Legal Entry Requirements and Travel Information for Staying in Zimbabwe

Part III of the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02] (‘the Act’) provides for legal entry in Zimbabwe. One is expected to enter Zimbabwe through a Port of Entry unless he / she is authorized by the Minister of Home Affairs or any other Minister to whom the President may, from time to time, assign the administration of the Act to enter Zimbabwe at a place other than a port of entry or where an entry into Zimbabwe by a person who remains within Zimbabwe after such entry as a recognized refugee or protected person in terms of the Refugees Act [Chapter 4:03].

Persons entering Zimbabwe are expected to provide travelling documents and follow instructions from the Immigration Officers. Below are the essential documents required for legal entry and stay in Zimbabwe. Prohibited persons are not expected to enter Zimbabwe! If one is visiting Zimbabwe, he will go under visitor’s procedures and obtain a visitor’s certificate.

There is need of a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Zimbabwe. The passport must have at least two blank pages for stamps.

This form is usually available on the official Zimbabwean Consulate or Embassy website of every country. There is need to fill it out accurately to avoid delays.

Two recent passport-sized photographs are needed for submission. The photos should be clear and should have been taken within the last six months.

Whether you’re staying at a hotel or with friends and family, you’ll need to provide proof of your accommodation. This could be a booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host.

You need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. Bank statements from the last three to six months should suffice.

Lastly, showing a return flight ticket or proof of onward travel is often mandatory to prove that you intend to leave the country at the end of your stay.