ENTRY FORMALITIES

If you are not staying for longer than six months, you enter Zimbabwe with a minimum of formalities. All you need is a valid passport with a valid visa depending on which category of the visa regime you fall under, a return ticket to your country (or enough money to buy one), and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zimbabwe. Entry points are categorized into three groups which comprise of:

AIR –    Harare Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Kariba Airport,

            Charles Prince Airport, Masvingo Airport, Buffalo Range.

ROAD – Chirundu, Nyamapanda, Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Forbes, Kazungula, Plumtree, Kariba, 

            Kanyemba, Mukumbura, Cashel, Mt Selinda, Sango, Pandamatenga, Maitengwe, Mphoengs.

RAIL -    Beitbridge, Plumtree

 

CULTURE 

Zimbabwe is a multi-racial society where people of all nationalists live in harmony. People living in urban areas have a westernized lifestyle, while in the country areas many African traditions have been preserved. 

 

SECURITY

Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards each other and visitors alike. Although all Zimbabweans are very helpful it is always advisable to be cautious when dealing with strangers. Police officers are very helpful and are easily identified by their uniforms although some may be plainclothes police. Like everywhere in the world valuables should always be safeguarded or left in the hotel safe box. If you do not know where to obtain a certain service or you are not sure always contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Police Post or the hotel information desk.

 

CUSTOMS CONCESSION

Your personal possessions which are not intended for disposal or consumption in Zimbabwe are allowed entry duty-free. In addition, other consumable goods which are not merchandise imported for the trade purposes may be imported up to a value of US$ 250 or its equivalent in other currencies per person. Alcoholic beverages may be included within this allowance by persons over the age of 18 years, subject to a limit per person of 5 litres, of which not more than 2 litres may be spirits. Members of a family travelling together may aggregate their allowances. 

 

CURRENCY  

There are no restrictions on foreign currency to be imported into Zimbabwe. However, a maximum of $ 10 000 or its equivalent can be exported out of the country. Tourists are entitled to duty-free importation of their goods which they intend to take out of the country, for instance laptops, cameras, vehicles, binoculars, fishery rods and trailers; as well as duty-free importation of goods for personal use (not commercial) worth US$300.00 for consumption in Zimbabwe. A CDI form is required for exports whose value exceeds US$1 000.00.

 

The country makes use of multiple currencies as legal tender which comprise of US dollar, British pound, European euros, South African rand and Botswana Pula. However, all these currencies are easily convertible in most banks using the inter-bank rate which gives access to use of the common and mostly used currency the US dollar and South African rand as method of payment.

The mostly acceptable means of payment in most establishments is US $ based or its equivalent. Travelers Cheques and International credit cards are widely accepted. Avoid street/border money changers. Instead it is advisable to change all your money or travelers cheques at Commercial banks, hotels or registered bureau de change.

 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

With the exception of children less than one year of age, all visitors coming to Zimbabwe from infected areas are requested to possess vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever. It is not advisable to swim in the country’s rivers and dams as they may be infected with bilharzia. It is however worth noting that all tap water is very safe to drink and water in swimming pools is purified hence very safe. If you are intending to visit low-lying areas such as Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba, Gonarezhou and Zambezi Valley, It is advisable to take a course of anti-malaria tablets as a precaution. Prophylaxis is 100% effective. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or pharmacist before travelling to such areas. Most establishments in the country do have mosquito nets and repellents.

 

PETS

Regional tourists (except Mozambicans) who wish to bring pets into Zimbabwe should apply for an inter-territorial import and export permit, together with a health certificate from their nearest veterinary Office. Tourists from other countries should apply well ahead for a permit to:

The Director of Veterinary Services, P O Box 8012, Causeway, Harare. 

 

BANK HOURS

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business during the following hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday ……….08:00 – 15:00 hrs

Wednesdays ………………………………………..08:00 – 13:00 hrs

Saturday ……………………………………………..08:00 – 11:30 hrs

 

PUBLIC AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

It sometimes causes inconvenience to arrive in a country on a public holiday and find everything closed or booked up. So book well ahead if you plan to arrive on a holiday weekend or during school holidays. School holidays are between mid April and mid May, mid July and mid September, mid December and mid January.

