Zimbabwe Travel and Entry Requirements

Travelling to Zimbabwe for leisure or business purposes. Zimbabwe has its own travel and entry requirement for the travelers. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information on the travel and entry requirements for visiting Zimbabwe, covering a brief about topics such as Zimbabwean e-Visa types, the application process, documents required and the immigration process.

Importance of Understanding Entry Requirements

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the latest entry requirements to avoid any inconvenience or delays at the border. Immigration authorities may deny entry to travelers who do not meet the necessary criteria.

What is an e-Visa?

An eVisa is an online visa document that allows foreign nationals to enter Zimbabwe. An eVisa is a more convenient option for travelers than a traditional visa.

Who is Eligible for e-Visa for Zimbabwe?

Citizen from eligible countries can apply for a Zimbabwe e-Visa for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The e-Visa is available to citizens of many countries of Zimbabwe’s visa policy. Applicants must have a valid passport, a recent photograph, and sufficient funds for their stay. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on nationality, intended purpose of travel, and length of stay. 

Types Of e-Visa for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has different types of e-visa, each with its specific purpose and uses. The traveler must know what type of e-visa they require for their travel purpose.

Certainly, here's a table differentiating the types of e-Visas for Zimbabwe:

How to Apply for a Zimbabwean e-Visa?

Processing Time For e-Visa Application for Zimbabwe

The e-Visa application for Zimbabwe can be processed as per the selected time by the applicant. They can choose any of the following mentioned processing times:

• Normal Processing: The e-Visa application can be processed within ... by selecting the normal processing.
• Rush Processing: By choosing the rush processing option, the e-Visa application can be processed within ....
• Super Rush Processing: The super processing option prioritize the e-visa application, and the application can be processed under ....

Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival

Zimbabwe offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for eligible travellers visiting for tourism or business. To obtain a Zimbabwe visa on arrival, travellers must arrive at designated entry points, and present a valid passport, return/onward tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds.

The visa fee varies by nationality and must be paid in cash (USD preferred). Immigration officers assess eligibility and grant entry based on compliance with requirements. It is advisable to check the latest VoA rules before travel, as policies may change.

Passport Requirements

To enter Zimbabwe, all travelers must meet specific passport requirements. These requirements ensure smooth entry and exit from the country.

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from Zimbabwe.
• Blank Pages: The passport must have atleast 2 minimum blank pages for entry & exit stamps.

Vaccination Requirements

Maintaining good health while traveling is crucial. For those planning a trip to Zimbabwe, understanding the recommended and required vaccinations is essential for a safe and worry-free experience.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination: Travelers must have a copy of their yellow fever vaccination certificate with them.
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of food and water contamination.
• Polio: An adult booster is recommended for most travelers, even if you completed the primary series as a child.
• Malaria Vaccination: If you are visiting Zimbabwe during the rainy reasons (November to June) then you need to have a malaria vaccination.
• Typhoid: Health professionals recommend this vaccination for most travelers, particularly those who will stay with friends or relatives or visit smaller cities or rural areas.

International Travellers Insurance

Travellers must have valid international traveller's insurance covering all expenses in an emergency. Here’s why:

• Health Standard: The healthcare facilities and services in Zimbabwe can be inconsistent which can result in delay in proper treatment and sometimes they might be asked to pay in cash. The travellers must have travellers medical insurance for these situations.
• High Medical Costs: Medical treatment in Zimbabwe can be expensive especially in emergency situations. The traveler's insurance covers all these expenses.
• Unexpected Events: Travel insurance protects the travellers from unexpected situations such as trip cancellation and repatriation costs.
• Loss, Theft, or Damage: It covers the financial loss if the traveller baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. This includes situations like airlines misplacing your luggage, theft from your hotel room, or damage caused by rough handling.

Zimbabwe Regular Visa Application

Some nationalities are required to apply for a traditional visa, and travelers planning extended stays beyond the e-Visa validity period must also use the traditional visa application process.

• Making a Appointment: Contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for obtaining a visa.
• Fill The Form: Obtain the appropriate visa application form from the embassy. Fill the application form accurately and completely, ensuring all information is correct and up-to-date.
• Documentation: Prepare all necessary supporting documents as per the embassy's guidelines. This may include:
  • Passport
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Proof of financial means
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Travel itinerary
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Medical certificates (if required)
• Pay The Fee: Pay the applicable visa fees as instructed by the embassy. Payment methods may vary, such as cash, or credit card.
• Attending the Visa Interview: Attend the scheduled interview at the embassy or consulate and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and provide any additional information requested by the visa officer.

