Zimbabwe Visa Policy

There are different types of visas available for Zimbabwe. You will be required a visa even if you are transiting through Zimbabwe unless you are from a visa-exempt group.

You can realize your planned trip to Zimbabwe by obtaining a Zimbabwe visa. Foreign nationals can apply to Zimbabwe short-term visas (Single, Double, Multiple entries) e-Visa, via embassy, on arrival, or KAZA UNIVISA for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes).

NB: To obtain a Multiple-entry visa - Tourists first obtain a Single-entry visa at the port of entry and then apply for a multiple entry visa.  If the visa is granted, the process usually takes 7 business days.

Required Documents for Zimbabwe E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years) 
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

3. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

4. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous Zimbabwean visas (if any)

5. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

6. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

7. For Tourism/Sightseeing/Visiting Family and Friends:

• Holiday Visa is issued to foreign nationals entering Zimbabwe on a temporary basis for tourism, sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or other private purposes.
  • Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)

8. For Business/Congress/Sports Travel:

• Business Visa is issued to foreigners traveling to Zimbabwe for business-related purposes, such as consulting or offering services. It may be granted for a period of 30 (thirty) days and is non-renewable.
  • Original invitation letter by the company/organization
  • Business Letter from sending company
  • Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)

9. For Attending a Conference:

• A conference visa is issued to foreigners traveling to Zimbabwe for the purpose of attending a conference, seminar, or workshop. It may be granted for a period of 30 (thirty) days and may not be renewed.
  • Original invitation letter by the company/organization

10. For Transit:

• Transit charges shall be levied on all foreign-registered trucks, busses, and vehicles that use our road network for transit purposes to or from other countries. The current charge is US$10 per 100km traveled. It will be paid at the port of entry before road usage.
  • Flight reservation 

11. When You Arrive in Zimbabwe, You Must Present also:

• Printed Zimbabwe e-visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

Processing Time for Zimbabwe E-visa

The average processing time for Zimbabwe e-visa is 2 working days. However, the period may vary due to a number of factors.

Zimbabwe E-visa Application Fee

Zimbabwe e-visa fee is 30-55 USD depending on the category of E-visa. The fee may vary depending on your country and nationality.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe E-visa Application?

You will apply to Zimbabwe e-visa online. You can apply for an E-visa through this website.

Currently, the KAZA UNIVISA can only be used and is only available at the following ports of entry in Zimbabwe:

• Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
• Victoria Falls International Airport
• Victoria Falls Land Barrier
• Kazungula Border Post

Required Documents for Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

3. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

4. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous Zimbabwean visas (if any)

5. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

6. When You Arrive in Zimbabwe, You Must Present also:

• Printed Zimbabwe e-visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

Processing Time for Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA

The average processing time for Zimbabwe e-visa is 2 working days. However, the period may vary due to a number of factors.

Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA Application Fee

Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA fee is 50 USD and allows tourists to obtain a single visa to visit both countries multiple times. The visa shall be valid for up to 30 days in any given period of 12 months, as long as the holder remains within Zimbabwe and Zambia. It also covers those who visit Botswana on a day-trip through Kazungula Borders.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA Application?

You will apply to Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA online. You can apply for a KAZA UNIVISA through this website (official governmental website).

Required Documents for Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Travel Itinerary

• Flight tickets (Return ticket)
• Accommodation confirmation/reservation (hotel booking, house contract, apartment reservation, etc.)
• Or Invitation letter by your host

3. Proof of Financial Sources

• Bank statements, cash, traveler's cheques, vouchers, etc.

*Additional documents can be required by the border control.

Processing Time for Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival

The average processing time for Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival is a few minutes.

Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival Fee

Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival fee is 35 USD for all foreign citizens. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival?

You will apply for Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Victoria Falls Border, and Kazungula Border.

Zimbabwe Residence Permit

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Zimbabwe, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to Zimbabwe.