 

HOTELS

Unless otherwise stated, the initial tariff is a person per day on a bed and breakfast basis. The tariffs quoted are subject to change upwards or downwards. However, visitors should confirm charges when making a reservation. Zimbabwe boosts of a variety of classical hotels dotted around the country with quality service that ranges from one star to five stars. Hotels in Zimbabwe can be categorized into three groups which comprise of City hotels, Resort hotels and Safari hotels. 

 

FIRE-ARMS

If carried, they must be declared at customs.

 

MOTOR VEHICLES

Private motor-vehicles, caravans and trailers may be brought temporarily into Zimbabwe, provided they are licensed in their home countries and bear the appropriate registration plates and a nationality plaque. The international Certificate of Motor vehicles is recognized in Zimbabwe. A vehicle toll fee is levied on all vehicles that pass through the Beitbridge border-post.

 

Vehicles must be insured against third-party risks arising in Zimbabwe: short-term policies are obtainable at border-posts. Visitors driving hired cars from companies registered outside Zimbabwe should check that customs surety arrangements have been made.

 

DRIVING IN ZIMBABWE

International driving and driving licenses issued in all SADC countries are valid in Zimbabwe. Visitors from other countries not covered by this agreement are able to drive for a period of 90 days using driving licenses issued in their home countries. If not printed in English, it should have a certificate of authority and validity, or a translation of the text with the bearer’s photograph attached. Renewal after expiry of this period is obtained from the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Drive on the left in Zimbabwe and give way to traffic approaching on the road to your right at uncontrolled intersections. At controlled intersections, motorists are required to yield precedence to pedestrians crossing on a green light. At all intersections, a fire engine, ambulance or police vehicle sounding a siren takes precedence over all other traffic: move out of its course and remain stationary until it has passed. The general speed-limit in Zimbabwe is 120km/h on open roads and 60 km/h in urban areas, but watch for the signs.

 

TRANSPORT AND TOURS

Taxis – can be found at taxi ranks in the main centres or on call from hotels and restaurants.

Car Hire – cars with or without chauffeurs can be hired in most tourist areas from internationally recognizable operators.

Buses/Coaches – Zimbabwe has a variety of both mid-range and luxury intercity coach services.

Trains – A commuter rail link exist between Harare – Mutare, Harare – Bulawayo and Bulawayo – Victoria Falls.

Air Services – Air Zimbabwe, the national airline, operates frequent flights between the main centres and major tourist destinations. Other private scheduled and charter flights are also available on these routes. Feeder services are provided to regional capitals. International flights are also available.

Road tours – A selection of road tours are operated at reasonable cost to Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions by registered tour operators. In addition, sight-seeing and game-viewing tours are offered with couriers who are fluent in the main European languages.

Boat Hire – At Kariba, Victoria Falls, Mutirikwi and all other water bodies in Zimbabwe, boats are available for hire from registered companies and lake cruises and charters are offered at reasonable cost.

 

 

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Electricity in Zimbabwe is 220-230 AC voltage. Most outlets take a 13 amp fused square –pin plug but round pins are still in use so an adaptor that can take both is useful.

 

SHOPPING IN ZIMBABWE

In general, shops are open from 0800hrs until 1700hrs and closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Most restaurants are also closed on Sundays. Selected pharmacies have day and night service in all the main centres. VAT is charged on everything, except certain basic commodities, and applies to meals served in hotels and restaurants. A 2% tourism development is levied on all tourism products and services.

 

AIRPORTS

Zimbabwe has a number of airports located in the various towns and provinces. 

Harare International Airport –The biggest and busiest airport in Zimbabwe situated in Harare. The airport's runway, at 4,725 metres (15,500 ft), is one of the longest in Africa. It compares with OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, whose longest runway measures 4,418 metres (14,490 ft).

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport situated some 20km out of Bulawayo the city of kings. There are 2 airlines operating out of Bulawayo Airport which are Air Zimbabwe and South African Air link. 

