🇿🇼 Zimbabwe eVisa — Informational Portal 2026 ✉ zimbabwe-evisa.org
Zimbabwe eVisa Guide Logo

Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa: Requirements & How to Apply 2026



✅ Quick Summary — Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa 2026
The Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa costs USD $30 (single entry) or $45 (double entry) and grants a 30-day stay, extendable up to 90 days. Apply online at — processing takes 7–9 working days. You need a passport valid for 6+ months, a digital photo, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. Category C nationals must apply before travel; Category B can also obtain a visa on arrival.

What Is the Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa?

The Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa is an official electronic travel authorisation issued by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration, allowing foreign nationals to enter Zimbabwe for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and recreational activities. Unlike a traditional embassy visa sticker, the eVisa is processed entirely online at — no embassy visit required.

Once approved, you receive a Letter of Authority by email — a PDF document you print and present at the immigration counter alongside your passport. The tourist eVisa does not permit employment, paid work, or business activities such as client meetings (a separate Business eVisa is required for those purposes).

SpecificationDetails
Visa typeTourist eVisa (electronic)
Validity30 days from date of entry
EntriesSingle, Double, or Multiple
ExtensionExtendable up to 90 days total in-country
ApplicationOnline at evisa.gov.zw
Processing7–9 working days (standard)
PurposeTourism, safari, Victoria Falls, family visits
Work permitted?❌ No — tourist activities only

Who Can Apply — Eligibility by Nationality

Zimbabwe classifies nationalities into three categories. Your category determines whether you need the eVisa, can get a visa on arrival, or enter visa-free.

CategoryWhoTourist eVisa needed?
Category A SADC + select nations (South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Singapore…) ❌ No — visa-free entry
Category B USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, India… ✅ Optional — eVisa OR visa on arrival
Category C China, Pakistan, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, Vietnam… ⚠️ Mandatory — must apply before travel
⚠️ Category C nationals cannot get a visa on arrival. If your nationality is Category C, you must apply for the tourist eVisa at evisa.gov.zw and receive your Letter of Authority before departing for Zimbabwe. Showing up at the border without pre-approval will result in denial of entry.
💡 Category B tip: Even though you can get a visa on arrival, applying online in advance is strongly recommended — it eliminates queuing at the immigration counter, and the fee and 30-day validity are identical. During peak season (July–October), visa-on-arrival queues at Victoria Falls airport can exceed 60 minutes.

Check your nationality category →

Required Documents for the Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa

Prepare all documents before starting your application. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of rejection or processing delays.

Mandatory Documents (All Applicants)

DocumentSpecifications
Passport bio page scan Valid passport, 6+ months validity beyond departure date, minimum 2 blank pages. Scan in colour, all four corners visible, JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB.
Digital passport photo 35×45 mm, plain white background, face 70–80% of frame, no glasses, taken within 6 months, JPEG max 2 MB.
Proof of accommodation Hotel/lodge/safari camp booking confirmation with your name and dates. Airbnb confirmation or private host invitation letter also accepted.
Return or onward ticket Confirmed flight, bus, or overland booking showing your departure from Zimbabwe before visa expires.
Proof of funds Bank statement (last 3 months). Guideline: approx. USD $50 per day of planned stay.
Valid email address Your Letter of Authority will be sent here upon approval.

Additional Documents (Category C Nationals)

  • Signed application letter — stating your name, passport number, travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation address in Zimbabwe. Must be signed and dated.

Conditional Documents

  • Yellow fever certificate — required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (Angola, Nigeria, DRC, Brazil, etc.).
  • Unabridged birth certificate + parental consent letter — for minors under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent.
📷 Photo tip: Use a passport photo app (Passport Photo Online, Visafoto) to ensure your photo meets all specifications before uploading. Incorrect photos are the #1 cause of application rejection.

Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa Fees 2026

All Zimbabwe eVisa fees are payable in USD only at the time of application. Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

NationalitySingle EntryDouble EntryMultiple Entry
🇺🇸 USA · 🇦🇺 Australia · most EUUSD $30USD $45USD $55
🇬🇧 UK · 🇮🇪 IrelandUSD $55USD $70USD $90
🇨🇦 CanadaUSD $75N/AN/A
🇨🇳 ChinaUSD $60USD $90—
Most other nationalitiesUSD $30USD $45USD $55
⚠️ No refunds. The Zimbabwe eVisa fee is non-refundable in all circumstances — including rejection, withdrawal, or failure to travel. Ensure all documents are correct before submitting payment.

Thinking about visiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia? Consider the KAZA UniVisa ($50), which covers both countries plus day trips to Botswana — excellent value for Victoria Falls visitors.

See full Zimbabwe eVisa fee table →

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa

The entire application takes approximately 15–20 minutes if you have all documents ready. Apply at — the only official government portal.

Step 1 — Prepare your documents
Scan your passport bio page, take a compliant passport photo, and gather your hotel booking, return ticket, and bank statement. Organise files before starting.
Step 2 — Go to evisa.gov.zw and select "Apply Now"
On the official portal, choose Tourist Visa as your visa type. Select single, double, or multiple entry depending on your travel plan.
Step 3 — Fill in your personal details
Enter your full name (exactly as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, expiry date, and contact details. Double-check everything.
Step 4 — Enter travel information
Provide your intended arrival date, port of entry (e.g., Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Beitbridge Border Post), and accommodation address in Zimbabwe.
Step 5 — Upload supporting documents
Upload your passport scan, digital photo, and any additional documents (hotel booking, return ticket). Ensure each file is under 2 MB and in JPEG or PNG format.
Step 6 — Pay the eVisa fee
Pay via credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard). The fee is charged in USD. Save your payment receipt.
Step 7 — Wait for processing (7–9 working days)
You'll receive an acknowledgement email confirming receipt of your application. Processing takes 7–9 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel.
Step 8 — Download and print your Letter of Authority
When approved, you receive a PDF Letter of Authority by email. Print it — you must present the printed copy to the immigration officer alongside your passport.
⚠️ Beware of third-party websites charging extra "processing fees" for Zimbabwe eVisa applications. The only official portal is . Third-party agents may charge $50–$150 for a service you can do yourself for $30.

After Approval: Your Letter of Authority

The Letter of Authority (LoA) is the official document that proves your eVisa has been approved. It is a PDF emailed to the address you provided during application. Here's what to do with it:

  • Print the LoA — carry the printed copy with you to Zimbabwe. Do not rely solely on a digital version.
  • Present at immigration — hand the LoA and your passport to the immigration officer. They will verify it against the system and issue your entry stamp.
  • Keep a digital backup — save the PDF on your phone in case the print is lost or damaged.
  • Check all details — verify your name, passport number, entry dates, and visa type match your passport exactly. Report discrepancies immediately to Zimbabwe Immigration.
📋 LoA not received? Check your spam/junk folder first. If it's been more than 10 working days, log in to evisa.gov.zw with your reference number to check application status or contact Zimbabwe Immigration at evisa@zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Entry Rules and 30-Day Stay

The Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa is typically issued for a 30-day stay, counted from your date of first entry. Key entry rules to know:

RuleDetails
Stay durationMaximum 30 days per entry
Counting startsFrom the date your passport is stamped at entry (not the visa issue date)
Single entryOnce you exit Zimbabwe, the visa is void — you cannot re-enter on the same visa
Double entryAllows one re-entry; useful for day trips to Zambia (Victoria Falls) or Botswana (Chobe)
Overstay penaltyUSD $100/day fine + potential ban on future entry
Ports of entryHarare (HRE), Victoria Falls (VFA), Bulawayo (BUQ) airports; Beitbridge, Chirundu, Forbes border posts
⚠️ Visiting both sides of Victoria Falls? If you plan day trips to Livingstone (Zambia) or Kasane (Botswana), get a double-entry tourist visa ($45) or the KAZA UniVisa ($50). A single-entry visa will be cancelled the moment you cross into Zambia, even for a few hours.

Extending Your Tourist Stay in Zimbabwe

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension at the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration offices in Harare or Bulawayo. Extensions are not automatic — they must be applied for before your current visa expires.

