation
• British Citizenship
• British Citizenship by marriage
• British Citizenship by birth
• Business Services (for hiring foreign nationals)
• Sponsor Licence Application
• Sponsor licence renewal
• Short Visit Visas
• Tourist Visa
• Family visit visa
• Business Visa
• UK Visit Visa
• Other Visas
• Innovator Application
• Tier 1 investor Visa Application

• View More...

Everything you need to know about Zimbabwe Visa

Visa on Arrival

If you are a British passport holder, you can secure your Zimbabwe visa at the port of entry after payment of the required visa fees. You can secure a VOA either for tourism or business related purposes (attending conventions, seminars, etc.)

The ports of entry can be either the airport or border post.

In order to get a VOA at the port of entry, you shall need to carry the following documents:

• A passport with a validity of at least 6 months from your date of entry.

• Return ticket to your country (or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one)

• Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zimbabwe

• Enough blank pages in your passport to stamp the entry visa

When you arrive at the airport, submit all the above documents to the immigration authorities. Carry enough cash along with you because most credit card machines are unreliable when it comes to visa payments.

Once the checks are done and the visa is stamped on your passport, you are free to enter the country. Ensure that you travel with the correct documentation. Else, there are high chances of arrest and deportation.

VOA is mainly offered in two categories, double entry and single entry. The on arrival visa for Zimbabwe cost USD 55 for one entry and USD 70 for two entries visa.

A single entry visa shall allow you to enter Zimbabwe once. After you leave the country, you cannot re-enter its borders.

A double entry visa will allow you to enter and leave the country twice. It has a validity of up to 90 days from the date of issue.

Note: You cannot obtain a multiple entry visa at the ports of entry into Zimbabwe. You need to apply via the Embassy of Zimbabwe in London.

Another way is to enter Zimbabwe on a single entry visa and then apply for a multiple entry visa at the town office. The entire process can take up to seven working days and there is a high probability of it being denied.

The best way out is either get a single entry and a double entry visa or two double entry visas -- depending on the number of times you wish to enter the country. This is an acceptable method by immigration.

You may also a pply for an e-visa online  before your travel to Zimbabwe.

A holiday visa is issued to UK citizens traveling for tourism, sightseeing, visiting family and friends or other private purposes.

If you are entering Zimbabwe for business related purposes such as consultancy or to offer services, you can apply for a non-renewable business visa -- valid for a stay of 30 days.

A conference visa allows you to attend a conference, seminar or workshop in Zimbabwe. It is valid for 30 days and is non-renewable.

A transit visa is issued to visitors traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in Zimbabwe when the only reason for entering Zimbabwe is to transit. It is non-renewable.

Regular Entry Visa

Although we would not recommend you to lodge a visa application with the Embassy, you can approach this process on the rare occasion that you need to take this step. In such a case, download the visa application form from the embassy website complete it with all your details.

This needs to be submitted with the rest of the documents i.e. Two passport sized photos, the original and copy of your valid passport (bio-data page), and copy of any previous Zimbabwe visa. Ensure that the passport has a validity of at least six months.

Visa Requirements for Children

Previously, infants and children were exempted from requiring a visa to enter Zimbabwe. However, as per the latest regulations, parents are required to pay the full and obtain an entry visa for all individuals despite their age.

Employment Permit

It is illegal to conduct money-generating business activities or to seek employment on an entry visa.

If you engage in volunteering and missionary work that extends the allowed stay of 30 days, it is considered as work. In such cases, you must secure a temporary employment permit.

Therefore, before traveling, check with the Zimbabwe High Commission in London for the exact entry requirements. While in the country, you may also apply to have the granted period renewed and extended if required.

Entry Requirements for Journalism

For any journalism related activities, you must obtain prior accreditation through the Zimbabwean Embassy in London.

If you are a journalist, carrying out media reporting or photography, without showcasing the required accreditation, you may be arrested, fined, detained, or deported. Journalism can include any types of interview, filming or photography.

Hence, use caution while you engage in social media activities such as posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs. As per the Zimbabwe government, any such task that falls into the definition of journalism is illegal without the required permission.

KAZA Univisa

A KAZA Univisa is the best option if you want to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia and are considering a day trip into Botswana.

You can avail this document at ports of entry such as Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls airports. You can also apply for it at the land borders at Victoria Falls (Zambian border) and Kazungula (Botswana border).

It cost is US $50 and comes with a validity of one month. As long as you remain in Zimbabwe or Zambia, you can cross the border multiple times within this 30 days period.

You can secure a Univisa either at Victoria Falls and you cross over to Zimbabwe at Kariba or Chirundu or vice versa.

Note:A Univisa is not extendable. But you have the option to get a new Univisa, up to a maximum of three every year.

