Zimbabwe entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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

Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Zimbabwe. The application is entirely online — you apply before you travel and receive approval by email. As of 2026, there are no visa-on-arrival options for Saudi nationals.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa at the official portal before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Harare and Victoria Falls will ask for it.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Zimbabwe does not require six months of validity beyond your stay — just enough to cover the dates you're in the country.Required
Return or onward ticket
Immigration will check this
You need a confirmed onward ticket out of Zimbabwe — a flight to your next destination or back home. Airlines at departure also verify this before letting you board.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers at the border may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD for a short trip. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Saudi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. You must apply and receive an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least a week in advance.
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. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.

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 copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$60 depending on processing speed) and submit.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at Zimbabwe airport
At Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer stamps your passport — no additional payment at the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no further document check unless you're carrying restricted goods.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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

Apply online before travel.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$45 USD

Good for multiple visits within validity.

Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD

Requires sponsorship and proof of investment.

investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Zimbabwe. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
$200 USD
For those with a job offer from a Zimbabwean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
student visa
Zimbabwe Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Zimbabwean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Saudi passport holders.$30 USD
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$45 USD
Overstay fineApplied for each day overstayed beyond authorized period.$20 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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

Saudi passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Transit hubsRobert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) · Victoria Falls Airport

Health & vaccines for Zimbabwe

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; outbreaks occur occasionally.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural areas and during rainy season (November–April).

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)
Cnr. 1st Street & Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for extensions and permits.

Bulawayo
Bulawayo Regional Immigration Office
Cnr. 9th Avenue & Fife Street, Bulawayo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions for visitors in Matabeleland region.

Practical information for SA 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

No. Zimbabwe does not offer visa on arrival for Saudi nationals. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The standard eVisa fee is around $30 USD for single entry. Express processing can cost up to $60 USD. Payment is online by credit card.
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Express processing is available in 1–2 business days for an extra fee. Apply at least a week before your flight.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Saudi Arabia), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before travel.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa, or visit the Zimbabwe immigration office in Harare before your current visa expires to discuss options.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in a folder.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.

Official sources

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