We’ve recently wrapped up our Africa tour! If there’s one place that surprised us the most, it has got to be Zimbabwe. It might not be the first country that comes to mind we think of Africa, but trust me, if you’re planning to explore Africa, consider making a stop in Zimbabwe!
We only got to explore the Victoria Falls area, but it gave us some of the most unforgettable highlights the trip. The majestic Victoria Falls alone — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World — awed us like no other! But there’s more to Zimbabwe than its captivating cascades. You can go on a safari in Hwange National Park, where you can spot elephants, lions, and rhinos in their natural habitat. There’s also the rich cultural history, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Great Zimbabwe, an ancient city that tells the story of Africa’s past.
For travelers who are seeking an adventure that’s a little less mainstream, Zimbabwe can give you that sweet blend of nature, culture, and adventure that’s pretty hard to beat. Plus, with the eVisa system, planning a trip to Zimbabwe is easier than ever, even for Filipino tourists like me! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of applying for a Zimbabwe eVisa, so you can get one step closer to that African adventure of a lifetime.
What is Zimbabwe eVisa?
An eVisa or electronic visa will allow you to enter Zimbabwe for a limited period for tourism or business purposes. Nationals of over 100 countries (including the Philippines, where I’m from) can apply for this visa online. No need to go to the embassy. You can apply for a single-entry or a double-entry visa.
There is also a so-called KAZA UNIVISA, which is a single visa that will allow you to enter both Zimbabwe and Zambia, which is just next door. Think of it as a two-in-one visa. It’s more convenient and cheaper since you’re only applying and paying for one combined visa.
So why didn’t I go for this shiny, sparkling KAZA UNIVISA? Because it’s only available for citizens of 60+ countries. Here’s the list of eligible countries, as of this writing. But you can double check here.
Sadly, as some of you might have noticed, the Philippines is not one of these countries. So I had to get two individual visas, which is just fine.
By the way, you can apply for a KAZA UNIVISA only if you’re entering Zambia or Zimbabwe at certain airports and borders.
As of this writing, the KAZA visa can only be accepted at the following:
Zimbabwe eVisa Application Process
1. Gather all the requirements.
It’s a very short list. In my case, these five (5) were the only documents required.
- Passport. Must be valid for at least six months. You’ll be uploading a scanned copy of the bio or info page.
- Passport-size photo. A digital copy is accepted.
- Proof of accommodation. This can be hotel booking or if you’re staying with a local, proof of residence of your host.
- Address at destination. This confused me, I didn’t know what to upload here, so I just uploaded my hotel booking, too.
- Application Letter. You’ll find a sample patterned after the letter I submitted in the FAQs section below.
In the screenshot above, you’ll see that only five were marked REQUIRED. But there are optional items that you might want to submit if they apply to you.
OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
- Previous Zimbabwean visa, if you were granted one before.
- Invitation letter from your host, if you’re staying with a local or resident
- Proof of residence
- Residential status of host, which can be a copy of identity card or residence permit
If they don’t apply to you, just ignore.
I read online that some applicants were asked for proof of funds, but I never encountered that. I am not sure whether it’s no longer required or it only applies to certain nationalities or purpose of travel.
2. Create a Zimbabwe eVisa website account.
To do that, follow these steps.
- Log on to the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal: evisa.gov.zw.
- On the homepage, click on START THE PROCESS.
- On the next page, click on the “NO ACCOUNT YET?” button.
- Fill out the form, enter your email address, and set a password. Make sure to provide a valid email address, as this is where you’ll receive updates about your application. You should receive a message in the email your provided immediately.
- Check your email and click on the verification link.
3. Accomplish the application form.
You should do this at least 3 weeks prior to your target arrival date.
You’ll be asked for personal information, including your passport details, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit.
- Under PURPOSE OF VISIT, if you’re traveling for leisure or tourism, choose HOLIDAY VISA.
- Under VISA TYPE, your options are: SINGLE, DOUBLE, and KAZA. So KAZA is what I explained earlier. If you’re also visiting Zambia and you’re eligible for a KAZA univisa, then go for it.
Otherwise, choose either single- or double-entry visa. I applied for a double entry visa because we initially planned on doing a day trip to the Devil’s Pool in Zambia. A double-entry visa is valid for 3 months.
You’ll also be required to enter the details of your trip.
4. Upload required documents.
This is the part where you’ll be uploading all the requirements we discussed earlier. It’s very straightforward. Just click on the item and upload the corresponding document.
All of the documents I submitted were PDF files.
5. Submit your application.
Make sure you double check that the details you entered are all correct. You’ll be presented a REVIEW page.
And that’s it. You’ll be notified that your application has been submitted. And you’ll also receive an email when your application is approved.
6. Wait for the result.
You should receive an update via email.
But if I remember correctly, we didn’t get any email notification. We checked the status on the website every day.
7. Print your eVisa.
Once you got approval, print out a copy of your eVisa because you’ll be submitting it at the Immigration counters.
The Immigration Officer will then fill out and issue you a physical visa sticker which will be affixed to a page of your passport. In our case, our Zimbabwe visa was handwritten.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is a Zimbabwe eVisa?
Here are the costs:
- Single entry: USD 30
- Double entry: USD 45
- KAZA Univisa: USD 50
Payment is done at the Immigration counters upon arrival. We paid in USD cash.
How long is the processing time of a Zimbabwe eVisa?
Processing should take up to 7 working days, at least according to the official Zimbabwe eVisa website. But in our case, it took 17 days.
We submitted our application on July 26 and got the notice of approval on August 12, just two or three days before our flight. We were actually starting to get worried. It was at the time that the website was being revamped, so maybe it had something to do with the delay. But we had to seek the help of our contacts at Constellation Travels Inc, a travel agency here in the Philippines, and it was them who followed up with the authorities in Zimbabwe.
We were already in Kenya (our stop before Zimbabwe) when we finally got the approval!
What should the Application Letter look like?
Here’s the letter that submitted, I just replaced some sensitive details.
The letter I crafted was addressed to the:
Director General of Immigration,
Department of Immigration of Zimbabwe
In the letter, I introduced myself and indicated my passport number and address. In the next paragraph, I explained the purpose of my trip, the airport I’m flying into, our address in Zimbabwe, the length of stay, and a brief day-to-day itinerary.
Then in the last paragraph, I shared what my job is and the company I work for. We also signed the letter.
Can I hire a travel agency to file my Zimbabwe eVisa application?
Although you can apply for an eVisa on your own, coursing it through a travel agency can be helpful in a lot of ways. As mentioned, our travel dates were drawing near but we were yet to be granted a visa, so we asked for assistance from our friends at Constellation Travels Inc., which I think had contacts in Zimbabwe. They were able to follow up for us and gave us updates.
Constellation Travels also offers Zimbabwe and Zambia tours as an add-on to its SOUTH AFRICA Tour Package! This will allow you to explore the southern region of Africa better! Just make sure to mention you also want to visit Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Note that if you’re availing of a tour package, visa application is already included! They can apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa on your behalf.
This is great for those who don’t have the time, energy or bandwidth to deal with the whole online application process.
Get in touch with Constellation Travels through these contact numbers and email address:
Or visit their official website at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
Zimbabwe is a destination that promises to leave you in awe with its dramatic landscapes, wildlife experiences, and rich history. Applying for a Zimbabwe eVisa is your first step toward an unforgettable adventure!
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