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Zimbabwe Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens can obtain a Zimbabwe visa on arrival at select ports of entry for stays up to 90 days; the single-entry visa on arrival fee is about USD 30 (paid in cash, USD or ZAR), with border processing typically 30–60 minutes; for online options see https://www.evisa.gov.zw/.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least one blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival visa application form is required for visa on arrival; if you prefer, you can apply online for an eVisa at https://www.evisa.gov.zw/.
  • Financial proof: No explicit financial proof is published for visa on arrival; carry enough funds for your stay. Suggested amount: at least USD 50–100 per day as a general guide.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Onward travel or return ticket is recommended; have hotel bookings and your travel plan handy.
  • Photo spec: No pre-submission photo is required for visa on arrival; immigration may take your photo at entry. If you wish to carry one, a standard passport photo (approx. 35x45 mm) can be useful.
  • Biometrics: Yes; biometric data (fingerprints and photo) may be collected at the port of entry.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory; recommended. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Visa types

  • Tourist/Visitor Visa on Arrival
  • Official name: Tourist/Visitor Visa (on arrival)
  • Validity: 90 days from issue
  • Max stay: 90 days per visit
  • Single/multiple entry: Single entry
  • Approx fee: USD 30 (local currency amount varies; border posts accept USD or ZAR)
  • Business Visa on Arrival
  • Official name: Business Visa (on arrival)
  • Validity: 90 days from issue
  • Max stay: 90 days per visit
  • Single/multiple entry: Single entry
  • Approx fee: USD 60
  • Transit Visa on Arrival
  • Official name: Transit Visa (on arrival)
  • Validity: 3 days
  • Max stay: 3 days
  • Single/multiple entry: Single entry
  • Approx fee: USD 20
  • Other note: Student and Work visas are generally not issued on arrival; they require pre-arrival application (through the official portal or a Zimbabwean embassy/consulate). Official eVisa options exist at https://www.evisa.gov.zw/.

Application process

  • Visa on arrival: how to apply
  • Which ports: Harare International Airport (HRE), Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Beitbridge Border Post, Chirundu Border Post, Nyamapanda Border Post, Plumtree Border Post, Mutare/Mutasa Border Post (and other major land crossings).
  • Steps at port of entry: arrive at immigration desk, present passport, provide any requested travel details (accommodation and onward travel), pay visa fee in cash (USD or ZAR) at the border, allow biometric data collection if required, and obtain the visa stamp.
  • Fee and currencies: pay USD 30 for Tourist/Visitor visa on arrival or USD 60 for some Business entries; border posts typically accept cash in USD or ZAR. No separate VFS/BLS service fee applies to the on-arrival route.
  • How approval arrives: there is no pre-approval; you are issued the visa at the border if eligible.
  • Processing time: typically 30–60 minutes depending on queue and port.
  • Documentation to have handy: passport, evidence of onward travel, hotel bookings or address in Zimbabwe, and a plan for the duration of stay.
  • Other notes: you can still pursue an online eVisa in advance via https://www.evisa.gov.zw/ if you prefer pre-approval before travel.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (on arrival): Tourist/Visitor USD 30; Business USD 60; Transit USD 20. Local currency equivalents vary by border exchange rates.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for visa on arrival at border points.
  • Total cost: USD 30–60 depending on visa type.
  • Standard processing time: 30–60 minutes at the border, depending on queue and port.
  • Express/priority option: Not offered for visa on arrival at Zimbabwean ports of entry.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For visa on arrival, no pre-approval is required; you can simply arrive at aZimbabwean border post and obtain the visa. If you prefer certainty, consider applying for an eVisa online at https://www.evisa.gov.zw/ ahead of travel.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants specifically: Passport validity less than 6 months from entry date; insufficient funds or lack of onward travel details; missing or incomplete passport pages; failure to show accommodation or travel plans; non-cash payment issues at border.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Visa on arrival avoids VFS/BLS; you can also use the official eVisa portal for pre-approval, which may speed up border processing if you already have an approved eVisa.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the UK government travel advice for Zimbabwe before travel for current safety, health, and entry guidance.
  • Extension options inside Zimbabwe: Extensions may be possible by applying with the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration before your visa expiry; policies and fees vary by port and sector; consult local immigration authorities for current options and fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.