Zimbabwe travel entry requirements: visas and documents

Zimbabwe is famous for Victoria Falls, wildlife reserves, and cultural heritage. Before traveling, it is important to understand the country’s entry requirements. Being well-prepared helps you avoid delays at the airport or border and makes your trip easier from the start.

Do you need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Most travelers need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. The exact rules depend on your nationality. Some citizens of neighboring countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) may enter without a visa for short visits. Many other travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival, but this often involves waiting in long lines and paying fees in cash.

A better option for many nationalities is the Zimbabwe eVisa. This allows you to apply online before leaving home and arrive with approval in hand. If you come from a country that is not covered by either of these options, you must apply through a Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in advance.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ZIMBABWE EVISA

Zimbabwe visa types and validity

Travelers can choose different visas depending on the purpose of the trip:

• Tourist visa: For holidays, sightseeing, or visiting family. Usually valid for 30 days.

• Business visa: For work trips, conferences, or meetings. Length of stay depends on approval.

• Transit visa: For travelers passing through Zimbabwe on the way to another destination.

Documents needed to enter Zimbabwe

When applying for a Zimbabwe eVisa, you will need the following:

• • Passport photo: This must have a white background and be a high-quality image taken recently.

• Valid passport: It must be valid for at least six months after arrival. Indian applicants must also upload the last page of the passport.

• Proof of residence: This is required for holiday, business, conference, and study travel. This can be a utility bill, resident card, or national ID showing your name and address.

• Proof of accommodation: This is required for holiday travel. It can be a hotel booking or other confirmation of stay.

• Host’s proof of residence and invitation letter: Required if staying with a Zimbabwean host.

• Invitation letter: This is required for business travel. It must be a formal letter that includes the applicant’s name, reason for travel, travel dates, and a signature.

• Business profile or CV: This is required for business travel. It should be a professional profile or resume.

Zimbabwe vaccination requirements and health checks

Health checks are an important part of Zimbabwe’s entry requirements. If you are traveling from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is present, you must present a valid vaccination certificate. While not mandatory for all travelers, vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid are strongly recommended.

Malaria is also present in some regions of the country, so it is wise to take preventive medication and pack insect repellent.

Zimbabwe customs rules and border entry process

On arrival, immigration officers will check your documents and stamp your passport. You may also be required to declare cash amounts over USD 10,000. Bringing in restricted or prohibited items, such as wildlife products, controlled medicines without prescriptions, or drones without prior approval, can lead to fines or confiscation.

How to apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa with iVisa

Still have questions?

Our customer support team is available to answer your questions about the Zimbabwe eVisa or traveling to Zimbabwe in general. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.