Zimbabwe entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. You'll receive a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days at any port of entry. This has been the standard procedure since 2024 and continues in 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Zimbabwe airports and land borders | New Zealand passport holders can get a single-entry visa on arrival at Harare, Victoria Falls, and Bulawayo airports for $75 USD (cash only). Have the exact amount in crisp US dollars — the immigration desk does not give change. You can also apply for an eVisa in advance at evisa.gov.zw to skip the queue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Zimbabwe enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. A bus ticket to Zambia or a flight out of Zimbabwe works. Without one, you will be sent back to the airline counter to buy a ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or letter of invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Zimbabwe ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Zimbabwe has a cash economy — credit cards work in major hotels but not everywhere. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee (USD 75) must be paid in US dollars cash. There is no card payment option. Bring exact change if possible — immigration officers may not have change for large bills.
Visa on arrival is single entry only
This visa allows one entry into Zimbabwe. If you leave (e.g., to Zambia or Botswana) and want to return, you'll need to pay the visa fee again. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Zimbabwe port of entry
You'll land at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) or Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Collect a visa application form at the immigration counter or from a desk near the queue. Fill it out in black ink. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Submit form and pay the fee
Hand your completed form, passport, and payment to the immigration officer. The visa fee is USD 75 (single entry, 30 days). Pay in US dollars cash — exact change is appreciated. Cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will process your application and affix a visa sticker into your passport. This usually takes 5–15 minutes. Check the sticker for correct validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After receiving your visa, continue to baggage claim and then customs. Keep your passport and visa sticker accessible — you may be asked to show them again at the exit.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. NZD 50)
Apply online or at embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$55 USD (approx. NZD 90)
Good for multiple visits; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visitor visa (up to 12 months)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. NZD 330)
Requires strong justification and proof of funds; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Permit
5 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. NZD 820) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights. Requires annual renewal fee.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. NZD 1,640) application fee
For those investing at least $250,000 USD in Zimbabwe. Includes work rights and path to permanent residence.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. NZD 820) application fee
Requires a job offer and labour market test. Employer must sponsor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Zimbabwe Student Permit
Duration of course, renewable
$200 USD (approx. NZD 330) application fee
For full-time study at a registered institution. Requires proof of enrolment and funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. | $30 USD (approx. NZD 50) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. | $55 USD (approx. NZD 90) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be applied for online via eVisa system. | $30 USD (approx. NZD 50) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)Available via eVisa or at embassy. | $55 USD (approx. NZD 90) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstay. | $20 USD per day (approx. NZD 33) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals requiring immigration clearance, a visa-on-arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis 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 advised.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, especially in the Zambezi Valley and low-lying areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is 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
Department of Immigration (Head Office)
1st Floor, Block A, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue, Harare
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in USD cash.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Regional Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street, Bulawayo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for southern Zimbabwe.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 25.76 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 single-entry visa on arrival costs USD 75. You must pay in US dollars cash — exact change is preferred. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., a visitor visa from a Zimbabwe embassy).
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling to Zimbabwe.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. New Zealand is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently been in an affected area. Carry your vaccination certificate if applicable.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most major land border posts, including Beitbridge (from South Africa) and Victoria Falls (from Zambia). The process and fee are the same as at airports.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, accommodation booking confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds (USD 500 or equivalent) ready. A printed copy of your flight itinerary is helpful.
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted and preferred. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Avoid flashing large amounts. ATMs dispense Zimbabwean dollars, which are less useful for tourists.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.