Extension Rules

  • Maximum total stay: 90 days per calendar year (including original 30-day visa)
  • Apply in person: Visit the nearest Zimbabwe Immigration office (main offices in Harare: Linquenda House, Baker Avenue)
  • Apply before expiry: Do not overstay — apply for an extension at least 5 working days before your visa expires
  • Documents required for extension: Passport, Letter of Authority, proof of funds, accommodation confirmation for extended period, and a signed letter stating reasons for extension
  • Fee: USD $30 for a 30-day extension (subject to change — confirm with Immigration on the day)
💡 Long-stay travellers: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days (e.g., volunteering, research), you'll need a different visa category. Contact the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration directly before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions — Zimbabwe Tourist eVisa

Can US citizens get a Zimbabwe tourist visa on arrival?
Yes. US citizens fall under Category B, meaning they can obtain a single or double-entry tourist visa on arrival at Harare or Victoria Falls airports and major land borders. The fee is USD $30 (single) or $45 (double). However, applying online at evisa.gov.zw in advance is strongly recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season (July–October).
How far in advance should I apply for the Zimbabwe tourist eVisa?
Apply at least 14–21 days before your travel date. Standard processing takes 7–9 working days, but allowing 3 weeks gives you buffer time to correct any issues if documents are incomplete or additional information is requested.
What is the difference between single and double entry for Zimbabwe?
A single-entry tourist visa ($30) allows one entry into Zimbabwe for up to 30 days. Once you exit, the visa is void. A double-entry visa ($45) allows you to exit and re-enter Zimbabwe once — ideal if you plan day trips to Zambia (Livingstone) or Botswana (Chobe National Park) from Victoria Falls.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Zimbabwe?
Only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country within the last 30 days. Travellers flying directly from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, or Canada do not need a yellow fever certificate for Zimbabwe.
Can I work or do business activities on a Zimbabwe tourist eVisa?
No. The tourist eVisa strictly covers tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family, and recreational activities. Any form of employment, paid work, or business meetings (client visits, negotiations, conferences) requires a separate Zimbabwe Business eVisa.
What happens if I overstay my Zimbabwe tourist visa?
Overstaying your Zimbabwe tourist visa incurs a fine of approximately USD $100 per day of overstay, payable at the border or immigration office. Repeated overstays can result in a ban on future entry to Zimbabwe. If you need more time, apply for an extension at a Zimbabwe Immigration office before your visa expires.
Can I visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia at Victoria Falls on a tourist eVisa?
Yes, but you need either a double-entry tourist visa ($45) or the KAZA UniVisa ($50). The KAZA UniVisa covers Zimbabwe, Zambia, and day trips to Botswana, making it the best value option for Victoria Falls travellers. A single-entry visa will be cancelled the moment you cross into Zambia, even for a few hours.
Do children need their own Zimbabwe tourist eVisa?
Yes. Every traveller including infants and children needs their own individual passport and eVisa. Zimbabwe does not allow children to travel on a parent's passport. Full visa fees apply for all ages. Children under 18 travelling with only one parent must also carry an unabridged birth certificate and a notarised parental consent letter from the absent parent.
Is the Zimbabwe eVisa website safe to use?
Yes — evisa.gov.zw is the official Zimbabwe government eVisa portal operated by the Department of Immigration. It uses HTTPS encryption for payment. Be cautious of third-party websites that mimic the official portal and charge additional processing fees of $50–$150. Always apply directly at .
📝 Ready to apply? Visit to start your tourist eVisa application. Check our full requirements checklist or the complete fee table before submitting.

🗂️ Visa Types

📌 Tourist eVisa at a Glance

  • Cost: $30 single / $45 double
  • Stay: 30 days per entry
  • Processing: 7–9 working days
  • Max stay: 90 days/year (with extensions)
  • Apply: evisa.gov.zw
  • Passport: 6+ months validity
  • Blank pages: min 2 required

🔗 Quick Links

⚡ Apply Now

Start your Zimbabwe eVisa application online — fast, secure and easy.