The Zimbabwe eVisa is the official electronic travel authorization required by most international visitors before entering Zimbabwe. Applied for entirely online through the government portal evisa.gov.zw, the eVisa costs from $30 USD and is processed in 3–7 working days. This guide covers everything you need to know — requirements, fees, how to apply, and which nationalities qualify.
What Is the Zimbabwe eVisa?
The Zimbabwe eVisa is an electronic visa authorization issued by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. It was introduced to streamline the visa application process for international travelers, eliminating the need to visit a Zimbabwean embassy in person for most nationalities. Once approved, you receive a Letter of Authority by email — print it and present it at your port of entry.
The eVisa is available for tourism, business, transit, and conference purposes. It is valid for entry through Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and approved land border crossings including Beitbridge, Chirundu, and Kazungula.
Who Needs a Zimbabwe eVisa? Nationality Categories
Zimbabwe operates a three-tier nationality system. Your category determines whether you need an eVisa, can get a visa on arrival, or enter visa-free:
| Category | Visa Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | ✅ Visa-Free | South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia |
| Category B | 🛬 Visa on Arrival or eVisa online | USA 🇺🇸, UK 🇬🇧, Germany 🇩🇪, Australia 🇦🇺, Canada 🇨🇦, France 🇫🇷 |
| Category C | 💻 eVisa required before arrival | Pakistan 🇵🇰, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Bangladesh 🇧🇩, most of Asia & Middle East |
Even if you qualify for Visa on Arrival (Category B), applying for the Zimbabwe eVisa online in advance is strongly recommended — it’s faster at the border and eliminates any risk of being denied entry.
Zimbabwe eVisa Requirements at a Glance
To apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa, you will need:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your planned entry date
- At least 2 blank pages in your passport
- Digital passport photo — white background, face forward
- Scanned bio-data page of your passport
- Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation address in Zimbabwe
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Visa or Mastercard for payment
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)
See the full Zimbabwe eVisa requirements guide for detailed specifications including photo requirements and supporting documents.
How Much Does the Zimbabwe eVisa Cost?
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (Single Entry) | 30 days | 1 | $30 USD |
| Tourist (Double Entry) | 30 days each | 2 | $45 USD |
| KAZA UniVisa (ZW + ZM) | 30 days | Multiple | $50 USD |
| Business (Single Entry) | 30 days | 1 | $30 USD |
| Transit | 48 hours | 1 | ~$30 USD |
All fees are non-refundable and payable by Visa or Mastercard. See the complete Zimbabwe eVisa fees breakdown including nationality-based pricing differences.
How to Apply for Zimbabwe eVisa — 5 Steps
- Go to evisa.gov.zw — the only official Zimbabwe eVisa portal. Beware of unofficial third-party sites charging 2–3× the official price.
- Create an account using your email address and a secure password.
- Fill in the application form — enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport, travel dates, and accommodation details.
- Upload documents — passport scan and digital photo. Pay the fee by Visa or Mastercard.
- Wait for your Letter of Authority — check your email (including spam) within 3–7 working days. Print it and present at the border.
Read our full step-by-step Zimbabwe eVisa application guide for detailed instructions including common mistakes to avoid.
Zimbabwe eVisa Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3–7 working days. Weekends and Zimbabwean public holidays are not counted. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to allow buffer time. There is no official express processing option.
Track your application status at any time by logging into your account at evisa.gov.zw. See the full processing time guide including what to do if your application is delayed.
⚠️ Beware Fake Zimbabwe eVisa Websites
Dozens of unofficial websites mimic the government portal and charge $80–$200 for a visa that officially costs $30. The only official Zimbabwe eVisa portal is evisa.gov.zw. Always verify the domain before entering payment details. The official site has a .gov.zw domain — no legitimate service uses a .com, .org, or .net domain for this purpose.
KAZA UniVisa — One Visa for Zimbabwe & Zambia
If you’re visiting Victoria Falls, the KAZA UniVisa ($50) is the smart choice. It covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia with multiple crossings between the two countries for 30 days — perfect for seeing the falls from both sides of the Zambezi. It’s available online through evisa.gov.zw or on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and border crossings.
At $50, the KAZA UniVisa saves you $30 compared to buying separate visas ($30 Zimbabwe + $50 Zambia = $80 in 2026 since Zambia raised its fee). Read our full KAZA UniVisa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zimbabwe eVisa
Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe?