Individuals with Dual Nationality

If you hold a dual nationality, you may not be allowed re-entry into the UK of you had applied for a one-way temporary travel document to travel from the UK to Zimbabwe.

In such as case, if you are stranded in the country, ensure to contact the nearest British consulate. A better deal to get it clarified from the Zimbabwe Embassy in London.

Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers who are above 9 months of age, in case they are travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

On the other hand, if you have transited for over 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you will again need to show this certificate.

This is a certificate that arrives with a lifetime validity and hence, it is recommended to keep it handy if you are a frequent traveler.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

You can use UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) as valid travel documents in Zimbabwe. These are accepted at almost all the major ports of entry, provided that they are valid through your period of intended stay.

If your passport has been misplaced or stolen, you may need to show proof in the form of a police report and you are issued an ETD. This is because, often, immigration officials would want to confirm the evidence of entry stamps on departure/exit.

• Guaranteed UK based team with money back guarantee
• Secure We do not share your details with third parties

We are Highly Recommended

Don't just take our word for it...Check Our Reviews

• About Great Zimbabwe Guide
• About the blogger
• Contributing
• Advertising and press
• Copyright and terms
• Privacy policy
• GZG in the media
• Beth’s freelance portfolio
• Collaborations
• Quick-reference list of travel advice
• FAQs on visiting Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwe visa requirements
• How to renew a Zimbabwe passport from the UK
• Flights to Zimbabwe
• How to deal with Zimbabwe’s cash shortage
• What to pack for a Zimbabwe trip
• Getting around Zimbabwe
• Driving in Zimbabwe
• Internal flights in Zimbabwe
• Coach and bus travel in Zimbabwe
• Health advice for visiting Zimbabwe
• Tips on safety in Zimbabwe
• How to renew a Zimbabwean passport from the UK
• Climate and weather in Zimbabwe
• Photo safari gear: what’s in my camera bag?

Is it ethical to visit Zimbabwe?

• Useful websites on Zimbabwe
• Tour operator directory for Zimbabwe holidays

Harare travel guide

• Best places to visit in Harare
• Best day trips around Harare
• Great places to go with younger kids in Harare
• Best hotels in Harare: from boutique to budget
• Areas and suburbs of Harare
• Best restaurants in Harare
• Best coffee shops in Harare
• Harare transport links countrywide
• Itineraries and tour ideas in Harare
• Victoria Falls travel guide: Everything you need to know
• Top ten accommodation in Victoria Falls
• List of accommodation in Victoria Falls
• Best things to do in Victoria Falls
• Great Zimbabwe Monument travel guide
• Accommodation around Great Zimbabwe Monument
• Walking route around Great Zimbabwe Monument
• Short history of Great Zimbabwe Monument

Bulawayo travel guide

• Best things to do in Bulawayo
• Bulawayo-related posts
• Kariba & Matusadona National Park
• Hwange National Park
• Mana Pools National Park
• Wildlife & safari
• Art & Culture
• Travel journals
• Travel tips
• Guest posts
• Family-friendly/kids
• Eating & drinking
• Links and useful websites

Zimbabwe visa requirements: Everything you need to know

Do i need a zimbabwe visa as a tourist.

For most tourists, the good news is that the Zimbabwe visa process is fairly simple and doesn’t require much planning. There are three categories of nationalities, each of which have different visa requirements. I’ve summarised the categories below, as well as the visa application details for each. A list of useful official websites is included at the bottom of this article. Don’t forget to read the “Notes for all nationalities” at the bottom of this article, too.

Countries in blue do not need a visa , countries in yellow need a visa on arrival , and countries in orange/red need a visa in advance . Map source .

This category comprises citizens of SADC countries as well as Hong Kong and Singapore. These nationalities  do not need a visa to enter Zimbabwe for a holiday. When you show your passport upon arrival at the airport or border, you will be allowed to enter Zimbabwe without any fees or visa requirements (but read the section “Notes for all nationalities” at the end of this article for general Zimbabwe visa requirements).

Citizens of countries in this category do not need to apply for a visa in advance. They can get a Zimbabwe visa  upon arrival in Zimbabwe . Countries in this category include United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland and USA (a full official list of Cat B countries is  here ). This category doesn’t require much planning or time: The visa application is done when your flight lands or your car crosses the border into Zimbabwe.

When you arrive at the airport arrivals hall or border post in Zimbabwe, you will be given an ‘Immigration Declaration Form’ to complete (it is not a long form; a sample of the form can be viewed here ), and you will need to pay the visa fee in cash. (Take the exact change if possible; see my article on  Using money in Zimbabwe ).