In some countries, Zimbabwe's official embassies and consulates don’t process long-term visas, instead of visa applicants apply for short-term tourist visas for traveling to Zimbabwe and they only apply for residence permit when they have already arrived in Zimbabwe. This procedure can vary depending on your country of residence, nationality, and the policy of the embassy you apply for a visa.

The Zimbabwe Long-term Visa is given to foreigners who wish to live in Zimbabwe for a longer period of time or to have temporary or permanent residence established.

The long-term visa grants entry to Zimbabwe on the basis that you will be applying for a residence permit. It enables you to enter Zimbabwe as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency.

In most cases, the embassy will issue a short-term visa for you in order to make possible your entrance to Zimbabwe then you will apply for a residence permit at Migration Department in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zimbabwe and remain in Zimbabwe until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zimbabwe, such a person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit. This permit is issued to persons before they enter Zimbabwe for the purpose of taking up specified employment in Zimbabwe.  

Required Documents for Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Zimbabwe resident permit

7. Original Employment Letter from the Applicant's Employer in Zimbabwe

• On the official company paper with stamp and signature, date and clearly mentioning:
  • Full address and contact details of the company, the name, and position of the countersigning officer,
  • Details regarding the employment of the applicant (e.g. position, salary, estimated duration)
  • Details regarding additional conditions of employment (e.g. accommodation, transport, living expenses)

       In the case of international transfer of the employee:

• A letter from the current employer confirming the transfer, and approving the leave/absence of the applicant

8. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Professional Career, Specifying the Certificates, Diplomas, and Qualifications You Have Obtained.

• Curriculum Vitae for two shortlisted candidates including their contact details

• Curriculum Vitae of the person identified to do understudy

9. Details from Your Work Place in Zimbabwe

• Contract of Employment
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Advert in a Local Newspaper
• Company Profile
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Registered Office Address (CR6)
• List of Directors (CR14)
• Site Map and Directions from the Nearest Town
• Professionals to be cleared by relevant authorities e.g Engineers to be cleared by the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe.

10. Proof of Accommodation

• Accommodation (if not indicated in the invitation or contract) - Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

11. Police Clearance from Country of Residence (not older than 6 months)

12. Private Voluntary Organization Certificate

• From social welfare for applicants under Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

13. Support letter from line Ministry for Government

• Supported projects or where companies were granted National Project Status

14. Support Letter from Relevant Regulatory Authority/Ministry

15. Chest X-ray Certificate

16. Valid Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) Licence

17. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Tax Clearance Certificate

18. Mining Companies to Submit Environmental Impact Assessment Certificates

• From Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and claim certificates from the Ministry of Mines

19. Current List of All Expatriates and Local Employees

• Include National Social Security (NSSA) numbers, ID numbers, and contact numbers

20. Statutory Fee of USD$500 and USD$300 per Family Dependent, all non-refundable

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)

The average processing time for Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit is 4-6 weeks. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) Fee

Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit fee is 500 USD (in addition, 300 USD per Family Dependent) (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)?

You will apply for Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit in Zimbabwe visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Zimbabwe Study Permits

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zimbabwe and remain in Zimbabwe until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zimbabwe, such a person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

Zimbabwe Study permit is a document that visa-issuing authorities issue and it allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions in Zimbabwe. Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Zimbabwe. You may also need a visitor visa.

Required Documents for Zimbabwe Study Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Zimbabwe resident permit

7. Details from Your University in Zimbabwe:

      Confirmed University Admission

• Admission letter issued by an educational institution (school/college/university) accredited in Zimbabwe
  • Must state language of instruction
  • Must contain the start and end dates of the course
• Those in full-time education should submit a letter from their education establishment clearly indicating the course of studies being followed.
• Letter from the Institute undertaking the return of the student to the country of residence upon completion of the study.
• Time table confirming the number of lessons confirming not less than 29 lessons per week

8. Documents Attesting Previous Education:

• Higher secondary certificate - if the applicant applies for a visa on the basis of a university certificate on admission to the first year of studies
• In a preparatory course, one must submit the higher secondary certificate legalized/attested/apostilled by the MEA/MFA.

