Zimbabwe, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Victoria Falls, has implemented an electronic visa (e-visa) system. This system is a key part of Zimbabwe's strategy to enhance tourism by simplifying the visa application procedure in order to make it easier and more effective. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a Zimbabwe e-visa.
Zimbabwe E-visa in Brief
The Zimbabwe Department of Immigration introduced the E-visa program to expedite and simplify the visa application process for international visitors. This electronic authorisation eliminates the need for in-person visits to Zimbabwean embassies or consulates, offering a more convenient solution.
Types of E-visas Zimbabwe Offers
Zimbabwe offers several types of electronic visas (e-visas) to facilitate the entry of international visitors. These e-visas vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the nationality of the traveller. Here are the primary categories of e-visas that Zimbabwe provides:
Tourist/Holiday Visa:
This visa was created for people who want to visit Zimbabwe for leisure or holiday purposes. A visa for one entry or two entries is valid for 30 to 90 days.
Business Visa:
Intended for those who plan to engage in business-related activities such as meetings, seminars, or short-term projects but will not be entering the Zimbabwean workforce.
Conference Visa:
Issued to individuals attending conferences, workshops, or seminars in Zimbabwe. This visa has requirements similar to those of a business visa.
Transit Visa:
For travelers who are passing through Zimbabwe to reach another destination. This visa is typically valid for up to 72 hours.
Student Visa:
Those who are foreign nationals and plan to undertake full-time study at an educational institution in Zimbabwe. Applicants must provide admission letters from the institution, proof of accommodation, and evidence of financial support for the duration of their studies. The visa is usually granted for the period of study.
KAZA UNIVISA:
This unique visa allows travellers to explore both Zimbabwe and Zambia and covers day trips to Botswana through the Kazungula borders. It is valid for up to 30 days and is ideal for tourists who want to experience multiple regions in the area. At major airports in Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as at land border crossings, this visa can be obtained upon arrival.
The Zimbabwe Department of Immigration reserves the right to change your visa type( Single/Double) during processing at its discretion. This may affect the cost of your visa, which will be stated in your approval response.
Eligibility Criteria For Zimbabwe E-visa
The eligibility criteria for obtaining an e-visa to Zimbabwe vary depending on the visa type and the applicant's nationality. Here are the guidelines for eligibility across different types of Zimbabwe e-visas:
Visa Type
Eligibility Criteria (Nationality)
Purpose
Tourist/Holiday
Citizens from countries eligible for an e-visa
Solely for tourism or holiday purposes
Business
Applicants from countries that are eligible for business visas
Related to business activities like meetings, negotiations, or short-term projects
Conference
Depends on the applicant's country and its visa agreement with Zimbabwe
Attending a conference, seminar, or workshop
Transit
Nationals who require a visa to enter Zimbabwe and are travelling to a third country
Travelling through Zimbabwe en route to another destination
Student
Foreign nationals accepted to a registered educational institution in Zimbabwe
To undertake full-time studies
KAZA UNIVISA
Citizens of 65 countries (varies; check for updates)
Tourism within Zimbabwe and Zambia, and day trips into Botswana
Am I Eligible for a Zimbabwe E-visa?
The general eligibility criteria for obtaining an e-visa to Zimbabwe is
Nationality: Depends on the applicant's country of origin. Some can apply online, others through a Zimbabwean embassy. Check the official e-visa portal for the list of eligible countries.
Purpose of Visit: Must align with the visa type, such as tourism, business, study, transit, or conference attendance.
Validity of Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months following the date of entry into Zimbabwe and contain at least 1 blank page.
Health Requirements: Proof of vaccination, like a Yellow Fever certificate, may be needed based on travel history.
Online Application: Completion of an online form with accurate information is required.
Financial Sufficiency: Applicants must show they can financially support their stay in Zimbabwe.
What are the documents required to apply for Zimbabwe E-visa?