There are no other visa requirements for this category, but read the section “Notes for all nationalities” at the end of this article for Zimbabwe visa requirements applicable to everyone.

• Fees for most countries in Category B: Single Entry US$ 30; Double Entry US$ 45. Payable in cash; occasionally with Mastercard or Visa.
• Fees for UK and Ireland Zimbabwe visas:  Single Entry US$ 55; Double Entry US$ 70. Payable in cash; occasionally with Mastercard or Visa.
• Fees for Canadian Zimbabwe visas: Single Entry US$ 75. Canadian Passport holders can only get a Single Entry Zimbabwe visa at the port of Entry, not a Multiple Entry Visa.

This category comprises citizens of countries such as India, Nigeria and Mexico (full list here ). Citizens in Category C need to apply for a Zimbabwe visa before travelling to Zimbabwe. You can do this online at  www.evisa.gov.zw  (go to the ‘Apply’ tab). It takes two working days to obtain an e-visa. After completing the online form, you will be emailed a document to use upon arrival in Zimbabwe. The visa fee should be paid upon arrival in Zimbabwe. You need to apply for this at least three weeks before your travel date.

Fees for Category C Zimbabwe visas: Single Entry Visa: US$65 to US$100. Category C nationals can only get a Single Entry Zimbabwe Visa (not a Multiple Entry Visa).

Holiday Visa requirements for Category C nationals (official info here ):

• Completion of online visa form at evisa.gov.zw.
• Two passport-sized colour photographs showing ears, no smiling.
• Scanned colour photocopy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months. If you live in a country that is different to your nationality, you will need to include a photocopy of your residence stamp or card. If you have previously visited Zimbabwe, include copies of previous Zimbabwe visas.
• Proof of residence in your country of origin (e.g. a utilty bill or lease displaying your name and your address).
• If using a letter of invitation, the letter should include the host’s address, full name and ID number, as well as your full name, ID number and dates of visit. You will also need colour scanned copies of the host’s proof of residence in form of current telephone bill or water bill.
• Scanned colour photocopy of your ID if you have one.
• Scanned colour photocopy of your previous Zimbabwe visa if you’ve had one.

Visa notes for all nationalities visiting Zimbabwe

• Passport requirements for everyone: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Zimbabwe, and should have at least 3 blank pages left in it. You should have proof of onward/return tickets out of the country.
• Top tip: Children and babies are charged full visa fees regardless of their age. You will of course need to bring your child’s passport with you. Officially you do not need to bring your child’s birth certificate but I would bring it anyway, as a precaution (see the note further down about travelling through South Africa with a child).
• Declaring cash:  If you enter the country with less than US $2000, and you don’t anticipate taking more than $2000 amount out the country, then you don’t need to use a special form to declare your cash. You can just write the amount of cash in the regular Immigration Declaration Form upon arrival. However, if you plan on taking more than US $2000 out of Zimbabwe, you will need to do the following: When arriving in Zimbabwe, go to Customs (red route), declare your cash in the blue Form 47 provided, and keep this form safe to display it to officials when departing Zimbabwe. (To see details of this form, you can view the PDF online by Googling “ Zimra Form 47 “).
• Double Entry Visas: If you are leaving Zimbabwe and then returning again, even for a few hours, it is best to get a Double Entry Visa or Univisa. If you are staying in Zimbabwe and want to go to Botswana (Chobe), for example, a Double Entry visa will be cheaper than getting a single-entry visa twise.
• KAZA Univisa: If you’re travelling back and forth between Zimbabwe and Zambia, you can get a KAZA Univisa visa which costs US $50 and is valid for 30 days. It allows multiple entries between the two countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. You can buy up to 3 Univisas per year. If you arrive in Zimbabwe and are planning to go to Zambia for a day trip, it makes sense to purchase a Univisa instead of a double entry visa because it is cheaper and more flexibile. It can be purchased at Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, Victoria Falls land border, and Kazungula land border). Most Category A and B citizens can buy a Univisa upon arrival. See  official  www.kazavisa.info  for details (also see info on VictoriaFallsGuide ).
• Multiple Entry Visas: If you are returning to Zimbabwe more than twice in one trip, you can apply for a Multiple Entry Visa. This cannot be done at your point of entry. You will need to apply for it at the Town Hall in Zimbabwe, or the Zimbabwe High Commission in your country.
• Length of time for a Zimbabwe holiday visa: Holiday visas can be used within three months from the date of issue (see the Zim eVisa website ), and they are issued for a 30-day stay. If you wish to stay in Zimbabwe for longer than 30 days, you can extend the visa at a consulate office without too much fuss if you’re a Category B citizen. A reader from New Zealand says: The immigration office in Harare (Herbert Chitepo Avenue) is clearly signposted about 100 metres along from the US embassy on the opposite side. A month after we arrived in Zimbabwe we turned up at the immigration building. Just had to fill in another immigration form – the same one as at the airport – and then went into the next room to submit it to the immigration officer who stamped it and gave us another 30 days no questions asked (took all of 15 minutes with no queues). You can get two free extensions up to three months. From three to six months it costs US$20 per month. Any extension seven months and more is US$100 per month. There is a three day grace period from the visa expiry date.
• Important note on flights via South Africa with children: If you are travelling from, or via, South Africa with children, ensure you are acquainted with the 2015 South African entry requirements which includes needing to show their birth certificate (here’s a link to official UK travel advice for SA ). The South African Department of Home Affairs have confirmed that no supporting documents will be required by people in direct transit through a South African International Airport. However, to be on the safe side, I would advise that it would be best to travel with your child’s birth certificate, as well as a letter from the other parent if you are travelling without them.
• Other types of visas: This article discusses tourist visa information; however see the e-visa website for guidance on alternative types of visa, such as Zimbabwe Business Visas, Transit Visas and Conferencing Visas (more info on the Zimbabwe eVisa website ).