Victoria Falls Airport – An International Airport that is located 21 km out of Victoria Falls town the hub for tourism in Zimbabwe. There are 4 International airlines that operate out of Victoria Falls Airport namely British Airways Com Air, South African Airways, Air Namibia and Air Zimbabwe.

Charles Prince Airport - formerly named Mount Hampden and renamed after former airport manager Charles Prince (who was a Royal Air Force officer during World War II), is located approximately 8 km northwest of Harare, Zimbabwe.1973 the airport was converted to civilian use.

 

Departure taxes - A departure tax of US $35 is levied on all foreign investors (non-residents) at all Zimbabwe airports on International flights and this tax are often incorporated in the ticket fare. When flying within Zimbabwe a departure tax of $10 is charged. The revenue stamp can be bought at the airport or pre-purchased at any commercial bank. A total of US $5 is payable for each domestic ticket. However, this tax is often incorporated in the ticket fare. Always verify with the issuing agent. 

 

BORDER POST OPERATIONAL HOURS

All posts listed below are open on public holidays, weekends as well as weekdays.

Zimbabwe bordering South Africa and Botswana

Beitbridge                                         Open 24 hrs                                                        Daily

Plumtree                                           06:00 – 18:00 hrs                                               Daily

Kazungula                                         06:00 – 18:00 hrs                                               Daily

 

Zimbabwe bordering Mozambique

Mutare (Forbes)                               06:00 – 20:00 hrs                                               Daily

Nyamapanda                                    06:00 – 18:00 hrs                                               Daily

 

Zimbabwe bordering Zambia

Chirundu                                            06:00 – 18:00 hrs                                                Daily

Kariba                                                06:00 – 18:00 hrs                                                Daily

Victoria Falls                                        06:00 – 18:00 hrs                                                Daily

 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day                                                                                                               01 January

Good Friday

Easter Saturday

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

Independence Day                                                                                                          18 April

Workers Day                                                                                                                   01 May

Africa Day                                                                                                                       25 May

Heroes Day                                                                                                                     11 August

National Unity Day                                                                                                           12 August

Christmas Day                                                                                                                 25 December

Public Day                                                                                                                       

 

 

ZIMBABWE VISA REGIME 

  

CATEGORY A (Countries whose nationals do not  require a Visa to enter  Zimbabwe)

1	Antigua & Barbuda	11	Ghana	21	Malawi	31	Solomon Islands	41	Uganda
2	Aruba	12	Grenada	22	Maldives	32	South Africa	42	Vanuatu
3	Bahamas	13	Hong Kong	23	Malta	33	St. Kitts	43	Zambia
4	Barbados	14	Hong Kong (China)	24	Mauritius	34	St. Lucia
5	Belize	15	Jamaica	25	Montserrat	35	St. Vincent & the Grenadines
6	Botswana	16	Kenya	26	Mozambique	36	Swaziland
7	Cayman Islands	17	Kiribati	27	Namibia	37	Tanzania
8	Congo (DRC)	18	Leeward Islands	28	Nauru	38	Trinidad & Tobago
9	Cyprus	19	Lesotho	29	Samoa (Western)	39	Turk & Caicos Islands
10	Fiji	20	Malaysia	30	Singapore	40	Tuvalu

 

 

CATEGORY B (Countries whose nationals are granted visas at the port of entry on payment of the requisite Visa fee)

 

1	Argentina	12	Czech Republic	23	Ireland	34	Norway	45	Spain
2	Austria	13	Denmark	24	Israel	35	Palau Island	46	Sweden
3	Australia	14	Dominican Republic	25	Italy	36	Palestine (State of)	47	Switzerland
4	Belgium	15	Egypt	26	Japan	37	Papua New Guinea	48	United Arab Emirates
5	Bermuda	16	Finland	27	Korea (South)	38	Poland	49	Uruguay
6	Brazil	17	France	28	Kuwait	39	Portugal	50	USA
7	Britain (UK)	18	Germany	29	Leitchtenstan	40	Puerto Rico	51	Vatican State
8	Brunei	19	Greece	30	Luxembourg	41	Russian Federation	52	Virgin Islands
9	Burundi	20	Hungary	31	Monaco	42	Rwanda
10	Canada	21	Indonesia	32	Netherlands	43	Seychelles
11	Cook Islands	22	Iceland	33	New Zealand	44	Slovenia

