Zimbabwe Visa for US Citizens
US citizens need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. The single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $55 and is valid for 90 days. Americans pay a higher rate than most other Western nationalities due to reciprocity pricing. If you are also visiting Zambia (for example, to see both sides of Victoria Falls), the KAZA UniVisa ($50) is the better deal, offering 30 days with multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Apply online at evisa.gov.zw before travel, or obtain your visa on arrival at major airports and border posts. Zimbabwe uses USD as its primary currency, making budgeting straightforward for American travelers.
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
Go to evisa.gov.zw and create an account
Select 'Single Entry Visa' ($55 for US citizens)
Fill in the application form with travel and personal details
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG, white background)
Upload passport bio page scan
Upload return or onward flight ticket
Upload proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Pay $55 via credit card or debit card
Wait 2-5 business days for approval
Print the e-Visa approval letter to show at immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid US 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
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
- Yellow fever certificate (only if arriving from endemic country)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid US passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter (if applied online)
- •Return or onward flight ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
- •Yellow fever certificate (only if arriving from endemic country)
Tips
- •Print your e-Visa approval letter (do not rely on phone screenshots)
- •Carry USD cash for visa on arrival if you haven't applied online
- •Victoria Falls Airport is small and immigration is generally quick
- •If getting the KAZA UniVisa on arrival, specify that you want it
Typical processing time: 15-30 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not specifying KAZA UniVisa on arrival (you must request it; otherwise you get a standard Zimbabwe visa)
- Expecting change in local currency when paying in USD (carry small denominations)
- Not printing the e-Visa approval letter
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Forgetting a yellow fever certificate when transiting through an endemic country
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. US citizens need a visa costing $55 for a single entry (90 days). Apply online at evisa.gov.zw or obtain on arrival. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) is a better deal if also visiting Zambia.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 and allows multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days. It is available at Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and Kazungula border posts. It is actually cheaper than a standard Zimbabwe visa for US citizens ($55) and covers both countries.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Zimbabwe?
Only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. If flying directly from the US via Johannesburg, Dubai, or Addis Ababa, it is not required. Check your routing carefully.
How do I get to Zimbabwe from the US?
There are no direct flights. The most common connections are through Johannesburg (South African Airways, Delta codeshare), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Nairobi (Kenya Airways). Victoria Falls Airport has direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Can I use US dollars in Zimbabwe?
Yes. USD is the primary currency used throughout Zimbabwe for hotels, restaurants, park fees, and most transactions. Carry small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) as change can be an issue.
Is the e-Visa or visa on arrival better?
The e-Visa is recommended for faster processing at immigration. However, visa on arrival works reliably at Harare and Victoria Falls airports. If you want the KAZA UniVisa, it is currently only available on arrival at designated border posts.