Zimbabwe visa on arrival application guide for US citizens

Last Updated : 03 May 2024

30 Seconds Summary

US citizens planning a visit to Zimbabwe can get a Zimbabwe visa on arrival, which allows US nationals to visit the country for tourism.

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This visa on arrival for Zimbabwe is available at any port of entry.
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There's no need for US applicants to hand in their passports or attend any embassy interviews for this visa application.

Important Information

Zimbabwe

— Visa type:

Zimbabwe visa on arrival

— Zimbabwe visa on arrival cost:

The visa cost for a single-entry visa on arrival is US$ 30,00

— Zimbabwe visa on arrival processing time:

You can get the visa on arrival at the time of entry.

— Length of stay:

You can stay a maximum of 30 days.

Do US Citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Yes, US Citizens can get a visa on arrival for Zimbabwe, as the country does not grant visa-free entry to US passport holders, irrespective of the visit's purpose, including tourism or business activities.

Among the most practical visa alternatives is the visa on arrival, which allows applicants to get the visa at the time of their entry to the country. Zimbabwe visa for US citizens can apply for a visa on arrival at any country's entry point.

Do US Green Card Holders need a visa for Zimbabwe?

This entirely depends on the passport you hold. If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you don't need to apply for a visa. However, if your country doesn’t fall under the visa exemption category, you must apply for a South African visa.

Zimbabwe visa on arrival requirements for the US

The Zimbabwe visa on arrival requirements for the application process for US nationals, you will need to provide specific documents to complete the online form:

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Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least 2 blank pages.
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Visa Photo: Submit 2 passport-sized photos. The photo should be recent, taken against a white background, with the applicant facing forward and not wearing glasses.
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Note Verbale: Obtain a Note Verbale. This document usually comes from your government or representative organisation, explaining your visit's purpose.

Zimbabwe visa on arrival fees for US nationals

The Zimbabwe visa on arrival fees for US travellers on the government portal depend on the type of visa. Here are the Zimbabwe visa on arrival costs:*

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Zimbabwe single-entry visa on arrival costs US$ 30,00 (approx. £ 28).

*The Zimbabwe visa cost for USs will be charged as per the exchange rate on the day of the application.

Zimbabwe visa application process for the US

We always want to ensure that our readers know exactly how to apply and their options. You can apply the application for a visa for Zimbabwe for US citizens at the entry port.

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Download the Visa Application Form: Begin the process by downloading the visa application form from the specified website.
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Complete the Visa Application Form: Fill out the downloaded application form accurately with all the required personal and travel information.
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Prepare Required Documents: To complete your application, secure a verbal note from your government or representative organisation detailing the purpose of your visit. Also, ensure you have two recent passport-sized photos adhering to the specified criteria for size, background colour, and quality. These documents are essential for the visa application process.
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Submit the Application Form and Required Documents: Once you have completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, submit them to the person at the designated office or embassy.
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Make payment: Have your credit card or cash ready for the visa fee. Follow the instructions to complete the payment process.
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Wait for Processing: After submission, wait for the visa processing to complete. The processing time can vary, so applying well before your planned travel date is important.
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Receive Your Visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will be notified on how to collect your visa, or it may be sent to you, depending on the application process specified. If you're a US citizen planning to travel to Zimbabwe, you may wonder about the country's visa requirements. In this blog post, we'll answer some common questions about getting a Zimbabwe visa for US citizens.

Tips to apply:

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Ensure you review all necessary documents for your visa on arrival application, such as your passport and photo, for completeness and accuracy.
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Keep the physical copies of all the required documents.
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Fill in your application form diligently, ensuring all details align with those on your travel documents.

Receive your approved Zimbabwe visa for the US

Once you've submitted your visa application, a waiting period for processing is required. It is advisable to check all the required documents before submitting them for processing. After receiving the approved visa on arrival, you can enter the country. The US citizens cannot apply for the Zimbabwe e-visa.

Zimbabwe visa information for US

Zimbabwe visa on arrival processing time:

You will get the Zimbabwe visa on arrival (VoA) at the port of entry, The processing time for a visa on arrival can vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of the immigration process at the specific port of entry, the number of travelers arriving at the same time, and any additional requirements or checks that may be necessary.

