Zimbabwe Visa Requirements

Zimbabwe, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, attracts tourists, business travellers, and expatriates worldwide. Most travellers require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. This guide provides detailed information on the different types of visas, application procedures, and specific requirements for various categories of travellers.

Understanding Zimbabwe E-visa

An e-visa is an official document that allows visitors to enter Zimbabwe for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. The e-Visa is applied for and obtained online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Citizens from most countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa to Zimbabwe. However, it’s important to check the specific visa requirements for your country before applying.

ADD Eligible country list for Zimbabwe E-visa

How many types of E-visas does Zimbabwe offer?

Zimbabwe provides various electronic visas (e-visas) to streamline the entry process for international visitors. These e-visas cater to different travel purposes and depend on the traveller's nationality. The main categories of e-visas available in Zimbabwe are:

Tourist/Holiday Visa

This visa is designed for individuals visiting Zimbabwe for leisure or holiday purposes. It allows for either single or double entry and is typically valid for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Business Visa

This visa is for those intending to engage in business activities, such as meetings, seminars, or short-term projects, without entering the Zimbabwean workforce.

Conference Visa

Issued to individuals attending conferences, workshops, or seminars in Zimbabwe. The requirements for this visa are similar to those for a business visa.

Transit Visa

This visa is for travellers who are passing through Zimbabwe en route to another destination. It is generally valid for up to 72 hours.

Student Visa

Designed for foreign nationals planning to undertake full-time study at a Zimbabwean educational institution. Applicants need to 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 length of the study period.

KAZA UNIVISA

This unique visa allows travellers to explore Zimbabwe and Zambia, including day trips to Botswana via the Kazungula borders. It is valid for up to 30 days and is ideal for tourists wanting to experience multiple regions in the area. This visa can be obtained upon arrival at major airports in Zimbabwe and Zambia, as well as at land border crossings.

Benefits of Zimbabwe E-visa

The Zimbabwe e-Visa offers several benefits that make travelling to Zimbabwe more convenient and efficient. Here are the key advantages:

Convenience

• Online Application: The entire process can be completed online, eliminating the need to visit a Zimbabwean embassy or consulate.
• Ease of Access: With internet access, applications can be submitted from anywhere in the world.

Time-Saving

• Quick Processing: E-visa applications are typically processed faster than traditional visa applications.
• Reduced Waiting Time: Travellers avoid long queues at embassies or consulates since the visa is issued electronically.

Simplified Process

• User-Friendly System: The application process is straightforward and designed to be user-friendly.
• Clear Instructions: Applicants receive instructions on the required documents and steps to complete the application.

Cost-Effective

• Lower Costs: The e-visa process often incurs fewer costs compared to traditional visa application methods, which might include travel expenses to embassies.

Accessibility

• Immediate Access: Once approved, the e-visa is sent directly to the applicant’s email, ready to print and present upon arrival.
• Multiple Entry Points: e-Visas are accepted at major airports and land border crossings, offering flexibility in travel plans.

Improved Security

• Digital Verification: The electronic system reduces the risk of lost or stolen visa documents.
• Secure Payment: Payments for the e-Visa fee are made online through secure payment gateways.

Planning and Flexibility

• Advance Approval: Travelers receive visa approval before departure, allowing for better travel planning and peace of mind.
• Multiple Visa Types: The availability of different e-Visa types (tourist, business, conference, transit, student, KAZA UNIVISA) caters to various travel purposes.

Environmental Benefits

• Paperless Process: The e-Visa application process is primarily digital, reducing the need for paper forms and physical documents.

Eligibility Criteria for Zimbabwe E-visa

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Zimbabwe e-visa depend on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. Below are the guidelines for eligibility across different types of Zimbabwe e-visas:

Tourist/Holiday Visa

• Eligibility: Available to citizens of countries eligible for the Zimbabwe e-visa.
• Purpose: For tourism or holiday purposes only.

Business Visa

• Eligibility: Open to applicants from countries eligible for Zimbabwe business visas.
• Purpose: For business-related activities such as meetings, negotiations, or short-term projects.

Conference Visa

• Eligibility: Dependent on the applicant’s nationality and the visa agreement between Zimbabwe and the applicant's country.
• Purpose: For attending conferences, seminars, or workshops.

Transit Visa

• Eligibility: This is for nationals who need a visa to enter Zimbabwe and travel to a third country.
• Purpose: For travellers passing through Zimbabwe on their way to another destination.