Immigration At Zimbabwean Airport

The travelers who are arriving at Zimbabwe must follow, the standard immigration process. They must provide all the required documents during the immigration process and declare all the baggage items that they are carrying with them. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Present Documents: During the immigration process the traveler are aksed to present the required documents for their entry into Zimbabwe.
• Answer Questions: Answer all the questions correctly and patiently that are being asked by the immigration personnels.
• Pets: The travelers that are travelling with their pets in Zimbabwe must have a health certificate for rabies vaccination and permission from the Commissioner Of Customs. 
• Baggage: The baggage should be in the allowed limit and plastic bags are not allowed in Zimbabwe.
• Currency Declaration: The traveler must declare the exact amount of currency that they are carrying with them when filling the declaration form. However, it was advised for the traveller that they must not exceed the allowed currency amount.
• Restricted Goods: There are certain goods that are banned in Zimbabwe the travellers are advised not carry any kind of dangerous or explosive items as they might be asked for the same during the immigration process.

Customs Regulations

Zimbabwe's customs regulations are designed to control the import and export of goods, protect the country's economy, and ensure national security.

Duty-Free Allowances:

What are Duty-Free Allowances? When you travel, you might be able to bring certain goods into a country without paying import taxes (duties). This is called a duty-free allowance or traveler's rebate. These allowances are granted to genuine travelers who meet specific rules. There are two main types of duty-free allowances: 

• Full Rebate: When you travel, you might be able to bring some personal items with you without paying import taxes. This is called a full rebate. It applies to all your used personal belongings. Think of "personal effects" as things you wear or carry, like used clothes and toiletries. However, some items are not included in this full rebate, such as radios, cameras, and similar items. These might be subject to some duty.
• Partial Rebates: This is another type of duty-free allowance for goods you bring into Zimbabwe. You can use this partial rebate only “once” each calendar month, on the very first day you enter Zimbabwe that month. With this rebate, you're allowed to bring in goods worth up to USD 150-200 (per person) for your own personal use without paying import tax.

What travelers can bring into Zimbabwe without duties?

Travelers can bring in goods worth between $150 and $200 duty-free per person, provided these items are for personal use. See below for a list of eligible goods.

Restricted and Prohibited Items.

Travelers must note that the Zimbabwean Immigration Department has outlined a list of prohibited and banned items that must not be carried into the country.

Currency and Financial Requirements

For travel to Zimbabwe, US dollars are widely accepted, though the official currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). Cash is essential, particularly outside major cities, as card use is limited. ATMs may dispense ZWL. Travelers should check with their bank regarding international transaction fees and notify them of their travel plans.

• Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL): While the official currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar, US dollars are widely accepted for transactions, especially in tourist areas.
• Smaller Denominations: It's advisable to carry US dollars, particularly smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10), as they are commonly used and can be more convenient for smaller purchases and tips.
• Cash: It's essential to carry sufficient cash for your trip, as credit card acceptance can be limited, especially outside major cities. It is needed for smaller purchases, local transportation, markets, and some restaurants and shops.
• ATMs: While ATMs are available in major cities, they may dispense Zimbabwean dollars. Travelers should check with their bank regarding international ATM fees and currency exchange rates before using their cards in Zimbabwe.
• Use of foreign currency and credit cards: Credit cards are generally accepted in major Zimbabwean cities, but travelers should check with their card issuer regarding international use policies and any associated fees. While credit cards can often be used for car rentals, cash is commonly used for hotel payments. However, it's always best to confirm accepted payment methods directly with your hotel before your arrival.

Tips for Travellers

• Provide all the details correct in the e-Visa application.
• By using the “Add Applicant” option, the applicant can add the details for their travel partner.
• By using the Super processing option 
• Carry a water bottle when you are travelling to Zimbabwe.
• Compare different types of travel insurance policies and select whichever matches your requirements.
• Zimbabwe uses plug types D and G, so bring the correct adaptors for your electronic devices.
•  Plan activities and accommodations suitable for children.

Conclusion

A journey to Zimbabwe promises a wealth of experiences, but adequate preparation and awareness of the nation's entry protocols are key. By grasping the visa application procedure, essential paperwork, and immigration formalities, you can guarantee a seamless and effortless trip. Remember to request the correct e-Visa, assemble the necessary documents, and acquaint yourself with customs regulations to maximize your Zimbabwean adventure.

Frequently Asked Question

Content Disclaimer: While this information was most recently updated in January 2025, we advise consulting with the relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines to confirm the most up-to-date and accurate information for your travel plans.