Zimbabwe entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. Fly into Harare or Victoria Falls, then handle your visa at the airport counter. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you need a few things ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo airports. Have $30–$55 USD in cash (single entry $30, double entry $45, multiple entry $55) — the ATMs at the airport often run out and card machines are unreliable. You'll need a passport photo and a return ticket.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Zimbabwe. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or bus ticket out of Zimbabwe ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have your hotel booking confirmation or host's address handy. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Zimbabwe's economy is cash-heavy — credit cards work in major hotels but not everywhere. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee is almost always collected in US dollars cash. Cards may not work. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes are often refused.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
If you're visiting for business, study, or work, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Zimbabwe embassy before travel. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Harare or Victoria Falls Airport
Most Bahraini travellers arrive at Harare International Airport (HRE) or Victoria Falls Airport (VFA). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' after baggage claim.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' or simply join the immigration queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (usually USD 30–50 for a single-entry tourist visa).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in US dollars cash (preferred) or sometimes by card. Keep small bills — change can be scarce. The visa is typically valid for 30 days.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away. If you need more time, ask about extensions at the immigration office in Harare.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Zimbabwe.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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
Cost$30 USD
Can be obtained on arrival or online. Extensions possible at immigration offices.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Ideal for frequent visitors. Extensions possible per stay.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 12 months
Validity12 months
Cost$200 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship or strong ties; apply at Zimbabwe embassy in Bahrain.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$500 USD (estimated application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Zimbabwean employer. Requires company sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of $250,000 USD in Zimbabwe. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Includes family members.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Allows stay but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Single Entry)Standard fee for Bahrain passport holders upon arrival at ports of entry. | $30 USD (payable in USD cash) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system before travel. | $30 USD |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD |
| Stay Extension (per month)Extensions are possible but limited; apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | $30 USD per month |
| Overstay Fine (per day)No official cap mentioned; avoid overstay to prevent penalties or bans. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsRobert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) · Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo) · Victoria Falls International Airport
Health & vaccines for Zimbabwe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk increases during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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)
Cnr. 3rd Street & Central Avenue, Harare
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Immigration Office
Cnr. 9th Avenue & Fife Street, Bulawayo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for BH 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
The single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs around USD 30–50. Pay in US dollars cash — small bills are best. Card payment is sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Harare. The standard extension is 30 days and costs about USD 50. You'll need to fill out a form and provide a reason. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need the vaccine certificate. Bahrain is not a yellow fever country, so you're fine unless you've been elsewhere recently.
Yes, but it's less predictable. Major land border posts like Beitbridge (from South Africa) and Kazungula (from Zambia) offer visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. Airports are smoother. Have cash ready.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted and preferred over the local Zimbabwean dollar. Use small denominations ($1, $5, $10) for daily purchases. ATMs dispense local currency, so bring enough USD from home.
No, there's no online arrival declaration for Zimbabwe. You'll fill out a paper immigration card on the plane or at the airport. Keep it simple — just your passport details and accommodation address.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.