Useful Zimbabwe visa websites and contact information

• Official Zimbabwe e-visa website  | Email: [email protected]  | Address: Department of Immigration, PO Bag 7717, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe. Telephone: +263-4-791913/8
• Zimbabwe Embassy in USA | Address: 608 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States. Telephone:  +1 202-332-7100
• Official UK Government Zimbabwe visa information
• The IATA travel centre website  supplies visa and health information for Zimbabwe, including transit visa requirements, tailored to your own personal nationality and travel details

(Last updated July 2021)

Make sure you also read the zimbabwe travel quick reference guide, you may also be interested in the following articles on related zimbabwe topics:, how to renew a zimbabwe passport from the uk: step-by-step guide, snapshots of zimbabwe: visiting harare during the cash crisis, august 2017, flights to zimbabwe  (including information on zimbabwe airports), transport within zimbabwe, i flew from the uk to zimbabwe with a 3-month old – read my tips on flying to africa with a baby, practical information  and faqs about visiting zimbabwe, top tips on staying safe in zimbabwe, what to pack for a zimbabwe holiday, victoria falls travel guide, a guide to great zimbabwe monument.

• About Author
• Latest Posts

Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)

Beth is the founder and chief writer of Great Zimbabwe Guide Travel Blog. Practical Zimbabwe travel advice since 2010.

Latest posts from Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)

• Zimbabwe scheduled flights: Route map (2024) - May 27, 2024
• New flights from London to Cape Town: a cheaper option for SA and Zimbabwe travellers - April 24, 2024
• We’ve updated our travel advice about Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins - March 14, 2024

Similar Posts

Weekend Song 8: Taps Mugadza’s Beautiful Life – A Tribute to Nelson Mandela

There are few words to express how I feel about the passing of a man...

Giveaway with Impala Collection and GreatZimGuide

Win clothes AND £50 with our EPIC Instagram Giveaway! Attention, adventurers and Zimbabwe enthusiasts! Great...

Zimbabwe scheduled flights: Route map (2024)

Zimbabwe scheduled flights: Route map (2024) Although we can only hope for an increase in...

(Last updated May 2017) Should I visit Zimbabwe? There has been much debate about the role of...

Khami Ruins: Travel journal

The Khami (Kame) Ruins is perhaps the least known of Zimbabwe’s five World Heritage sites....

The roadtrip that roared: #2 Bulawayo

After spending a few days in Harare, we went to Bulawayo to see family. My...

23 Responses

Hi Beth I grew up in Zim but left in 1999. I return annually with my (British) family and love your blog, always great ideas as the country changes from what I knew. They love it as much as I do, and with recent changes in politics we are considering moving there permanently. However I find official information really confusing on residence permits, are you able to, or aware of anyone who could give advice? Neither myself or parents were born there 🙁

Francois Gerles

Hello and many thanks for your precious information.

I plan to arrive in Harare by plane but I’m not sure yet how I’ll get out of the country, probably overland to Botswana. Therefore, I’d prefer not to buy any return ticket.

Do immigration officers at the Harare airport really request a proof of a return ticket and could refuse to deliver a visa? In that case, are there other kinds of proof than air tickets?

Many thanks for your help

Great Zimbabwe Guide

Hello, Francois, I understand that you will be arriving as a Category A or B national. If this is the case, I have never been asked for a return ticket upon arrival. If you don’t have one, perhaps have a copy of a bank statement with you to show that you can afford a ticket if needed. If you’re a Category C national then you’ll be applying in advance and an onward itinerary will be necessary. All the best.

