Zimbabwe entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. You'll receive a single-entry visa at any port of entry, valid for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Zimbabwe eVisaOfficial portal: Zimbabwe eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Single-entry visa issued at the airport | Land at Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo and go to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Pay $30–$55 USD in cash (exact change, no torn bills) — they do not accept cards. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready; the officer will ask to see both before stamping.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Zimbabwe does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire trip. Airlines flying into Zimbabwe may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zimbabwe | Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A printed boarding pass or e-ticket works. If you are overlanding to Zambia or Botswana, show a bus or train booking — they accept that too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Zimbabwe. Officers at the visa-on-arrival desk routinely ask where you are staying. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works — just make sure the name on the reservation matches your passport. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry at least $300–$500 USD in cash or have a bank statement ready. Zimbabwe has a cash economy — many lodges and taxis prefer USD. Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having cash on hand avoids problems if they do. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash, preferably USD. ATMs at airports can run out of cash or have long queues. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee and initial expenses.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Icelandic passport holders have a smooth experience getting a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes at major airports. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at port of entry
Go to the immigration counter at any international airport or land border. At Harare or Victoria Falls Airport, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (cash in USD is preferred).
3
Receive visa and enter
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. You can then proceed to baggage claim.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (approx. $30 USD)
Standard option for longer stays; apply online or at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay visa (temporary employment permit)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For investors committing at least $250,000 USD in a local business. Includes residence rights.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows employment and residence.
student visa
Zimbabwe Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Available online or at embassy. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. $20 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 C, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Main Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for IS 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 = 26.87 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 visa on arrival fee is typically around $30–$75 USD for a single-entry visa, payable in cash (USD is widely accepted). Exact amounts can vary slightly by port of entry. Carry small bills to avoid change issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Visa on arrival is available at all major land border posts, including Beitbridge, Chirundu, and Kazungula. The process is the same as at airports — present your passport, pay the fee, and receive the visa.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Iceland, you don't need it. But if you've recently been in a yellow fever endemic country, bring your vaccination certificate.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is the most widely accepted currency. ATMs are available at airports but may have long queues or limited cash. Bring enough USD to cover the fee and some extra for transport.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it is a single-entry visa. If you leave Zimbabwe (even to a neighboring country), you will need to apply for a new visa on return.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.