 

            CATEGORY C (Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Visa prior to travelling to Zimbabwe)

 

1	Afghanistan	26	Comoros Islands	51	Guinea Bissau	76	Mongolia	101	Senegal
2	Albania	27	Congo (Brazzaville)	52	Guyana	77	Morocco	102	Sierra Leone
3	Algeria	28	Costa Rica	53	Haiti	78	Myanmar	103	Slovak Republic
4	Andorra	29	Conakry	54	Honduras	79	Nepal	104	Slovenia
5	Angola	30	Cote d’ Ivoire	55	India	80	New Caledonia	105	Somalia
6	Armenia	31	Croatia	56	Iran	81	Nicaragua	106	Sri Lanka
7	Azerbaijan	32	Cuba	57	Iraq	82	Niger	107	Sudan
8	Bahrain	33	Djibouti Republic	58	Jordan	83	Nigeria	108	Suriname
9	Bangladesh	34	Ecuador	59	Kazakhstan	84	Norfolk Islands	109	Syria
10	Belarus	35	El Salvador	60	Korea (DPRK)	85	Northern Mariana Island	110	Tajikistan
11	Benin	36	Equatorial Guinea	61	Kyrgyzstan	86	Oman	111	Taiwan
12	Bhutan	37	Eritrea	62	Laos	87	Pakistan	112	Thailand
13	Bolivia	38	Estonia	63	Latvia	88	Panama	113	Togo
14	Bosnia-Herzegovina	39	Ethiopia	64	Lebanon	89	Paraguay	114	Tunisia
15	Brazzaville	40	Eyrom	65	Liberia	90	Peru	115	Turkey
16	Bulgaria	41	French Guinea	66	Libya	91	Philippines	116	Turkmenistan
17	Burkina Faso	42	French Polynesia	67	Lithuania	92	Principe	117	Ukraine
18	Cambodia	43	French West Indies	68	Macau	93	Qatar	118	Uzbekistan
19	Cameroon	44	Gabon	69	Madagascar	94	Reunion	119	Venezuela
20	Cape Verde Islands	45	Gambia	70	Mali	95	Romania	120	Vietnam
21	Central African Rep.	46	Georgia	71	Marshall Islands	96	Rwanda	121	Yemen Republic
22	Chad	47	Gibraltar	72	Mauritania	97	Samoa (American)	122	Yugoslavia
23	Chile	48	Guam	73	Mexico	98	San Marino
24	China	49	Guatemala	74	Micronesia	99	Sao Tome
25	Colombia	50	Guinea	75	Moldova	100	Saudi Arabia

 

Note Well (N.B)

 

 Since not all countries on the globe could be included on the Visa regime schedules, countries not appearing on any of the 3 tables above  

 are automatically considered to fall in Visa Category C ( i.e  - Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to

 travelling to Zimbabwe)                         

 

VISA APPLICATION FEES  (1)

The following table applies to Angola, Britain, Canada and China only and are basedon reciprocity

Type Of Visa	US $	Pound	Euro	Rand	Pula
ANGOLANS
Single Entry	100	60	80	1000	860
Double Entry	150	90	120	1500	1290
BRITISH
Single Entry	55	35	45	550	480
Double Entry	70	45	55	700	610
Multiple Entry	90	60	70	900	780
CANADIANS
Single Entry	75	45	60	750	645
Multiple Entry	130	80	100	1300	1120
CHINESE
Single Entry	60	*	*	600	*
Double Entry	90	*	*	900	*

 

 

VISA APPLICATION FEES  (2)

 

The following table applies to all other countries

Type Of Visa	US $	Pound	Euro	Rand	Pula
Single Entry	30	20	25	300	250
Urgent Single Entry	100	60	80	1000	860
Double Entry	45	30	35	450	390
Urgent Double Entry	150	90	120	1500	1300
Multiple Entry	55	35	45	550	330
Urgent Multiple Entry	200	120	160	2000	1720

 

ZIMBABWE VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are the documentary requirements for a Zimbabwe Visa application :

