Slovak passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe's ports of entry, including Harare and Victoria Falls airports. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
Requirement
Details
Status
Visa on arrival
Single-entry visa on arrival
You can get a single-entry visa on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, Harare Airport, and other land borders. Pay in USD cash — $30 for a single-entry tourist visa. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply online
Required
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Zimbabwe. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.
Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you do not have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket at the airport. Budget airlines also check this before boarding.
Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it at the visa counter, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour or safari.
Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
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 stay.
Recommended
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no debit cards, no mobile payments. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes are often refused. ATMs in Zimbabwe dispense local currency, not USD.
Visa on arrival is straightforward — but have documents ready
The process at Harare and Victoria Falls airports is efficient, but queues can be long during peak hours. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready on your phone or printed. The whole thing usually takes 10–20 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA) airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and your return ticket. The officer will ask for your accommodation details — have the booking confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in USD cash. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving. The officer will stamp the visa into your passport.
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once the visa is issued, you'll get your passport back. Double-check the validity dates stamped. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. €28)
Apply online or on arrival. Extension costs $25 USD.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$55 USD (approx. €51)
Good for frequent visitors. Each stay can be extended.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$120 USD (approx. €111)
Requires sponsor or strong ties. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Permit
5 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $250 USD annual fee
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term residence without work rights.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD application fee + $500 USD annual fee
For those investing at least $250,000 USD in Zimbabwe. Includes work and residence rights.
work visa
Zimbabwe Employment Permit
2 years, renewable
$600 USD application fee + $300 USD annual fee
Requires a job offer from a Zimbabwean employer and proof of skills not locally available.
Other fees
Service
Cost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry. Valid for up to 30 days.
$30 USD (approx. €28)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online before travel. Same price as VoA.
$30 USD (approx. €28)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. Apply online.
$55 USD (approx. €51)
Overstay finePayable at immigration office or port of exit. Avoid overstaying.
$20 USD per day (max $500 USD)
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Slovak passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit, a visa may be required.
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 transmission risk.
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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
The visa on arrival fee for Slovak passport holders is typically $30 USD for a single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 30 days. For longer stays or multiple entries, expect $55–$75 USD. Always carry crisp US dollar bills — no marks, tears, or old notes.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Harare or at regional offices. The process takes a few days and costs around $50 USD. Extensions are granted for up to 30 additional days. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). If you're flying directly from Slovakia or another non-risk country, you don't need it. But if you've been in a risk area within 6 days before arrival, you'll need the yellow fever certificate.
Immigration may deny entry or ask you to buy one on the spot. Airlines also check this before boarding. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket — even if it's refundable and you cancel later.
Yes, at major land border crossings like Beit Bridge (from South Africa), Chirundu (from Zambia), and Victoria Falls (from Zambia). The process is the same — cash only, USD. Avoid smaller border posts as they may not have visa-on-arrival facilities.
Yes, but use common sense. Keep most of your cash in a money belt or hotel safe. Only carry what you need for the visa fee and a day's expenses. ATMs dispense local currency (ZWL), which is less useful for tourists. USD is widely accepted for larger purchases.
No online pre-registration is required. You'll fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the airport. It asks for basic info: passport details, flight number, accommodation address, and purpose of visit.
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.