Zimbabwe Visa for UK Citizens
UK citizens need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. The single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $55 and is valid for 90 days. Like US citizens, British passport holders pay a higher rate than most other nationalities. If you plan to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia (for example, to see Victoria Falls from both sides), the KAZA UniVisa ($50) offers 30 days with multiple crossings between the two countries. Apply online at evisa.gov.zw before travel or obtain your visa on arrival at major airports. Many UK travelers reach Zimbabwe via Johannesburg or directly to Victoria Falls, with several airlines offering convenient connections from London.
Visa At a Glance
- Visa Type
- e-Visa
- Best Option
- Single-entry e-Visa ($55) or KAZA UniVisa ($50 for Zimbabwe + Zambia)
- Cost
- $55
- Processing
- 2-5 days
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entries
- Single
E-Visa Application
RecommendedCost
$55
Processing
2-5 business days
Stay Permitted
90 days
Entries
Single
How to Apply for E-Visa
Visit evisa.gov.zw and create an account
Select 'Single Entry Visa' ($55 for UK citizens)
Complete the application form
Upload passport photo and bio page scan
Upload return flight ticket and accommodation proof
Pay $55 via credit card
Wait 2-5 business days for approval
Print the e-Visa approval letter
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid UK passport (6+ months validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (digital, white background)
- Scanned passport bio page
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever certificate (only if arriving from endemic country)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid UK passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter (if applied online)
- •Return or onward flight ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
Tips
- •Print your e-Visa approval letter
- •Request KAZA UniVisa specifically if visiting Zambia
- •Victoria Falls Airport immigration is efficient
- •Carry USD cash as backup for visa on arrival
Typical processing time: 15-30 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not requesting the KAZA UniVisa when visiting both countries
- Not printing the e-Visa letter
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Carrying only large USD bills (small denominations are essential)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. UK citizens need a visa costing $55 for single entry (90 days). Apply at evisa.gov.zw or on arrival. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
How do I get to Zimbabwe from the UK?
Most UK travelers fly via Johannesburg (British Airways, South African Airways) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). From Johannesburg, flights to Victoria Falls or Harare take about 1.5 hours.
Is the KAZA UniVisa worth it for UK citizens?
Yes. At $50, it is actually $5 cheaper than a standard Zimbabwe single-entry visa for UK citizens ($55), and it includes multiple crossings into Zambia. Essential if seeing both sides of Victoria Falls.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?
Only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for direct UK-Johannesburg-Zimbabwe routing.
Can I use British pounds in Zimbabwe?
No. Zimbabwe uses US dollars as its primary currency. Exchange pounds for USD before arrival or withdraw USD from ATMs in Zimbabwe (though ATM availability can be limited outside major towns).