Zimbabwe offers three main visa types — eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and KAZA UniVisa — priced from $30 to $55 USD. Which one you can use depends on your nationality category (A, B, or C). Most Western travelers qualify for both eVisa and Visa on Arrival. Category C nationals (including India, Pakistan, Nigeria) must apply online at before departure.
Zimbabwe's 3-Category Nationality System
Your visa options are determined entirely by which nationality category Zimbabwe assigns to your passport. All foreign nationals fall into one of three categories set by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration.
| Category | Visa Requirement | Key Nationalities | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | ✅ Visa-Free Entry | South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius, Kenya, Singapore, Hong Kong, Jamaica | Free |
| Category B | Visa on Arrival or eVisa online | USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, most Commonwealth nations | From $30 |
| Category C | eVisa required — apply before travel | India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka | From $30 |
Not sure about your category? Check the full eligible countries list or visit .
All Zimbabwe Visa Types: Comparison Table (2026)
Zimbabwe issues six distinct visa types across tourist, business, transit, and regional categories. Fees shown are standard rates — some nationalities pay more (see Special Cases below).
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Stay Allowed | Entries | Who Can Get It | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist – Single Entry | $30 | Up to 30 days | 1 | Cat B & C | eVisa or on arrival (Cat B) |
| Tourist – Double Entry | $45 | Up to 30 days per entry | 2 | Cat B & C | eVisa or on arrival (Cat B) |
| Tourist – Multiple Entry | $55 | Up to 30 days per entry | Unlimited | Cat B & C | eVisa (letter of support required) |
| KAZA UniVisa | $50 | 30 days | Multiple (ZW+ZM) | Cat B (selected nationals) | eVisa or on arrival at VF Airport |
| Business Visa | $30–$55 | Up to 30 days | Single/Double | Cat B & C | eVisa (invitation letter required) |
| Transit Visa | Varies | Up to 48 hours | 1 | Some Cat C nationals | eVisa before travel |
Zimbabwe eVisa (Electronic Visa)
The Zimbabwe eVisa is an online pre-approved travel authorization valid for all Cat B and Cat C nationalities. It is the only option for Category C travelers and the recommended choice for Category B travelers who want to avoid airport queues and guarantee entry before flying.
How the eVisa Works
- Apply online at — fill the form, upload your passport bio page, pay by Visa or Mastercard
- Processing time: 3–7 working days (apply at least 1 week before travel)
- Approval is emailed — print it and present at immigration
- Immigration stamps the eVisa into your passport on arrival
eVisa Fees (Standard Rates)
- Single Entry: $30
- Double Entry: $45
- Multiple Entry: $55 (requires supporting letter)
Who should apply for the eVisa? Anyone in Category C (mandatory), and any Category B traveler who wants pre-confirmed entry, avoids cash-at-border risk, and prefers online card payment over USD cash on arrival.
Step-by-Step eVisa Guide →Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival
The Visa on Arrival is available exclusively to Category B nationals and is purchased at Zimbabwe's ports of entry — no advance application required. As of 2026, Zimbabwe has introduced an optional online pre-registration that speeds up processing.
How Visa on Arrival Works
- Arrive at a qualifying port of entry (airport or land border)
- Complete the online immigration declaration form at (recommended before travel) or at the counter kiosk on arrival
- Pay in USD cash (cards accepted at some airports but not guaranteed)
- Visa is stamped in your passport — typically takes 10–30 minutes
Visa on Arrival Entry Points
- Airports: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (Harare), Victoria Falls Airport
- Land borders: Beitbridge (South Africa), Chirundu (Zambia), Kazungula (Botswana/Zambia), Kariba, Nyamapanda (Mozambique)
eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival — Which Is Better?
| Factor | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Same ($30/$45/$55) | Same ($30/$45/$55) |
| Entry guaranteed before travel | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Payment method | Online card | USD cash (preferred) |
| Queue time | Faster (pre-registered) | Can be long (peak season) |
| Category C nationals | ✅ Available | ❌ Not available |
| Last-minute travel | ❌ Needs 3–7 days | ✅ Immediate |
Verdict: If your trip is planned >1 week ahead, apply for the eVisa. If you're traveling on short notice and hold a Category B passport, Visa on Arrival works fine — just bring USD cash.
Full Visa on Arrival Guide →KAZA UniVisa — Zimbabwe & Zambia Combined
The KAZA UniVisa is the most cost-effective option for travelers visiting the Victoria Falls region, covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia under a single $50 visa for 30 days.
What KAZA UniVisa Covers
- Zimbabwe — unlimited entries
- Zambia — unlimited entries
- Botswana — day trips only (via Kazungula border)
KAZA UniVisa Cost & Validity
- Fee: $50 USD
- Duration: 30 days from date of first entry
- Entries: Multiple (between Zimbabwe and Zambia only)
Is the KAZA UniVisa Worth It?
If you're visiting Victoria Falls and plan to cross the Zambezi River to see both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, yes — the KAZA UniVisa saves you $30 compared to buying two separate visas ($30 ZW + $50 ZM = $80 vs $50 KAZA).
KAZA UniVisa is available online at evisa.gov.zw or on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and Kazungula border.
KAZA UniVisa Full Guide →Business & Transit Visas
Business Visa
Zimbabwe's Business Visa is issued to travelers attending meetings, conferences, training sessions, trade fairs, or other short-term commercial activities. It does not authorize formal employment in Zimbabwe.
