Zimbabwe entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Zimbabwe. The entire process is online: apply before you fly, get approved by email, and show the confirmation on arrival. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Sri Lankans.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa at the official eVisa portal at least 3–5 working days before departure. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online — single entry is $30 USD, double entry $45 USD. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your Sri Lankan 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. Carry a copy of the bio-data page as backup.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. A printed itinerary or e-ticket showing your departure from Zimbabwe within the eVisa validity period works. Airlines also check this at departure.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zimbabwe ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar is fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but $50–$100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
eVisa is single-entry only
The standard Zimbabwe eVisa is valid for a single entry. If you leave Zimbabwe (even for a day trip to Zambia or Botswana), you'll need a new eVisa to re-enter. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Keep your eVisa printout safe
You'll need to show your eVisa at check-in, on the plane, and at immigration. Losing it means delays and possible re-application. Keep a digital copy on your phone and a physical copy in your carry-on.

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 pay the fee (around USD 50–60 depending on processing speed). You'll receive a confirmation email within 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you get a PDF by email. Print it in colour (black and white works too) and save a copy on your phone. You'll show this at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Harare or Victoria Falls Airport
Most flights land at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) or Victoria Falls Airport. Go to the immigration counter, hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Keep your eVisa printout with your passport until you leave the country.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 9,000 LKR)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$45 USD (approx. 13,500 LKR)

For frequent travellers.

Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR)

Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.

retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Zimbabwe Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable once
$150 USD (approx. 45,000 LKR)
For remote workers with proof of income. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a local business. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 90,000 LKR)
Requires a job offer and work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Allows employment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 30 days.$30 USD (approx. 9,000 LKR)
eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days.$45 USD (approx. 13,500 LKR)
Stay Extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires.$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)
Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD.$20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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

Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe 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 entering Zimbabwe, a visa 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanusRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 A, 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 08:00–16:00

Regional office for visa extensions.

Practical information for LK 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
updated May 29
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
Police995
Medical994
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There's also an express option (24–48 hours) for an extra fee — check the eVisa website for current pricing. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The standard eVisa fee is around USD 50–60. Express processing costs more — typically USD 80–100. Payment is made online via credit or debit card.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever country, so you only need it if your travel history includes affected areas.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Harare or Bulawayo before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around USD 50–100. It's easier to apply for a longer eVisa upfront if you know you'll stay longer.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around USD 20–50 per day overstayed) and could face a ban from re-entering Zimbabwe. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance.
Immigration officers rarely ask for proof of funds, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself (at least USD 50 per day). If asked, a recent bank statement or a screenshot of your online banking works.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.