Zimbabwe Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Citizens of selected countries receive a free entry stamp on arrival for tourism or business.
Extension possible once for 90 days at any Provincial Immigration Office for a nominal fee paid in USD bond notes.
Most visitors, including holders of United States, United Kingdom, Schengen, Australian and Canadian passports, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding.
Cost: Mid-range government fee payable online by Visa/Mastercard or on arrival. Bring exact USD cash if paying at the port.
Holders of an unused KAZA Univisa (purchased in Zambia) may enter Zimbabwe without additional ETA as long as the 30-day validity remains.
A small number of nationalities must secure a visa in advance from a Zimbabwean embassy.
List subject to change. Confirm current category on evisa.gov.zw before you book.
Arrival Process
Expect four quick stops: health screening, immigration, baggage reclaim and customs.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Returning residents and visitors over 16 years enjoy duty-free allowances once per calendar month. Goods must accompany traveller.
Prohibited Items
- Illicit drugs, heavy fines and imprisonment
- Pornographic material, confiscation and possible arrest
- Counterfeit currency or goods, immediate seizure
- Endangered wildlife products (rhino horn, ivory), prosecution under CITES
- Meat products from Foot-and-Mouth infected countries, destruction on spot
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition, police permit issued in advance
- Medicines containing narcotics, doctor's letter and original prescription
- Radio transmitters including drones, Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority clearance
- Fresh fruit & plants, Department of Agriculture inspection certificate
Health Requirements
Zimbabwe requires proof of yellow-fever vaccination from travellers arriving from endemic countries. No other vaccinations are mandatory for entry but several are recommended.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever (if coming from or transiting through a yellow-fever country)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus-diphtheria
- Rabies for adventure travellers
- Routine childhood vaccines
Health Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly advised. Public hospitals may require cash payment up-front. Policies that include air-ambulance to South Africa are available at mid-range cost and are accepted by private Zimbabwe hospitals.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Zimbabwe Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Bring unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' names; if only one parent travels, carry certified consent affidavit from the other parent or court order. Adoptive guardians need adoption papers. Immigration officers check documents to curb child trafficking.
Obtain veterinary import permit from the Zimbabwe Veterinary Services (apply 30 days ahead). Present rabies vaccination certificate issued ≥ 30 days but < 12 months before arrival, plus a health certificate from country of origin dated within 7 days of travel. Dogs require additional distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis proof.
Tourist visas can be renewed once for 90 days at Provincial Immigration offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru or Masvingo. Bring proof of funds, accommodation and two passport photos. Fee paid in USD bond notes. For work or study stays longer than 6 months apply for a temporary employment permit or student permit before the initial visa expires.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Zimbabwe Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Zimbabwe?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.