PS – If you had proof of accommodation in your next country you could also try show that as proof that you don’t intend to overstay in Zimbabwe.

Hi Jess , great information . looking forward to your newsletter as am coming to zim in Dec. whats the situation regarding Zimbabweans holding Cat B passports? do they still have to pay for the visa or is the dual citizen thing sorted now?

Hello and thank you! The dual citizenship aspects hasn’t been implemented yet so anyone with a category B passport will need to pay the visa fee, irrespective of where they were born. – All the best, Beth.

Christine Aird

Hi Beth, We found your blog by accident, and have found the information it contains incredibly helpful for a trip we hope to take next year. However we are in a dilemma and I don’t know whether you can offer an unbiased opinion? We are based in UK and so require a category b visa, which will be issued at the arrival airport. My husband has a minor police record, and I am unsure how important this will prove to be. We hoped to find out before finalising our trip, and so I contacted the Zimbabwe embassy in London for clarification. The response I received stated that it was up to The Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry. If you regularly fly in to Zimbabwe, can you offer an opinion, as to whether this is an issue ? If you think there is anywhere else we could contact for further information that would be helpful as I am running out of ideas!

Hi Christine, thanks for the positive words, they are always appreciated. I’m afraid I don’t have a definitive answer to this one as I don’t have experience of it. When you arrive in the Zimbabwe airport, your husband will need to complete the Immigration Declaration Form. There is a section there asking whether the applicant has been convicted of a crime. I would imagine that minor issues would not be reason for denying a visa, but take any records with you. A sample form can be found here: http://thesafarisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Zimbabwe-Visa-Immigration-Form-2015.pdf . I would suggest that you ask your question to a wider group of people, such as the Facebook group ‘Zimbo birds in the UK’ as someone there may have had a similar experience in the past. All the best.

I hope this email finds you well.

I just wanted to send a quick message to let you know how helpful I found your blog!

I actually grew up in Victoria Falls, but I am in my fourth year of university at Rhodes studying journalism. I recently started writing for the Victoria Falls Travel Guide, and I found you pages incredibly helpful when researching some of the articles 🙂

Anyways, just a thank you from a fellow Zimbabwe lover!

Hope you are having a good weekend and I look forward to reading more of your work!

Kind Regards, Jess

Thanks for the email and kind words! Your degree and job for the website sound great! I have read the VF guide and it has a wealth of info too. Let’s keep in touch!

All the best,

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish. Websites are obliged to show you this message. Read More

About Cookies

Preferences, unclassified.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you: 

• women travellers  
• disabled travellers  
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Advertisement
• Privacy & Policy

• Agriculture
• Business & Economy
• Mining & Energy

Namibia revokes visa exemptions for over 30 countries

The Namibian government has resolved to introduce entry visa requirements for countries that have not reciprocated its visa exemption gestures.

You might also like

Nsi working on standards for oil and gas, green hydrogen sectors , telecom namibia ceo and trade minister nominated for leadership awards, namibia leads southern africa in fight against wildlife trafficking .

Citizens from over 30 countries will no longer enjoy visa-free access to Namibia if their nations fail to reciprocate visa exemption agreements.

The proposal, submitted by the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, has been approved by the Cabinet recently.

According to data from the Namibia Tourism Board and various embassies, this decision could affect around 31 countries.

Namibia currently has visa exemptions for around 55 nations with only 18 of those replicating the exemptions.

Notably, 18 countries such as Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and others will remain unaffected by the changes, as they have reciprocal visa arrangements with Namibia.

However, 31 countries could be impacted by the new visa requirements.

These include nations such as Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uzbekistan, could also be affected.

The decision aims to foster equal treatment among nations regarding visa regulations.

Recommended For You

The Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) says it is developing standards for the emerging oil and gas and green hydrogen industries. NSI Chief Executive Officer Eino Mvula said the...

Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda and Minister of Industrialization and Trade Lucia Iipumbu have been nominated for the Africa Business Leadership Awards 2024, recognizing their contributions to industry...

Namibia, through an operation dubbed Saving Wildlife through Multilateral Cooperation in Africa (SAMA), has seen 17 cases leading to the interception of 34 illegal shipments of wildlife within...

Namibia ranks 6th in African countries with least debt burden

Namibia has been ranked sixth among African countries with the least external debt burden, latest data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows. The IMF data shows that...

352 jobseekers secure placements out of over 3,000 registered 

Out of 3,763 individuals who registered as jobseekers in the fourth quarter of 2024, only 352 have secured employment opportunities, reflecting a placement rate of just 9.4%, recent...

Customer Experience Engineering: A beginner's guide

Related news.

Economists see 45% chance of recession in SA in 2023 as load shedding worsens

Beifang Mining boasts N$2.3bn assets, pays N$232 million in taxes 

New Africa payment system to save US$5bn in fees, lift trade

Browse by category.