       In case of student exchange:

• The original certificate from the university confirming that the applicant is a student.
• Copy of the agreement/official information from the universities regarding the student exchange.
• Invitation from Zimbabwe University.

9. Proof of Accommodation

• Accommodation (if not indicated in the invitation or contract) - Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

10. Police Clearance from Country of Residence (not older than 6 months)

11. Chest X-ray Certificate

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Zimbabwe Study Permit

The average processing time for a Zimbabwe Study Permit is 4-6 weeks. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zimbabwe Study Permit Fee

Zimbabwe Study Permit fee is 200 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe Study Permit?

You will apply for a Zimbabwe Study Permit in Zimbabwe visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zimbabwe and remain in Zimbabwe until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zimbabwe, such a person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

An Investor's Permit is issued to a foreigner (over 18 years of age) who intends to set up a business or invest in Zimbabwe or who has established or invested in a business in Zimbabwe or joins an existing company.

Required Documents for Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit 

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Zimbabwe resident permit

7. Letter Addressed to the Chief Director of Immigration Requesting Issuance of Permit

8. Progress Report from the Company on Stage of Implementing the Project

9. Proof of Accommodation

• Accommodation (if not indicated in the invitation or contract) - Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

10. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Tax Clearance Certificate

11. Company Current Bank Statement (6 months)

12. List of Expatriate and Local Employees

• Include IDs, National Social Security Authority (NSSA) numbers and contact numbers

13. Lease Agreement/Deed of Transfer

14. Valid Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) Licence

15. Mining Companies to Submit Environmental Impact Assessment Certificates

• From Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and claim certificates from the Ministry of Mines

16. Passport Biodata Page and Permit Copy (if any) for All Foreign Shareholders

17. Local Police Clearance (not older than 6 months)

18.  Statutory Fee USD$1000 plus USD$500 per Dependent

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit is 4-6 weeks. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit Fee

Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit fee is 1000 USD (in addition, 500 USD per Dependent) (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zimbabwe Investor Permanent Residence Permit in Zimbabwe visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zimbabwe and remain in Zimbabwe until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zimbabwe, such person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

A Spouse Permit is issued to the spouse of a Zimbabwe Citizen; an established resident holding a Certificate of Status as an Established Resident, and a Residence Permit holder.

Required Documents for Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zimbabwe.

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Zimbabwe resident permit

7. Application Letter from Foreign Spouse and a Support Letter from Local Spouse Requesting for Permit, Addressed to the Chief Director of Immigration

8. Close Relative Guarantee form to be Completed by a Resident of Zimbabwe

9. Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of accommodation by the guarantor

10. Documents Confirming the Sufficient Financial Resources (of Applicant or Sponsor)

• Proof of funds by guarantor bank statement (3 months)
• Traveler’s cheque
• Original bank statement for the past 3 months
• Certificate of the amount of the credit card limit issued by the bank (any bank located in Zimbabwe or another country is allowed)
• A certificate of availability of money in a bank or a cooperative savings and loan association located on the territory of the Republic of Zimbabwe (it cannot be a bank located in your country)
• A document confirming granting of a national or foreign scholarship
• A certificate of employment with a monthly salary statement

11. Proof of Guarantor’s Residential Status of e.g Copy of ID or Permit

12. Copy of Marriage Certificate

13. Copies of Children’s Birth Certificates or Passports if applicable

14. Police Clearance from Country of Residence (not older than 6 months)​​​​​

15. Copy of ID or Passport for Local Spouse

16. Chest X-ray Certificate

17. Statutory Fee $500 and $300 per Dependent (all non-refundable)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit is 4-6 weeks. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit Fee

Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit fee is 500 USD (in addition, 300 USD per Dependent) (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zimbabwe Spouse Residence Permit in Zimbabwe visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.