Zimbabwe entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Zimbabwe. The entire process is online — you apply before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Lao nationals, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Zimbabwe eVisa | Apply online at the Zimbabwe eVisa portal before you travel. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so submit at least a week ahead. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Zimbabwe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you cannot show one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket at the airport. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying — vague answers can trigger secondary questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. While not always checked, officers at Harare can request proof of funds if they suspect you are working illegally. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. You must apply for an eVisa online before travel. Without it, you'll be refused boarding by the airline.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Zimbabwe, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.gov.zw, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$75 USD depending on nationality). Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it or save the PDF.
2
Prepare your documents
Before your flight, gather: passport with 6+ months validity, eVisa approval, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and a printed backup in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Zimbabwe airport
At Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA) airport, proceed to the immigration desk. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. The officer will stamp your passport. No separate visa-on-arrival queue — eVisa holders use the standard foreign passport line.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's no customs declaration form for most personal items. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires sponsorship or enrollment.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Zimbabwe. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Zimbabwe. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Offers residency.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited Zimbabwean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry fee (eVisa)Standard single-entry eVisa fee for Laos passport holders. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained on arrival if eligible. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Stay extension costExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD (approx. $10 USD) 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas 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, including Laos.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zimbabwe, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
Zimbabwe Immigration Department Headquarters
1st Floor, Block B, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Immigration Office
Corner 10th Avenue and Fife Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa services.
Practical information for LA 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons.
No, not for Laos passport holders. The eVisa is the only option. You must have it approved before you fly.
The fee is around $50–$75 USD, depending on your nationality and the type of visa (single entry vs. multiple entry). Payment is made online during the application.
Denials are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process — just submit a new application.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Laos.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your visa. Overstaying can result in fines or future visa issues.
The airline may refuse to let you board. Immigration at Zimbabwe can also deny entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.