• Mining & Energy

The Brief is Namibia's leading daily business, finance and economic news publication.

Cell: +264814612969

Email: [email protected]

© 2023 The Brief | All Rights Reserved. Namibian Business News, Current Affairs, Analysis and Commentary

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Add New Playlist

- Select Visibility - Public Private

• Focus Pages

Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival: Everything You Need to Know

This post may contain affiliate links which means we may get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for details.

"Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission."

If you’re looking for Zimbabwe visa requirements, you’re one step closer to discovering the incredible historical and natural sites, landscapes (Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba), wildlife (Hwange) and a historical level (Matobo and Great Zimbabwe), Zimbabwe has to offer!

This post is designed to provide you with all the information you need to obtain your Zimbabwe visa from start to finish.

It will provide you with the correct information so you can avoid common mistakes people make in obtaining a tourist visa.

As of the time of writing this article, the information described below is accurate. Please refer to the Zimbabwe Embassy for updated information.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Zimbabwe?

This is one of the most popular questions that get asked – do I need a Zimbabwe visa to travel to Zimbabwe?

There are over 20 African countries that United States citizens do not need a visa to visit. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe is not one of them. In fact, a visa is required for most citizens of the United States, European Union, including French nationals, Swiss and Canadians are also subject to this rule. 

The group classifies countries into categories that determine what Zimbabwe visa application type a person of that country has to follow.

Citizens of the countries listed in this category do not require a visa to visit Zimbabwe. From the list , you can see that most of the countries have African heritage like South Africa, Swaziland, and Jamaica, with a few exceptions like Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Aruba, Samoa Western, and Cyprus.

Citizens of these countries can apply for their Zimbabwe visa when they arrive in Zimbabwe. This category is where the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom falls under.

Citizens of these countries need to apply for their visa prior to visiting Zimbabwe. The countries listed here comprise of most other African and Middle Eastern countries.

The e-visa website provides a search box so you can quickly find what category you belong to. It comes in handy and can be found here .

This post is designed to provide you with the best visa procedures, Zimbabwe visa requirements, and tips to obtain your visa before traveling to Zimbabwe. Now that we have answered your question on whether or not you need a visa to visit Zimbabwe, here are some common follow up question. 

If I do need a visa, what type of visa do I need? What documents will I need to apply for a visa? and what is the best way to go about applying for a Zimbabwe visa? 

Keep reading for specific answers to each question. But first…

Types of Visas

There are four types of visas, which are self-explanatory:

Holiday Visa

Transit visa, business visa, conference visa.

The holiday visa is what is commonly known as a tourist visa . You’ll have to apply for this visa if you are required to have a visa and plan to vacation or visit family in Zimbabwe.

If Zimbabwe is not your final destination and you have a layover or connecting flight, then you’ll have to apply for this type of visa.

If you plan on conducting any business-related or commercial activity during your stay, then you need to apply for this type of visa. Your stay is only approved for 30 days and the visa cannot be renewed.

As the name implies, if the purpose of your trip is to attend a conference, this is the visa you apply for. Most countries include the conference visa category in the business category but not Zimbabwe. Your stay is only approved for 30 days and the visa cannot be renewed.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Zimbabwe Visa?

Below are the documents you need to have to meet the minimum Zimbabwe visa requirements to ensure your tourist visa gets approved by the immigration personnel. However, it is recommended that you add any other pertinent information that will help your application.

Required documents

• 2 recent passport photo
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Zimbabwe
• Passport holders are required to have at least a blank page on their passport although we recommend you have two
• Visa fee can be paid using Credit or debit card for e-visa applications and money order or bank draft  (no personal check) for in-person application or via mail to the embassy.
• Previous Zimbabwean visa (if applicable)
• Letter of invitation or hotel confirmation showing the address where you will reside in Zimbabwe
• Return ticket showing departure out of Zimbabwe
• Proof of sufficient financial support for the duration of your trip to Zimbabwe (bank statement)
• Self-addressed, stamped return envelope (Express Mail or Priority Mail) only applies to those who applied for a visa in person at the embassy or via mail

Make sure these documents are valid so you don’t run into any immigration issues.

For those applying for business or conference visa, you have a few additional documents requested. You can find the list of the documents on the Zimbabwe Embassy website.

Apply for your Zimbabwe Visa

There are three main ways to apply for a Zimbabwe visa:

Apply on Arrival

• At an Embassy

The list of the documents outlined above in the Zimbabwe visa requirements section is the same regardless of what method you use to apply for your visa. I’ll share the pros and cons of each application methods so you can be enlightening on the way that will work best for you.

