Every child traveling to Zimbabwe — including infants — needs a separate Zimbabwe eVisa. There are no age exemptions. Required documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, and a notarized parental consent letter if the child is not traveling with both parents. As of 2025, Zimbabwe charges full adult eVisa fees for children ($30 single entry). This guide covers everything parents need to prepare a successful Zimbabwe eVisa application for their minor.
Does Every Child Need a Zimbabwe eVisa?
Yes — Zimbabwe eVisa is mandatory for all minors regardless of age, with no child exemptions as of 2025. Even infants and newborns must have their own eVisa if their nationality requires one. Zimbabwe removed the child fee exemption in 2025, meaning all travelers — adult or minor — pay the standard application fee.
This applies to nationalities in visa Categories B and C. Category A nationals (including South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and others) do not require a visa regardless of age. Check Zimbabwe eVisa requirements to confirm your child’s visa category.
Required Documents for Zimbabwe eVisa for Minors
Zimbabwe eVisa for minors requires a valid passport, birth certificate, recent passport photo, and a parental consent letter if one parent is absent. Below is a complete overview by travel scenario:
| Travel Scenario | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Both parents traveling with child | Child’s passport (6+ months validity); Birth certificate; Passport photo; Completed eVisa application |
| One parent traveling with child | All above + Notarized consent letter from absent parent with their passport copy |
| Non-parent guardian traveling with child | All above + Notarized letter from both parents OR sole custody court order + guardian’s ID |
| Child traveling unaccompanied | All above + Notarized letters from both parents + Details of receiving adult at destination |
| Single parent (legal sole custody) | Child’s passport + Birth certificate + Court order proving sole custody |
| One parent deceased | Child’s passport + Birth certificate + Death certificate of deceased parent |
Parental Consent Letter: What It Must Include
The Zimbabwe eVisa parental consent letter must be notarized, include both parents‘ passport details, travel dates, destination, and contact information. A letter without notarization will not be accepted at Zimbabwe’s ports of entry.
Required elements for the consent letter:
- Full legal names of both parents (as in passport)
- Passport numbers of both parents
- Full name and date of birth of the child
- Travel dates (from/to)
- Country of destination (Zimbabwe)
- Name and contact details of the traveling parent/guardian
- Statement of consent: „I/We hereby consent to [child’s name] traveling to Zimbabwe from [date] to [date] with [traveling parent/guardian name].“
- Notary stamp and signature
- Contact telephone number of the absent parent
Prepare this letter in English. Zimbabwe immigration officers may call the contact number provided. Keep a copy on your phone as a backup.
Traveling with One Parent or Guardian
A child traveling to Zimbabwe with only one parent needs a notarized affidavit from the absent parent, or legal proof of sole custody. This is one of the most common issues causing delays at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and Harare airports.
Specific situations:
- Parents divorced or separated: Custody agreement or court order, plus notarized consent from the non-traveling parent.
- Absent parent unreachable: Apply to a court for a travel order. Zimbabwe immigration will accept a judicial authorization in place of parental consent.
- Child adopted: Provide adoption court order and birth certificate.
- Parent deceased: Death certificate replaces consent letter from deceased parent.
Always carry both original documents and certified copies. Zimbabwe immigration may retain original documents temporarily — copies ensure you are not left without any documentation.
Zimbabwe eVisa Fees for Children 2026
Zimbabwe charges full adult eVisa fees for children — $30 single entry — as child fee exemptions were removed in 2025. Previously, infants traveled for free and minors under 12 paid a reduced rate. This changed as Zimbabwe updated its eVisa fee structure.
- Single Entry: $30 USD per child
- Double Entry: $45 USD per child
- Multiple Entry: $55 USD per child
- KAZA Univisa (Zimbabwe + Zambia): $50 USD per child
For British, Irish, Canadian, and Chinese nationals, higher fees apply — same as adults. Check the Zimbabwe eVisa fees page for the most current rates by nationality.
Step-by-Step: Applying for Zimbabwe eVisa for Minors
Apply for Zimbabwe eVisa for your child at evisa.gov.zw using the same portal as adults, filling in the child’s passport details — not the parent’s.
- Go to evisa.gov.zw or use the Zimbabwe eVisa application portal.
- Select „New Application“ and choose the correct visa type (Tourist, KAZA, etc.).
- Enter the child’s passport details — name, number, nationality, date of birth.
- Upload the child’s passport scan, passport photo, and birth certificate.
- Upload parental consent letter if applicable.
- Pay the application fee by credit/debit card.
- Receive confirmation email with reference number.
- Check application status at the portal after 3–5 business days.
- Print or download the approved eVisa to carry at the border.
Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel to allow time for corrections if documents are flagged. Zimbabwe eVisa processing for minors takes the same 3–5 business days as adult applications.