Student Visa

• Eligibility: Foreign nationals who have been accepted into a registered educational institution in Zimbabwe.
• Purpose: For undertaking full-time studies.

KAZA UNIVISA

• Eligibility: Available to citizens of 65 countries (subject to updates; check the latest information).
• Purpose: For tourism within Zimbabwe and Zambia, including day trips to Botswana.

Required documents for Zimbabwe E-visa

When applying for a Zimbabwe e-visa, applicants generally need to provide several essential documents to support their application. The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of visa. Here is a general list of commonly required documents:

Tourist/Holiday Visa

• Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport Scan: Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
• Proof of Residence of Host: If applicable.
• Destination Address: The address where the applicant will stay in Zimbabwe.
• Previous Zimbabwean Visa: If previously issued, include a copy.

If Hosted by a Citizen or Resident:

• Host Invitation Letter: Invitation from the host in Zimbabwe.
• Proof of Host's Residence: Proof of the host's residential address.
• Host's Residential Status: Copy of the host’s identity card or residence permit.
• Application Letter: Letter from the applicant outlining the purpose of the visit.

Business Visa

• Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport Scan: Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
• Proof of Residence of Host: If applicable.
• Invitation Letter: Letter of invitation from the business in Zimbabwe.
• Business Letter from Sending Company: Letter from the applicant's company.
• Previous Zimbabwean Visa: If previously issued, include a copy.
• Business Profile: The business profile of the traveller, especially for prospective investors.

Conference Visa

• Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport Scan: Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
• Proof of Residence of Host: If applicable.
• Previous Zimbabwean Visa: If previously issued, include a copy.
• Letter of Invitation: Invitation letter for the conference, seminar, or workshop.

Transit Visa

• Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport Scan: Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
• Proof of Host's Residence: If applicable.
• Travel Reason Documentation: Documentation supporting the reason for travel to the destination country.

Student Visa

• Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport Scan: Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
• Letter of Acceptance: Acceptance letter from the school or college in Zimbabwe.
• Previous Visa/Permit: If previously issued, include a copy.

KAZA UNIVISA

• Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport Scan: Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or an invitation from a host.
• Evidence of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or other proof of financial means.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required if applicable based on travel history.

How to Apply for a Zimbabwe E-Visa

Follow these simple steps to apply for a Zimbabwe e-visa:

1. Visit the E-Visa Website: Begin your application on the Zimbabwe e-visa portal.
2. Complete the Application Form: Provide the necessary details, including personal information, passport details, and travel plans.
3. Upload Required Documents: Typically, you will need to upload a passport-sized photo, a copy of your passport, and additional documents such as invitation letters or business letters, depending on the type of visa.
4. Make Payment: The fee varies based on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Payments are generally made online using a credit or debit card.
5. Submit the Application: Review your information for accuracy before applying.
6. Wait for Approval: Processing times can vary, but applicants usually receive their visa within a few days.

Cost of Zimbabwe E-visa

The cost of a Zimbabwe e-visa depends on several factors. To determine the specific fee for your e-visa, visit the Zimbabwe visa fee page. Here are the factors that influence the cost:

• Type of Visa: Different visa types have varying fees.
• Applicant's Nationality: The fee varies based on the applicant's country.
• Number of Entries: Single, double, or multiple entries have different fees.
• Processing Time: Fees may be higher for expedited processing.

The Zimbabwe visa fee page provides a fee table or a tool to check the exact cost for your specific visa requirements.

Processing Time of Zimbabwe E-visa

The processing time for a Zimbabwe e-visa can vary, allowing travellers to choose an option that best fits their travel plans and urgency. When applying for a Zimbabwe e-visa, applicants can select from the following processing options:

• Standard Processing: Takes between 1 to 6 business days.
• Urgent Processing: Expedites the process to within 1 to 3 business days.
• Super Urgent Processing: Ensures processing in less than 24 hours.

These options enable travellers to select the processing speed that best aligns with their itinerary and the urgency of travel.

Validity Period of the Zimbabwe E-Visa

The Zimbabwe e-visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, covering all types of e-visas, including tourist, business, conference, and transit visas.

However, keep in mind these important points regarding your stay:

• Maximum Stay: The e-visa permits a maximum stay of 30 days for a single-entry visa and 60 days for a double-entry visa, regardless of the three-month validity period.

Entry Requirements: While the e-visa is valid for three months, it only allows entry into Zimbabwe within that timeframe. Once you enter, your stay must not exceed the 30 or 60-day limit, depending on your visa type.

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