The recommended way to apply for a Zimbabwe visa, especially for the United States, Canadian, and United Kingdom citizens or the citizens of any country that is listed in the Category B. 

You simply apply for your Zimbabwe visa at the port of entry in Zimbabwe. Once you get to customs, you’ll have to present the documents we outlined in the Zimbabwe visa requirement section to the immigration office. If you have all the documents, you shouldn’t run into any issues.

Your visa can only be issued at the Harare (HRE), the Bulawayo (BUQ), and the Victoria Falls (VFA) International Airports. It will cost you between $30 and $100. Plan to have the exact amount in cash (preferably in US dollars). However, it is impossible to obtain a visa for Zimbabwe for more than two entries outside a diplomatic representation.

I strongly recommend travelers to confirm the information needed to obtain a visa on arrival directly from the Zimbabwe Embassy since the requirements can sometimes change without notice.

PROS : Applying for a visa at the border is simple, convenient, and cheaper than the other methods.

CONS : Since there’s a degree of uncertainty as to whether or not you’re going to be approved for the visa, this option may not be the best if you’re traveling as a group or a family, and also for those that like to reduce any uncertainty.

Apply at the Embassy with Embassy Pick Up or Return Mail

You can apply for your Zimbabwe visa at an Embassy in your country of residence. If you choose the option, you have to physically go to the nearest Zimbabwe Embassy. 

As of the writing of this post, the only Embassy located in the United States is on the East Coast:

Embassy of Zimbabwe 1608 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009

Before driving or for some readers, traveling to the embassy, the first step is to fill out the visa application form. The Zimbabwe visa application form can be found at the Embassy’s website here . Make sure you choose the right form that fits your situation to prevent processing delay.

The visa application form will also have a list of supporting documents you need to present to the immigration representative during your interview at the Embassy.

After your interview by the Zimbabwe immigration offer, a decision will be made on your application. Amongst other things, your approval or denial of the visa also depends on whether or not you’ve provided sufficient proof of residency in your country.

Note that visa approval is at the discretion of the interviewing officer regardless of if you have every document requested.

Once your application is approved, you have two options to receive your passport with the visa. You can have the embassy mail it to you or you can wait to pick it up.

I strongly advise you to wait for your passport to reduce the possibility of your passport getting lost at the Embassy or in transit from the embassy by the Post Office.

However, if you are unable to wait for your passport with the visa, opt for an express delivery option at the post office as this means reduced transit time and transfer locations, which in turn drastically reduces the chances that your passport will get lost in the mail.

PROS : Peace of mind for those that need some certainty on their visa status before traveling thousands of miles away.

CONS : Applying for a visa at the embassy can be time-consuming especially if you don’t have an embassy location near you. Also, when you factor in travel expenses like airfare and/or hotel accommodation, the cost could add up quickly; this becomes an expensive option for a lot of people. If you use the return mail service, there is an increased risk of document loss during mailing or at the Embassy. 

Apply Online (eVisa)

Citizens in category C are required to apply for a visa prior to traveling to Zimbabwe. The travelers can now apply for a visa online prior to traveling to Zimbabwe instead of in person at an embassy.

The Zimbabwe e-visa (electronic visa) platform allows foreign citizens to apply for their visa for Zimbabwe 100% online. This saves the traveler time and can be easily obtained from anywhere in the world.

The electronic visa will be issued and paid by the online applicant. Applicants will receive an e-mail confirming that their application form for the electronic visa was sent successfully. 

I recommend you print a copy of the visa approval document and keep it with your passport. 

You will have to present this document when boarding the flight and again at immigration upon entering Zimbabwe.

PROS : Applying for your visa online is quick, simple and convenient since it can be done from the comfort of your home. Also, your eVisa application usually gets approved within 48 hours.

CONS : The only downside to applying for your visa online is minor. If you lose your copy of your visa approval document, you may have to spend some additional time following up with the embassy to retrieve your record.

What if I have a Connecting Flight or Transit through Zimbabwe?

In the case where you will transit through Zimbabwe, here’s what you need to know. 

If you have only a connecting flight at Zimbabwe, you don’t have to do anything on your part as long as you do not plan on exiting the airport.

For those looking for a thrilling experience in Zimbabwe even for a few hours or an extended layover, you’ll need to visa to enter the country. 

You can follow the steps outlined above as you would if Zimbabwe was your final destination. 

Other Zimbabwe Visa Requirement Rules to be Aware of

For those traveling to Zimbabwe with children, your children will also need a visa to travel to Zimbabwe. The parent will be required to provide the customs officers with a birth certificate for each child. 

The birth certificate has to be translated into English if in a different language. The immigration officer requests to see a birth certificate to make sure you’re traveling with your children to reduce the case of child trafficking.

