All U.S. citizens traveling to Zimbabwe must obtain a visa. For most travelers, the most efficient method is the Zimbabwe Electronic Visa (E-Visa). This official digital authorization is linked to your U.S. passport, enabling a faster immigration process upon arrival at major airports and border crossings in Zimbabwe.
This guide details the specific requirements, fees, and procedures required for U.S. citizens to secure a Zimbabwe E-Visa.
To ensure your application meets all government specifications, including host invitation letters and specific photo standards, you may choose to use an assisted service like iVisa for an expert review.
On This Page
- Understanding the Zimbabwe E-Visa
- Do I Need a Zimbabwe E-Visa?
- Visa Types, Fees, and Stay Limits
- Application Methods: DIY vs. Assisted Service
- Authorized Ports of Entry
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Additional Zimbabwe Entry Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding the Zimbabwe E-Visa
The Zimbabwe E-Visa is an official travel document issued by the Department of Immigration. It serves as a digital replacement for traditional embassy visas for tourism and business. Once approved, the E-Visa system provides an Approval Letter via email, which you must print and present at the border to receive your physical visa sticker and entry stamp.
Do I Need a Zimbabwe E-Visa?
Yes, as a U.S. citizen, you are required to have a visa for entry. Zimbabwe classifies U.S. citizens under Category B, which means you are eligible to apply for your visa online (E-Visa) or obtain a visa on arrival at a port of entry.
However, obtaining the E-Visa in advance is the preferred method to ensure all travel documentation is verified before you travel, reducing wait times and potential denials at the border.
You should apply for a Zimbabwe E-Visa if your purpose is:
- Tourism (Holiday): Vacationing, sightseeing, visiting family and friends.
- Business: Attending meetings, workshops, or commercial opportunities.
Note: Holders of U.S. Diplomatic or Official passports should coordinate their entry through the Zimbabwean Embassy, as specific exemptions or procedures may apply.
Zimbabwe Visa Types, Fees, and Stay Limits
Zimbabwe offers several visa categories based on the duration and frequency of your visit.
| Visa Type | Validity | Maximum Stay | Gov. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist | 90 Days | 30 Days | $30 USD |
| Double Entry Tourist | 90 Days | 30 Days per visit | $45 USD |
| *KAZA UNIVISA | 30 Days | 30 Days (Zim/Zam) | $50 USD |
*A KAZA UNIVISA is a joint visa that allows you to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times for up to 30 days, as long as you only remain within the two countries.
E-Visa Application Methods: DIY vs. Assisted Service
The Republic of Zimbabwe manages all visa applications through its centralized digital portal. Accuracy in completing the visa application and the quality of the uploaded travel documents are crucial, as discrepancies or poor-quality scans can lead to processing delays.
- Direct Application (DIY): Travelers may apply directly via the official Zimbabwe E-Visa portal. This requires the user to independently complete their application, manage digital uploads, and monitor their application status using a generated personal file number.
- Assisted Service (iVisa): For travelers who prefer expert assistance and review, iVisa provides a comprehensive application process. Their team verifies that your travel documents, including your invitation letter (if applicable) and passport scan, meet exact legibility standards, significantly reducing the risk of your application getting delayed or denied. They offer 24/7 bilingual support.
To enter Zimbabwe, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. You also need at least two blank visa pages. If you do not meet these requirements, renew your passport before applying for your visa.
Check Expedited Passport Renewal Options (1-Week Service Available)
Authorized Ports of Entry
The E-Visa Approval Letter is valid for entry at all major Zimbabwean checkpoints, including:
- Air: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare), Victoria Falls International Airport, and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo).
- Land: Victoria Falls Bridge, Beitbridge (South Africa border), and Chirundu (Zambia border).
Step-by-Step Zimbabwe E-Visa Application Process
Applications should be submitted at least 2-3 weeks before your intended date of departure.
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Valid U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Passport Photo: A recent digital passport-style color photo.
- Bio-Page Scan: A clear scan of your passport's information page.
- Proof of Residence: Documentation showing your home address in the U.S.
- Host Invitation (If Applicable): If staying with a resident of Zimbabwe, an invitation letter and proof of the host's residence are required.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official portal or use an assisted service like iVisa.
- Fill out your personal and travel details exactly as they appear on your U.S. passport.
- Upload your digital documents and pay the required government fees.
Step 3: Receive and Print Your Approval Letter
- Confirmation: Once approved, your E-Visa Approval Letter will be sent to your email.
- Physical Copy: You must print a physical copy of this letter to present to immigration officials upon arrival to receive your visa sticker and entry stamp.
Additional Zimbabwe Entry Requirements
A visa approval letter allows you to travel to Zimbabwe, but does not guarantee final admission. The final entry decision is determined by immigration officers at the port of entry.
- Proof of Funds: You may be asked to show evidence that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Zimbabwe.
- Return Ticket: You may be asked to provide proof of a confirmed return or onward flight itinerary.
- KAZA UNIVISA: For those who plan to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times for up to 30 days, and remain within the two countries only.
- Yellow Fever: Proof of vaccination is required only if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.
- Minors: Children traveling on their own U.S. passports require their own E-Visa. If a minor is traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent form is recommended.
Zimbabwe E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. U.S. citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival, but obtaining an E-Visa in advance is highly recommended to avoid long lines and ensure your paperwork is verified and approved for entry before travel.
A KAZA UNIVISA is a joint visa that allows you to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times for up to 30 days, as long as you remain within the two countries.
Yes. The "Approval Letter" is not the visa itself; it is the authorization to receive the visa at the border. You must have a printed copy to present to the immigration officer.
Yes. You can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration office in Harare or Bulawayo before your initial 30-day period expires.
No. Paid employment or work of any kind is strictly prohibited on a tourist or business E-Visa.
Secure your Zimbabwe E-Visa through iVisa today to ensure your application meets all official documentation standards.