When applying for a Zimbabwe e-visa, applicants must provide several key documents to support their application. The particular paperwork may differ based on the type of visa, but here is a general list of commonly required documents:
Tourist/Holiday Visa:
Passport photo
Passport scan of biodata page
Proof of residence of Host (where applicable)
The destination's address
Prior Visa for Zimbabwe (If so, please attach a copy.)
When a citizen or resident hosts guests, include
Host Invitation Letter
Proof of Residence
Residential Status Of Host, e.g. identity card copy or residence permits
Application Letter
Business Visa:
Passport photo
Passport scan of biodata page
Proof of residence of Host (where applicable)
Invitation letter and business profile
Business Letter from sending company
Previous Zimbabwean Visa (attach a copy if yes)
Business profile of traveller (applicable to prospective investors)
Conference Visa:
Passport photo
Passport scan of biodata page
Proof of residence of Host (where applicable)
Previous Zimbabwean Visa (attach a copy if yes)
Letter of Invitation
Transit Visa:
passport picture
Scan of biodata page from passport
Evidence of the host's residency, if any
Reason for travel to the destination country (with supporting documentation, if needed)
Student Visa:
Passport photo
Passport scan of biodata page
Letter of acceptance from school/college
Previous Visa/Permit (attach a copy if yes)
KAZA UNIVISA:
Passport photograph
Scanned Bio-data page
Proof of hotel bookings or an invitation from a host.
Evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required based on travel history.
How to Apply for a Zimbabwe E-Visa
A straightforward procedure for submitting an application for a Zimbabwe e-visa:
Visit the E-Visa Website: Start your application at the Zimbabwe e-visa portal.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the required details, including personal information, passport details, and travel plans.
Upload Necessary Documents: This typically includes a passport-sized photo, a copy of the passport, and, depending on the visa type, additional documents such as letters of invitation or business letters.
Make Payment: Fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Payment is usually made via credit or debit card.
Submit the Application: Make sure everything is correct before submitting an application.
Wait for Approval: Processing times may differ, but applicants typically receive their visa within a few days.
Zimbabwe E-visa Fee
The cost of a Zimbabwe e-visa varies based on several factors. You can visit the Zimbabwe visa fee page to find out the specific fee for your e-visa. Here are the details:
Type of Visa: Different visa types may have different fees.
Applicant's Nationality: Fees can vary based on the applicant's country.
Number of Entries: Single, double, or multiple entries have different costs.
Processing Time: Fees may increase if faster processing is required.
The Zimbabwe visa fee page includes a fee table or a fee-checking tool, allowing you to easily verify the exact visa fee according to your specific needs.
Processing Time for Zimbabwe E-visa
When applying for a Zimbabwe e-visa, applicants can choose from several processing options, depending on how quickly they need the visa. Here's an overview of the available processing times to help you plan your application accordingly:
Normal Processing: 1-6 working days
Urgent Processing: 1-3 working days
Super Urgent Processing: Within 24 hours
What is the Validity Period of Zimbabwe E-visa?
The validity period of a Zimbabwe E-visa is 3 months from the date of issue. This applies to all types of Zimbabwe E-visas, including tourist, business, conference, and transit visas.
However, it's important to remember two additional points regarding permitted stay:
Maximum Stay: The E-visa allows you to stay in Zimbabwe for a maximum of 30 days on a single-entry visa or a maximum of 60 days on a double-entry visa. This is regardless of the three-month validity period.
Entry Requirements: The E-visa is valid for three months but only permits entry within that timeframe. Once you enter Zimbabwe, your stay cannot exceed the 30 or 60-day limit, depending on your visa type.
Disclaimer:- Although this information was last updated in May 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
FAQ
Unfortunately, no. Zimbabwe's E-visa program does not currently allow extensions while you are in the country.
If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa through a Zimbabwean embassy or consulate.
It's essential to carefully examine your application prior to submitting it. Minor errors might be corrected by contacting the e-visa portal. However, for significant errors, you might need to cancel and re-apply (potentially incurring a new application fee).