Keep in mind that the standard tourist visa you will get allows you to stay in Zimbabwe for up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply to extend your visa and fulfill the Zimbabwe visa requirements again. 

To apply for an extension while you’re in Zimbabwe, you can apply at the port of entry for Category A or B applications. If you have already left the airport, go to:

Department of Immigration Headquarters 1st Floor Linquenda House Nelson Mandela Avenue P Bag 7717 Causeway Harare, Zimbabwe

U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe

If you’re a U.S. citizen, I suggest you register with the STEP program before any international trip. The same applies when visiting Zimbabwe. 

The embassy has programs that provide notification, relief, and support in case of emergency to U.S. citizens. The entire process can be completed online. And for your reference, here is the address for the U.S embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe.

U.S. Embassy Harare 2 Lorraine Dr, Bluffhill Harare, Zimbabwe Phone: +263-867-701-1000

Zimbabwe Visa Requirements Final Takeaways

That’s it! Pretty straight forward right? You now know all there is to know about visa procedures for Zimbabwe. 

If you follow our directions outlined in this post, you should not have any problems. Make sure you have all your required and supplemental documents if you plan to apply for your visa on arrival.

It would be a shame to be denied entry into Zimbabwe at the border after a long flight and the thrill of an exciting adventure.

Are you in need of Zimbabwe travel tips, packing guides, and amazing things to do in the home of Victoria Falls?

You’ll love our comprehensive Zimbabwe packing list (pack the right things for your trip), the best things to do in Zimbabwe (highlights bucket list activities and sightseeing for tourists), and don’t forget our Guide to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Parks , and the Great Zimbabwe Ruin . 

For other African countries to consider on your next trip, our post on the Safest African Countries to visit will provide a great overview. For an in-depth post on everything you need to know before visiting Zimbabwe, read our  Zimbabwe travel guide . As always, thanks for reading.

PIN FOR LATER!

You may also enjoy:

10 absolute best things to do in zimbabwe …, maputo 2024: best of maputo, mozambique travel and ….

I applied for a holiday visa about a week ago and still waiting to hear back. I travel in a few days from the US to Zimbabwe. I hold a Nigeria Passport which requires an e-visa. If I don’t get my visa before my travel date, can I still get on the flight to Zim and get a visa on arrival? Thanks for your input.

Hi Jd, it’s unlikely that you’ll be allowed to board the plane with a visa or something showing you’ll get your visa on arrival. If possible, call and email (so you have written proof) the embassy requesting to switch to visa-on-arrival since your e-visa may not arrive before your depart. Definitely explain your circumstance and the urgency. We’ve had a similar experience (with Tanzanian visa) but an email did the trick. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

xo ~ Louisa

I’m traveling date18/I need visa on arval I’m from Ethiopian

Hi Selamu, looks like you can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Zimbabwe when coming from Ethiopia (double-check this information though). More information here . Safe travels!

I will be travelling to Zim mid Nov 2021 for 2 months to visit my brother. After a week in Zim I intend to do a safari in Namibia flying Harare to Windhoek, then flying to Zim, Vic Falls overnight before flying to Botswana for a week. Then reentry to Zim for Christmas. How do I handle visa entries? Can this all be done at border using single entry? I am using a USA passport. Thanks

Hello Penny, I’m so excited that you’re visiting the motherland in November. The only country where I’ve seen they allow you to use a single entry visa to reenter the country is Kenya because they have an East Africa visa, so as long as you travel within those East African countries, you don’t need a visa. I don’t believe Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe have those alliances. You should be able to get your visa at the border, but I’m strongly against it.

Sometimes, things not within your control can happen. For example, we waited at the border for over 3 hours in Mozambique because the printer used to print the visa on your passport broken down. I know that’s an extreme case, but it does happen. So for countries that have e-visa and since the pandemic, most countries have improved their online application process, I would encourage you to apply online. Here’s how to get started with the Zimbabwe e-visa .

Have additional questions? Just ask away!

Love, Lydia

On arrival (I assume in Harare), you will need to ask for a double entry visa, which you will also use for your return from Namibia. Then on your return from Botswana for Christmas, you will need to get your second visa which can be single entry. Flying is basically the only option at the moment as land borders are closed except for commercial trucks etc., and I suspect that won’t change for a while.

Keep in mind that you will also need to sort out PCR tests for the different countries. For Zimbabwe ( https://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/zimbabwe-covid19-latest-travel-news.html ), and Botswana ( https://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/botswana-covid19-requirements.html ). Namibia require the test within 7 days of travel.

I hope this helps. Happy travels 🙂

Thanks for chiming in, Faniso!?

Follow Us Around the World

Our next destination.

Fez, Morocco