 

HOLIDAY VISITORS

 

 

 

 

1. Valid Passport ( valid for at least 6 months
   

2. Passport size Photos X 2

3. Copy of Passport (Bio Data page)

4. Copy of any previous Zimbabwe Visa

5. Completed Visa Application

6. Invitation Letter from Host (bill)

7. Proof of accommodation and proof of residence from host  - i.e utility bills e.g water/rates bill, electricity bill, phone bill

8. Proof of residential status in country of residence

BUSINESS VISITORS

 

 

 

1. Supporting letter from host (on company letterhead)

2. Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) certificate

3. CR14 Form (List of company directors in accordance with Sections 187 & 330 of Zimbabwe Company’s Act Chapter 224:03, Section 27 of Regulations)

4. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) returns

5. Current Bank Statement

6. Requirements 1-5, & 8 of Holiday Visitors (as stated above)

VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Category B

Visitor arrives at Port of Entry (i.e Border Post or Airport), presents valid travel document, return ticket and/or proof of means (money to sustain him/herself and be able to leave Zimbabwe), pays the requisite Visa fee and is issued with a Visa on the spot.                                  

Category C

Prospective visitors who fall in this category may obtain a Visa using any of the 2 methods outlined below.

1.          Prospective visitor applies to nearest Zimbabwean Embassy, presenting the following :

·      valid travel document

·      photocopies of passport (bio data pages)

·      2 passport size photos

·      Invitation/supporting letter from host company/organization where applicable

·      Application fee

(Cost of external application is inclusive of processing and handling fees, which vary from Embassy to Embassy and from Mission to Mission) 

2.          Where there is no Zimbabwean Embassy or Embassy is too far away, or prospective visitor   cannot visit Embassy for one reason or another, the following applies :

2.1       Holiday Visit

·         Prospective visitor sends same set of documents as outlined in (1) above, to host/contact/friend/relative in Zimbabwe.

·         Host makes application to Department of Immigration Control on behalf of prospective visitor, presenting  the same documents as outlined in (1) above.

·         Host must present proof of accommodation, i.e his/her lease agreement or utility bills OR hotel/lodge booking in the name of prospective visitor.

·         Department of Immigration Control then issues the relevant application form to host who then completes the form and submits it and pays the requisite Visa Fees on behalf of the prospective visitor.

·         Processing of Visa then begins. After Visa is approved, issued and affixed in travel document, host collects travel document from Immigration and sends back to prospective visitor, who must then travel to Zimbabwe within the specified period of validity of the Visa.

1.2         Business Visit

·         Host company/organization applies to Department of Immigration Control (on official letterhead), confirming having invited prospective visitor/s.

·         Small companies/organisations may be asked to produce Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) returns, or Registration details (CR14), or Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) Certificate, and current Bank Statement, as proof of existence.

 

·         The letter to Department of Immigration Control should clearly state name/s of invited visitor/s and nationality, citing reasons for proposed visit.

·         Host company/organization should attach the same set of documents as outlined in (1) above, and indicating date of intended entry and the Port of Entry that the prospective visitor/s will use.

·         Department of Immigration Control issues a “Landing Visa”, forwards it to the intended Port of Entry, and informs host organisation of the fact, in writing. (The letter allows the  prospective visitor/s to proceed to travel to Zimbabwe and pay for “Landing Visa” at Point of Entry, as in Category B above).

·         Host company/organisation then sends photocopy or scanned copy of the letter to prospective visitor who, upon receipt of the letter, may proceed to travel to Zimbabwe. (The letter facilitates prospective visitor’s acceptance by airlines and transit through other countries en route to Zimbabwe)

·         Visitor arrives at intended port of entry bearing the copyof the letter from Department of Immigration Control

·         A representative of  the host company/organization must travel to intended Port of Entry on intended  date, with original letter from Department of Immigration Control (for verification purposes).

• Immigration Officer at Port of Entry, verifies the two, then issues the “Landing Visa” on the spot

• “Landing Visa” costs US$100 and is only issued on request from host company/organisation, which may opt to pay the Visa Fee on behalf of the visitor.