Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean citizens hold a passport that allows them to travel to several destinations across the world. Zimbabweans may face different entry rules depending on the country they are visiting. While some nations offer visa-free access, others require a visa for traveling.

At present, Zimbabwe passport holders can apply online for an eVisa or eTA to various destinations. With these types of visas, travellers can apply and get the visa completely online without visiting the embassy or consulate.

However, a few countries still require travellers to apply for a traditional visa through their embassies or consulates. Also, some countries allow Zimbabwean citizens to get a visa after arrival with the Visa on Arrival (VoA) option.

Whether you are traveling with an online visa, a traditional visa, or visa-free, you should make sure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended stay.

Before making travel plans, it’s always best for Zimbabwean citizens to check each destination’s entry requirements as they can vary based on the purpose of travel and length of stay.

An eVisa is an electronic visa that can be applied for and received online without visiting an embassy. You can apply for an eVisa from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection, your device, and digital copies of the required documents.

Once approved, you’ll receive the eVisa in your email. You can show the download version from your phone or a printed copy of your eVisa to the immigration officers upon arrival.

An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) works similarly, but it’s actually a travel permit instead of a complete visa. It allows Zimbabwean citizens to enter a country without applying for a traditional visa in advance.

It is generally valid for a shorter period, and travelers need to reach the destination and collect the visa within that time frame. If they miss the time frame, the eTA gets invalid, and they need to reapply.

Below is the complete list of countries that provide eVisa or eTA facilities for Zimbabwe passport holders:

A Visa on Arrival (VoA) allows Zimbabwean citizens to collect a visa after arriving at the airport or border checkpoint. It’s a practical option for travellers who make last-minute plans or need to visit on short notice.

Currently, 15 countries offer visa-on-arrival access to Zimbabwean passport holders. Entry conditions, fees, and stay durations can vary depending on the destination country and purpose of the visit. So, travellers should always verify the latest regulations before flying.

The Zimbabwe passport allows visa-free entry to 34 destinations worldwide. This gives Zimbabweans the freedom to explore several countries without any visa arrangements. The permitted stay usually ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the destination.

Here’s a list of countries where Zimbabwean citizens can travel visa-free:

Although Zimbabwean citizens enjoy a decent level of travel freedom, there are still over 100 countries that require a traditional visa before entry. In that case, travellers must apply through the respective embassy or consulate and submit documents in person.

A traditional visa application usually involves filling out a form, submitting recent photos, providing travel and accommodation details, and sometimes showing proof of financial stability. 

However, some countries provide Zimbabwean citizens with a hybrid online system where they can apply and fill out the form online. Later, they visit in person to provide the passport and other required documents.

Depending on the country, the visa process can take from a few days to several weeks. To avoid delays, everyone is encouraged to apply for their visas well before their intended travel dates.

Although visa policies differ from one country to another, most share similar requirements. Zimbabwean citizens applying for a visa usually need the following:

• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay.
• Visa Application Form: This can be completed online or at the embassy, with personal details and the purpose of travel.
• Photograph: One or more recent passport-sized photos on a white background are generally requested.
• Flight Tickets: Some embassies may ask for proof of return or onward travel.
• Proof of Accommodation/Stay: This may include hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.

Zimbabwean citizens can visit around 198 countries, including destinations with visa-free, visa-on-arrival, eVisa, eTA, and traditional visa access. The full list of each destination is given above the article.

Zimbabweans can visit 34 countries without a visa, including South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, and several other African and Caribbean destinations.

A valid Zimbabwean passport is the best way to prove citizenship. In some cases, a national ID or birth certificate issued by Zimbabwean authorities can also serve as proof.

Yes, Zimbabwe now allows dual citizenship, meaning citizens can hold another nationality while keeping their Zimbabwean one.