Zimbabwe entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe's ports of entry. No advance application needed — just bring your passport and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival eVisa recommended before travel | You can get a visa on arrival at Harare and Victoria Falls airports for $30–$75 USD (single or double entry). Pay in cash (USD) — cards are not accepted. Apply online at evisa.gov.zw before you fly to skip the queue and guarantee entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity beyond your stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Zimbabwe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Zimbabwe ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zimbabwe. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour or safari. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Zimbabwe has a cash economy — credit cards work in major hotels but not everywhere. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD preferred). Credit cards are not accepted at immigration. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
If you plan to work, study, or volunteer in Zimbabwe, you must apply for the appropriate visa at a Zimbabwean embassy before traveling. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Harare or Victoria Falls airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and your return ticket if asked. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted). As of 2026, single-entry tourist visa costs around $30–$50. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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. €28)
Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$55 USD (approx. €51)
Ideal for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (temporary employment)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. €185)
Requires employer sponsorship.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. €460) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires medical insurance and police clearance. Allows residency but not employment.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus investment
For those investing at least $250,000 USD in a local business. Includes spouse and dependents. Path to permanent residency after 5 years.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit
1–3 years
$500 USD (approx. €460) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Zimbabwean company and proof that no local candidate is available. Renewable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 6 months. | $55 USD (approx. €51) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. €18) |
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
Italy passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
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) · Victoria Falls International Airport · Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo)
Health & vaccines for Zimbabwe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in Matabeleland region.
Practical information for IT 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 = 25.84 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
As of 2026, a single-entry tourist visa costs around $30–$50 USD. Pay in cash (USD is preferred). Double-entry or multiple-entry options may cost more. Always carry small bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
The standard stay is up to 30 days for tourism. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at entry. Overstaying can result in fines.
Zimbabwe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Italy is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Beitbridge (from South Africa) and Kazungula (from Zambia). The process is similar to airports.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, but use a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available in cities but may have limits. USD is the easiest currency for the visa fee.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.