Category B nationals — including citizens of the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, European Union 🇪🇺, Australia 🇦🇺, and Canada 🇨🇦 — can obtain a Zimbabwe visa on arrival at international airports and major land border posts in 2026. The standard fee is $30 USD cash for a single-entry visa. However, applying online via the Zimbabwe eVisa costs the same and eliminates airport queues — making it the smarter option whenever time allows.
Zimbabwe divides all nationalities into three visa categories. Category B nationals are eligible for a Zimbabwe visa on arrival — they can pay and receive their visa directly at any official port of entry, with no advance application required.
Category B includes most Western countries and many others:
Category A nationals (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, etc.) enter Zimbabwe visa-free — no payment needed. Category C nationals must obtain a visa from a Zimbabwe embassy before travel; visa on arrival is not available to them. Check the full eligible countries list to confirm your category.
The standard visa on arrival fee is $30 USD for single entry — but British, Irish, Canadian, and Chinese passport holders pay higher rates. All fees are paid in USD cash at the port of entry.
| Visa Type | Standard (most Cat. B) | UK / Ireland | Canada | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (30 days) | $30 | $55 | $75 | $60 |
| Double Entry (30 days each) | $45 | $70 | — | $90 |
| Multiple Entry (6–12 months) | $55 | $90 | — | — |
| KAZA UniVisa (ZW + ZM) | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Transit Visa (24–72 hrs) | $30 | $30 | $30 | $30 |
Source: zimimmigration.gov.zw / Zimbabwe Embassy DC. Fees are subject to change — confirm at time of travel. Children pay the full visa fee regardless of age; no exemption applies.
See the full Zimbabwe visa fees page for all categories and up-to-date rates.
Zimbabwe visa on arrival is available at all major international airports and the principal land border posts. Smaller or less-trafficked crossings may not have visa-issuing capability — if in doubt, apply for an eVisa before travel.
| Border Post | Neighbouring Country | Hours (local) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beitbridge | South Africa | 06:00–22:00 | Busiest land border — expect queues |
| Chirundu | Zambia | 06:00–22:00 | One-stop border post |
| Kazungula | Botswana / Zambia | 06:00–18:00 | Near Victoria Falls; KAZA UniVisa available |
| Victoria Falls Bridge | Zambia | 06:00–22:00 | Walking border; KAZA UniVisa available |
| Plumtree | Botswana | 06:00–20:00 | Bulawayo route |
| Forbes / Machipanda | Mozambique | 06:00–18:00 | Main crossing to Beira |
Prepare these documents before joining the immigration queue. Having them ready speeds up the process significantly.
The $50 KAZA UniVisa covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia with unlimited crossings between the two countries for 30 days. It is available on arrival — but not at all entry points.
Is the KAZA UniVisa worth it? If you plan to see Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, yes — it saves money ($50 vs. $30 Zimbabwe + $50 Zambia = $80) and eliminates repeat border stops. Learn more on the KAZA UniVisa page.
The Zimbabwe eVisa and visa on arrival cost the same. The key difference is when and how you pay — and what happens if something goes wrong.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa (Pre-Applied) |
|---|---|---|
| Where obtained | At the airport / border | Online at evisa.gov.zw |
| Cost (single entry) | $30 (standard) | $30 (standard) |
| Payment method | USD cash only | Credit/debit card online |
| Pre-approval before flying | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Queue time at border | Can be 30–90+ minutes | Minimal (dedicated lane) |
| Risk of denial at port of entry | Small but possible | Very low (pre-screened) |
| Available to Category B | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Convenient if flying last-minute | ✅ Yes | ❌ Allow 2–5 business days |
Yes. US citizens are Category B nationals and can obtain a Zimbabwe visa on arrival at any major airport (Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo) or land border post. The fee is $30 USD for a single-entry visa, payable in cash.
The standard single-entry Zimbabwe visa on arrival costs $30 USD. However, UK and Irish citizens pay $55, Canadians pay $75, and Chinese nationals pay $60. Double entry is $45 for most nationalities. All fees are payable in USD cash.
Zimbabwe visa on arrival is available at three international airports: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare/HRE), Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo/BUQ).
Some ports of entry (particularly Harare and Victoria Falls airports) have started accepting card payments, but this is not guaranteed at all border posts. Always carry USD cash as a backup. Notes must be undamaged and printed after 2006.
Yes — all travelers, including infants and children, require their own visa if their nationality is Category B. Children must have their own passport, and the full adult visa fee applies regardless of age.
Yes. Contact the Department of Immigration in Harare (Linquenda House) or a regional immigration office before your current visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time, up to a maximum stay of 90 days. Bring your passport, current visa, and proof of funds.
Same cost as visa on arrival. Pre-approved before you fly. Faster lane at immigration.
Apply for Zimbabwe eVisa →