It depends on your nationality. Zimbabwe has a 3-tier system: Category A countries are visa-free (mostly southern African nations), Category B can get a visa on arrival or apply online (USA, UK, EU, Australia), and Category C must apply for an eVisa before departure. Check the full eligible countries list.
How much does the Zimbabwe eVisa cost?
The Zimbabwe eVisa costs $30 USD for a single-entry tourist or business visa, $45 USD for double entry, and $50 USD for the KAZA UniVisa (covering Zimbabwe + Zambia). All fees are non-refundable.
How long does the Zimbabwe eVisa take to process?
Standard processing takes 3–7 working days. Weekends and Zimbabwean public holidays are not counted. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow buffer time.
Can I get a Zimbabwe visa on arrival?
Category B nationals (US, UK, most EU countries, Australia, Canada) can get a Visa on Arrival at Harare and Victoria Falls airports, plus major land borders. However, applying for the eVisa online in advance is recommended — same cost, no queues, pre-guaranteed entry.
What is the official Zimbabwe eVisa website?
The only official Zimbabwe eVisa portal is evisa.gov.zw. Any other website is unofficial and may charge significantly higher fees. Always check the domain ends in .gov.zw.
How long can I stay in Zimbabwe on an eVisa?
The standard eVisa permits a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry. Extensions of up to 30 days can be requested at the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration offices in Harare before your visa expires.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa is a $50 combined visa covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days with unlimited crossings between the two countries. It’s ideal for visitors to Victoria Falls who want to see the falls from both sides of the border. Available at evisa.gov.zw or on arrival at Victoria Falls. Read the full KAZA UniVisa guide.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Zimbabwe?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic (e.g., many sub-Saharan African and South American countries). If arriving directly from a non-endemic country, it is not required — but recommended for onward travel to neighboring countries.
Can I track my Zimbabwe eVisa application?
Yes — log into your account at evisa.gov.zw to check your application status at any time. Statuses include: Submitted, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected. If approved, your Letter of Authority will be emailed to you as a PDF.
What happens if my Zimbabwe eVisa is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the fee is non-refundable. You may reapply with corrected information. Common rejection reasons include passport validity issues, incorrect photo, incomplete documentation, or previous immigration violations. See our eVisa rejection guide for details.
How Much Does Zimbabwe eVisa Cost?
Zimbabwe eVisa fees are set by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration and are payable online by Visa or Mastercard at the time of application. Fees are quoted in USD and are non-refundable once submitted, regardless of the outcome.
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Fee (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist eVisa | Up to 30 days | 1 | $30 | Most tourists visiting Zimbabwe once |
| Double Entry Tourist eVisa | Up to 30 days per entry | 2 | $45 | Trips crossing into neighbouring countries and returning |
| KAZA UniVisa | 30 days | Multiple (ZW + ZM) | $50 | Victoria Falls visitors crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia |
| Business eVisa (Single) | Up to 30 days | 1 | $30 | Short business trips |
| Transit Visa | Up to 48 hours | 1 | $20 | Airport or land border stopover |
💳 Payment note: Zimbabwe eVisa fees are non-refundable once paid — even if your application is rejected or you later cancel your trip. Always double-check all personal details, travel dates, and passport information before submitting payment. For the full breakdown of what’s included in each fee and comparison with the Visa on Arrival cost, visit our Zimbabwe eVisa fees page.
How to Apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa — Step-by-Step
Applying for a Zimbabwe eVisa is a straightforward process that takes around 15–20 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Follow these five steps:
-
Go to the official portal: evisa.gov.zw
This is the only legitimate Zimbabwe eVisa application portal operated by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. Do not use any other website claiming to process Zimbabwe eVisa applications — see our warning about fake sites below. -
Create an account and start your application
Register with your email address, then select your visa type (Tourist Single, Tourist Double, KAZA UniVisa, Business, or Transit). Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport — any discrepancy can cause rejection. -
Upload your documents
Upload your passport bio page scan and your digital passport photo. Both must meet the format requirements (clear, correct dimensions, proper background). Also upload your travel itinerary and accommodation proof as required. -
Pay the application fee
Pay online by Visa or Mastercard ($30–$50 depending on visa type). The fee is non-refundable. You will receive a payment confirmation and application reference number immediately. -
Wait for approval and print your Letter of Authority
Standard processing takes 3–7 working days. You will receive an email notification when your Zimbabwe eVisa is approved. Download and print your Letter of Authority — you must present a physical printed copy at the port of entry. Digital copies shown on a phone screen are generally not accepted.
Ready to apply? Our step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots is available on the Zimbabwe eVisa apply online page.