Zimbabwe

General Information on Zimbabwe Visas

Located in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe welcomes thousands of tourists each year with its magnificent Victoria Falls, rich wildlife, and unique landscapes. Citizens of many countries, including those requiring a visa, must obtain one before traveling to Zimbabwe. The visa policy depends on the traveler's nationality.

The visa application process for Zimbabwe, while varying based on the purpose of travel, offers applicants modern and practical options such as the e-visa and visa on arrival. This guide provides current information for 2026 on the Zimbabwe visa application processes and important points to consider.

Zimbabwe Visa Types and Application Methods

The main visa categories for travel to Zimbabwe are for tourism, business, and transit purposes. Additionally, a joint visa arrangement exists with neighboring Zambia.

Tourist Visa

This is the required visa type for travel intended for holidays, cultural tours, or visiting friends and relatives. Applications can be made online through the official Government of Zimbabwe e-visa portal or as a "visa on arrival" at designated ports of entry.

Business Visa

Individuals traveling for commercial activities such as business meetings, attending trade fairs, or signing contracts must apply for this visa. For business visa applications, an official invitation letter from the company in Zimbabwe is mandatory. E-visa and visa on arrival options are also available for this category.

KAZA UniVisa (Zambia-Zimbabwe Joint Visa)

A great convenience for tourists, the KAZA UniVisa is a special visa that grants multiple entries into both Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days. It is ideal for travelers wishing to see Victoria Falls from both countries. It also allows for day trips to Botswana's Chobe National Park through the Kazungula border. The KAZA UniVisa can be obtained at designated airports and land border posts.

Zimbabwe E-Visa and Visa on Arrival Application Process

The two most common answers to the question "how to get a Zimbabwe visa" are the e-visa and visa on arrival. Both methods have their own specific steps and requirements.

E-Visa Application Steps (Recommended Method)

1. Create an account on the official Zimbabwe e-visa portal.
2. Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
3. Scan and upload the passport's biographical page, a biometric photo, and other supporting documents (flight tickets, hotel reservations, etc.).
4. Pay the visa fee online via credit card.
5. The application is typically processed within 2-3 business days, and the visa approval letter is sent via email.
6. A printout of this letter must be presented along with the passport to the immigration officer upon arrival.

Visa on Arrival Application

The visa on arrival facility is available at major points of entry such as Harare and Victoria Falls International Airports. Upon arrival, the applicant must go to the visa section, fill out an application form, present the necessary documents, and pay the visa fee, usually in cash (US Dollars). As there can be long waiting times during peak periods and to mitigate the risk of any issues, the e-visa method is generally recommended.

Required Visa Documents for 2026

Regardless of the application method, the following documents are generally required for a Zimbabwe visa:

• Passport: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from Zimbabwe, with at least two blank pages.
• Biometric Photograph: One recent passport-sized photo (35x45 mm) taken within the last 6 months against a white background (a digital copy for e-visa).
• Travel and Accommodation Documents: Round-trip flight reservation and hotel reservation or an invitation letter stating the accommodation address.
• Proof of Financial Means: Documents such as bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover travel expenses.
• Zimbabwe Business Visa Documents (Additional): An official invitation letter on the letterhead of the Zimbabwean company, stamped and signed; a letter from the applicant's company in their home country explaining the purpose of the trip.

Travel Health Conditions: Yellow Fever Vaccine

The requirement for a Zimbabwe yellow fever vaccination depends on whether the traveler has been in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission within the 10 days prior to travel. For travelers arriving directly from countries not on the World Health Organization's risk list (such as most of Europe and North America), a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required. However, if your travel itinerary includes a transit or stay in a high-risk country, the certificate may become mandatory. It is essential to check with your airline or a public health authority for the most current information before your trip.

The Zimbabwe Visa Process with Hermes Vize

To streamline your Zimbabwe visa application process and minimize potential errors with professional support, you can utilize the services of Hermes Vize's experienced team. We guide you through every stage, from filling out the application form to checking your documents, ensuring your application is complete and accurate. Contact us to get information on current procedures and to start your application process.