Zimbabwe entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Zimbabwe in 2026. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport or border post — no need to apply in advance. Just make sure you have the required documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe's ports of entry. The visa costs $30–$55 USD depending on single or multiple entry — bring cash in USD. You'll fill in a form at the immigration counter and pay on the spot.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Zimbabwe. Airlines at Riga Airport check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zimbabwe | Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Zimbabwe. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready. Zimbabwe is a cash-based economy — USD is widely accepted, and ATMs can be unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring exact change if possible — officers rarely have change for large bills.
Visa validity starts on entry
Your visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Harare or Bulawayo airport (or any land border), head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's usually a separate queue from locals.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (given on the plane or at the counter), return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in US dollars cash (exact change preferred). As of 2026, the fee is around $30–$60 depending on nationality and length of stay. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer stamps a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. It's usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs. No further paperwork needed.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 date
CostUSD 30 (USD 30)
Available on arrival or via eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 50 (USD 50)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUSD 100 (USD 100)
Requires application at embassy before travel.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
USD 500 (USD 500)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Zimbabwe. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 1,000 (USD 1,000)
For individuals investing at least USD 250,000 in Zimbabwe. Includes right to reside and work.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
USD 200 (USD 200)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Zimbabwe. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 300 (USD 300)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient pension or savings. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at ports of entry. | USD 30 (USD 30) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – pre-arrangedCan be obtained online via eVisa system before travel. | USD 30 (USD 30) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | USD 50 (USD 50) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | USD 50 (USD 50) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of USD 500. | USD 10 (USD 10) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Latvia 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), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,200 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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 A, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Regional Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for the Matabeleland region.
Practical information for LV 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 = 26.08 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 fee is typically $30–$60 USD, depending on the length of stay and whether it's a single or multiple entry. Pay in US dollars cash — exact change is best. Credit cards are not accepted at most counters.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Harare or Bulawayo. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 additional days. The cost is around $50 USD. Apply before your initial visa expires.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land borders like Beitbridge (from South Africa) or Victoria Falls (from Zambia). The fee and requirements are identical. Just make sure the border post is open — most operate 24/7 but some have limited hours.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). If you've been in such a country within 6 days before arrival, you'll need a yellow fever certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Latvian passport holders.
Yes, you can request a multiple-entry visa at the counter. The fee is higher (around $60 USD) and it's valid for up to 6 months. You'll need to explain your travel plans — e.g., visiting Zambia or Botswana and returning to Zimbabwe.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. No exceptions are made at the border.
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted and preferred for visa fees, hotels, and safaris. Carry small denominations ($1, $5, $10) for everyday purchases. Avoid carrying large amounts — use hotel safes. ATMs dispense local currency (ZWL), which is less useful for tourists.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.