Zimbabwe visa on arrival validity & length of stay:

The validity period of your Zimbabwe visa will be specified on the visa on arrival upon receipt. This visa on arrival permits a single entry into the country and allows for a stay of up to 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you apply for a visa for Zimbabwe at the embassy?

For US citizens seeking a visa for Zimbabwe, application submission is possible at the Zimbabwe embassy in New Delhi, India. Collecting all required documents and presenting them at a consulate or embassy within your jurisdiction for the visa application is essential.

How long can I stay with a Zimbabwe visa?

The length of stay for a Zimbabwe visa varies depending on the type of visa issued. Tourist visas typically allow a stay of up to 90 days, while business visas may allow for longer stays. It's important to check the specifics of your visa to ensure that you don't overstay your permitted time in Zimbabwe.

Can I enter Zimbabwe multiple times with a visa?

This also depends on the type of visa issued. Some visas, such as the multiple-entry business visa, allow for multiple entries into Zimbabwe within a specified period. However, tourist visas typically only allow for a single entry.

What do I do after my visa is approved?

After your Zimbabwe visa for US citizens has been approved, you can finally travel to Zimbabwe within the validity period of your visa.

What should I do if my Zimbabwe visa application is denied?

If your Zimbabwe visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply for the visa. It's important to carefully review the reason for the denial and address any issues before reapplying.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Zimbabwe?

If you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you may be required to show proof of vaccination before entering Zimbabwe. Therefore, checking the current requirements with the Zimbabwe Embassy or consulate before you travel is important.

Can I get a refund if my Zimbabwe visa application is rejected?

No, you can't. Zimbabwe visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Therefore, it's important to carefully review the visa requirements and ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application.

Can I work in Zimbabwe with a tourist visa?

No, tourist visas do not allow for employment in Zimbabwe. If you wish to work in Zimbabwe, you must apply for a work permit or other relevant visa.

Which port of entry can I use to enter Zimbabwe with a visa on arrival?

US citizens with a Zimbabwe visa can enter through various airports and land and sea ports. The comprehensive list of entry points is available on the official website of the Zimbabwe government.

What are some issues when applying for a Zimbabwe visa on arrival to the US?

During the online application process, you might encounter challenges such as:

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The website being unresponsive.
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Difficulties with visa-on-arrival fee payment.
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Problems uploading documents.

What factors can affect the processing time of a Zimbabwe visa application?

The duration required to process a Zimbabwe visa application can be influenced by several factors, including

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Visa Category: Processing times may differ based on the visa type you're applying for, as each category follows its own set of timelines.
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Application Completeness: The promptness of the visa processing heavily depends on how accurately and completely you complete your application. Missing or erroneous details can delay processing, requiring additional documentation or clarifications.
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Travel Season: The time of year can affect processing times, particularly during peak travel seasons or holidays when application volumes increase. Applying well before these busy periods is recommended.
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Embassy Workload: The volume of work at the consular office or embassy handling your visa application can also affect processing times. High demand or unexpected events can cause delays.
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Policy Adjustments: Any changes to visa policies or regulations may alter processing times. Keeping abreast of the latest visa information is crucial to mitigate the risk of delays.

Do I need to print my Zimbabwe visa on arrival?

Yes, visa for Zimbabwe for US citizens must print out your visa on arrival before travel. You are required to present a physical copy of your visa on arrival upon arrival at the airport in Zimbabwe.

What are the photo requirements for a Zimbabwe visa on arrival to the US?

You need to provide two passport-size photos, each measuring 4x6 cm. Attach one photo directly to the form and keep the other separate. Ensure both photographs feature a white background, display a frontal view, and show you with an uncovered head without wearing sunglasses.

What are some Zimbabwe visa rules for the US?

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Ensure your passport's validity extends 6 months beyond your arrival date in Zimbabwe.
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Be aware that the fee for the Zimbabwe visa is non-refundable.
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Incomplete applications or those lacking required documents will face rejection.
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Avoid overstaying your visa. Seek an extension to extend your stay beyond the visa's permitted duration.
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Present your passport and a valid visa upon entering Zimbabwe at the port of entry.
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Understand that a Zimbabwe tourist visa prohibits business activities or employment.