Zimbabwe entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Madagascar passport holders can enter Zimbabwe without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in effect since 2024. Ensure your documents are ready before departure.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Zimbabwe. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Zimbabwean immigration, but some airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before check-in.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Zimbabwe
Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or bank statement
You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. A bank statement or credit card with a reasonable limit usually satisfies the officer.Recommended
No visa needed — just show up
Madagascar passport holders can enter Zimbabwe visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, fee, or forms. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Zimbabwe. Airlines check this before boarding — if short, you will not fly.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket and first-night accommodation confirmation. Get travel insurance and a local eSIM if desired.
2
Arrive at Zimbabwe airport (Harare or Victoria Falls)
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue at immigration. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days. No visa fee or forms required.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You are free to enter Zimbabwe.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

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$50 USD

Apply at Zimbabwe embassy before travel. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD

For frequent travellers. Must show proof of multiple trips.

Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD

Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.

work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Zimbabwean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
$100 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 USD in Zimbabwe. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay. No maximum cap reported.$20 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

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

Madagascar 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 changing terminals, 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) · 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 (e.g., Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy season (Nov–Apr).

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled water.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are common options. Use mosquito nets and repellent.

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, Harare
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Bulawayo
Bulawayo Immigration Office
2nd Floor, Block 2, Tredgold Building, Main Street, Bulawayo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.

Practical information for MG 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 = 26.92 ZWL
updated May 31
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

No. Madagascar passport holders get visa-free access to Zimbabwe for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 90 days per visit. The exact number of days is stamped in your passport by the immigration officer at the airport.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. To stay longer, you must leave Zimbabwe and re-enter, or apply for a proper visa before traveling.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not considered a yellow fever endemic country, so you generally do not need it unless you have recently been to a risk area.
The official currency is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL), but US dollars are widely accepted. Bring small-denomination USD cash for taxis, tips, and small purchases. Credit cards work in major hotels and restaurants.
No, because you do not need a visa. The visa-free entry covers your stay. No e-visa application is required.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.