- Fees: Same as tourist visa ($30 single, $45 double)
- Required documents: Invitation letter from a Zimbabwe company, proof of business purpose
- Apply: Via eVisa portal only (not available on arrival without documentation)
- Stay: Up to 30 days per entry
Transit Visa
A transit visa is required for certain Category C nationals passing through Zimbabwe en route to another country. It is not needed if you remain airside (do not pass through immigration). Duration is typically up to 48 hours.
- Apply: eVisa before travel — transit visas cannot be obtained on arrival
- Check eligibility: Contact the nearest Zimbabwe embassy or visit evisa.gov.zw
Special Visa Fees: UK, Ireland, Canada & China
Most nationalities pay standard Zimbabwe visa rates, but four passport groups are charged higher fees due to reciprocal fee arrangements.
| Nationality | Single Entry | Double Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (most Cat B) | $30 | $45 | $55 |
| 🇬🇧 UK / 🇮🇪 Ireland | $55 | $70 | $90 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | $75 | N/A | N/A |
| 🇨🇳 China | $60 | $90 | N/A |
Note: Children are not exempt from visa fees in Zimbabwe — full fees apply regardless of age.
Diplomatic, Official, and Service passport holders receive visas gratis (free of charge) at all entry points.
Which Zimbabwe Visa Do I Need? (Decision Tool)
Use the scenarios below to identify the right visa for your situation. Click to expand each case.
I'm a US, UK, or EU citizen visiting for tourism
You are Category B — you have two options:
- eVisa ($30 single / $45 double): Apply online at evisa.gov.zw at least 7 days before travel. Recommended — guaranteed entry, no cash needed, no airport queue.
- Visa on Arrival ($30 single): Available at Harare and Victoria Falls airports and major border crossings. Bring USD cash. Suitable for last-minute trips.
If you're also crossing to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, choose the KAZA UniVisa ($50) instead — it covers both countries.
UK and Irish citizens: note that your standard single-entry fee is $55, not $30.
I'm from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, or most Asian/African countries (Category C)
You are Category C — you must apply for the eVisa before travel. Visa on Arrival is not available at the border for Category C nationals.
- Apply at at least 7–10 days before departure
- Upload passport bio page and any supporting documents
- Pay $30 (single entry) by card online
- Print your approval email and present at immigration
I'm visiting Victoria Falls and want to cross to Zambia
The KAZA UniVisa ($50) is your best choice. It covers unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days — and day trips into Botswana (Chobe National Park area).
- Get it online at evisa.gov.zw or on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport or Kazungula border
- Saves ~$30 vs buying separate Zimbabwe + Zambia visas
- ⚠️ Do not overnight in Botswana — this voids the KAZA visa
I'm traveling for business (meetings, conferences)
Apply for a Business Visa via the eVisa portal. Required documents:
- Invitation letter from the Zimbabwe company/organization
- Passport valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages
- Proof of business purpose (agenda, conference registration, etc.)
Fees: Same as tourist visa ($30 single, $45 double). You cannot work or be employed in Zimbabwe on a business visa.
I'm just passing through Zimbabwe (transit)
If you're connecting through Harare or Victoria Falls airports and staying airside (not clearing immigration), you typically don't need a visa.
If you need to clear immigration (e.g., overnight layover, separate tickets), and you are Category C, you need a Transit Visa. Apply via eVisa before travel. Category B nationals may be able to obtain a transit stamp on arrival — confirm with the Zimbabwe embassy for your specific nationality.
I'm from a SADC country (South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, etc.)
You are likely Category A — visa-free entry for up to 30 or 90 days (varies by country). No fees apply.
You still need to complete an Immigration Declaration Form on arrival (or online in advance at evisa.gov.zw to save time). Confirm your specific country's status at evisa.gov.zw or the eligible countries page.
I'm making multiple trips to Zimbabwe over several months
Consider the Multiple Entry Visa ($55). It allows unlimited entries during its 30-day validity, with possible extension through Zimbabwe Immigration. Apply via eVisa — a supporting letter explaining the purpose of multiple visits is required.
For frequent business travelers: ask about options for a longer-term visa at the Zimbabwe embassy in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe?
Yes. US citizens are Category B nationals and can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Zimbabwe airports and major land borders. The standard fee is $30 for single entry and $45 for double entry, payable in USD cash. However, applying for the eVisa online before travel is recommended to avoid queues and guarantee entry.
What is the difference between the eVisa and Visa on Arrival in Zimbabwe?
Both cost the same ($30 single entry) and give you the same stay (30 days). The key differences: the eVisa is applied for online before travel with card payment and takes 3–7 days to process; the Visa on Arrival is paid in USD cash at the border with no advance application. Category C nationals cannot use Visa on Arrival — eVisa is mandatory for them.
How much does Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival cost in 2026?
Standard rates for most nationalities: Single Entry $30 USD, Double Entry $45 USD, Multiple Entry $55 USD. Note that UK and Irish citizens pay $55/$70/$90, Canadians pay $75 (single entry only), and Chinese nationals pay $60/$90. All fees must be paid in USD cash at the border (cards not always available).
What is the KAZA UniVisa and how does it work?
The KAZA UniVisa is a $50 regional visa covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia under one entry document, valid for 30 days. It allows unlimited crossings between the two countries and day trips into Botswana (overnight stays in Botswana void the visa). It's available at evisa.gov.zw or on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and Kazungula border.
Do children need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. Zimbabwe applies full visa fees to all travelers regardless of age — infants and children are not exempt. Each child who requires a visa (Category B or C) must have their own visa at full price. Children from Category A countries enter visa-free, same as adults.