Zimbabwe entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. You'll receive a 30-day visitor permit at any port of entry, including Harare and Victoria Falls airports. This has been the policy since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe airports and land borders. Pay $30–$55 USD in cash (single or double entry) — have exact change. You can also apply online at evisa.gov.zw before travel to skip the queue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Zimbabwe. Carry a photocopy of the bio page — immigration sometimes asks for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Harare and Bulawayo airports check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — have it ready with your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zimbabwe. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Zimbabwe has a cash economy — USD is widely accepted, but cards work in major hotels and supermarkets. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
UAE passport holders get a 30-day visitor permit at any port of entry. No pre-approval needed. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Harare or Victoria Falls airport, follow signs to 'Visitors' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-citizens.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will process your visa on arrival.
3
Pay visa fee (if applicable)
Currently, UAE passport holders get the visa on arrival free of charge. Confirm with the officer — policies can change.
4
Receive visa stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visitor permit. Check the expiry date before leaving the counter.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport handy for spot checks.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUS$30 (US$30)
Apply at embassy or online; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUS$50 (US$50)
Ideal for frequent travellers; extension possible.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
CostUS$100–200 (US$100–200)
Requires sponsorship from employer or institution.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
US$200–500 (US$200–500)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
US$1,000–5,000 (US$1,000–5,000)
For individuals investing a minimum of US$100,000 in Zimbabwe. Includes work and residence rights.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit
1–3 years, renewable
US$500–1,000 (US$500–1,000)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows residence and employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for UAE passport holders upon arrival. | US$30 (US$30) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online or at embassy before travel. | US$30 (US$30) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | US$50 (US$50) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | US$10 per day (US$10 per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Zimbabwe
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsRobert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) · Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo) · Victoria Falls Airport
Health & vaccines for Zimbabwe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas and during rainy season (November–April).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Harare
Department of Immigration (Head Office)
1st Floor, Block A, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Regional Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Main Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for southern Zimbabwe.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalHarare
LanguageEnglish, Shona, Ndebele
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyZimbabwean dollar (ZWL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26.89 ZWL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You get a 30-day visitor permit. It's not extendable, so plan your trip within that window. If you need longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
As of 2025, yes — there is no fee. But immigration policies can change, so carry some US dollars (around $50) just in case.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports (Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo) and major land borders like Beitbridge. Smaller crossings may not have the facility.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. UAE is not a risk country, so you won't need it. But if you've recently visited a risk area, bring your vaccination certificate.
No. The visitor permit is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. Any paid or unpaid work requires a separate work visa.
Overstaying incurs a fine of about $30 per day. In serious cases, you may be banned from re-entering. Leave before the permit expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.