Philippines passport holders are Category B — you have two options: apply for an eVisa online at ($30) before departure, or obtain a visa on arrival at designated airports and border posts ($30 USD cash). The eVisa is strongly recommended — it avoids queues, guarantees entry, and is the safer option for first-time visitors.
1. Zimbabwe Visa Category for Filipino / Philippine Citizens
Zimbabwe assigns nationalities to three visa categories. Filipino passport holders are Category B — a more favourable tier than Category C, offering a choice between the online eVisa or a traditional visa on arrival at the border.
| Category | Entry Options | Philippines Status |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Visa-free entry | ❌ No |
| Category B | eVisa or Visa on Arrival | ✅ Yes |
| Category C | eVisa required before travel only | ❌ No |
2. eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should Filipinos Choose?
Both options cost the same ($30 USD) for a single-entry 30-day tourist visa. The key differences are in convenience, risk, and documentation requirements.
| Factor | eVisa (Online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | evisa.gov.zw — before departure | Designated entry points on arrival |
| Cost | $30 USD | $30 USD cash |
| Processing time | 3–5 business days | Instant (30–60 min queue) |
| Documents at border | Just print your eVisa PDF | All supporting docs needed at desk |
| Risk of denial | Very low (pre-screened) | Possible if docs are incomplete |
| Airport queue | Fast-track lane | Separate visa-on-arrival queue (can be slow) |
| Flexibility | Apply up to 90 days in advance | Only available at entry point |
| Available entry points | All official entry points | Only designated entry points |
| Recommended? | ✅ Yes — first choice | Backup option only |
3. Zimbabwe eVisa Fees for Filipino Citizens
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | Up to 30 days | $30 | Most popular for Filipinos |
| Tourist Double Entry | Up to 30 days | $45 | Crossing into Zambia and back |
| KAZA UniVisa | Up to 30 days | $50 | Zimbabwe + Zambia both covered |
| Business Single Entry | Up to 30 days | $30 | Work-related visits |
| Visa on Arrival | Up to 30 days | $30 (cash) | Category B only; USD cash at border |
4. Required Documents for a Zimbabwe eVisa (Filipino Citizens)
Filipino applicants do not need to submit a signed application letter (that is a Category C requirement). The standard document set below applies.
| Document | Specification | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine passport | Valid 6+ months beyond departure; 2+ blank pages | ✅ Mandatory |
| Passport bio page scan | Clear JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB, all 4 corners visible | ✅ Mandatory |
| Passport-size photo | White background, face 70–80% of frame, max 2 MB | ✅ Mandatory |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel/lodge booking confirmation with name, dates, address | ✅ Mandatory |
| Return / onward ticket | Confirmed flight or transport out of Zimbabwe | ✅ Mandatory |
| Proof of funds | Bank statement (3 months); ~$50 USD/day guideline | ✅ Mandatory |
| Travel insurance | Covering medical emergencies, evacuation | ⚡ Strongly recommended |
5. How to Apply for Zimbabwe eVisa Online (Filipinos)
- Visit the official portal: Go to and create a free account. Use the same email you check regularly — all updates are emailed.
- Select nationality and visa type: Choose Philippines and Tourist Single Entry (or KAZA UniVisa if visiting both countries).
- Fill in details: Enter your full name as it appears in your passport, date of birth, passport number, and travel dates.
- Upload documents: Passport bio page scan, photo, hotel booking, return ticket, bank statement.
- Pay: $30 USD via Visa or Mastercard. Keep your payment reference number.
- Track application: Check status via your portal account or monitor your email inbox.
- Print the eVisa: Once approved, download and print the PDF. Bring it to check-in and the border — most airlines now also verify eVisa online, but having a printout avoids any connectivity issues at the airport.
6. Zimbabwe Visa on Arrival for Filipino Citizens
If you choose the visa on arrival route as a Category B national, here is what to expect:
Designated Visa on Arrival Entry Points
| Entry Point | Type | VOA Available |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) | Airport | ✅ Yes |
| Victoria Falls International Airport | Airport | ✅ Yes |
| Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport (Bulawayo) | Airport | ✅ Yes |
| Beit Bridge (South Africa border) | Land | ✅ Yes |
| Chirundu (Zambia border) | Land | ✅ Yes |
| Kazungula (Botswana/Zambia border) | Land | ✅ Yes |
7. Practical Tips for Filipino Travellers to Zimbabwe
- Choose eVisa over VOA: The eVisa lane at Harare and Victoria Falls airports is significantly faster than the visa on arrival queue during peak season. It also eliminates any risk of being denied entry due to missing paperwork at the counter.
- OFW passport considerations: If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker with a special OFW passport or OWWA documents, ensure your standard Philippine passport (green) is what you travel on — Zimbabwe only recognises standard passports for eVisa purposes.
- The Poor Traveler tip: Filipino travel blog "The Poor Traveler" has an excellent step-by-step Zimbabwe eVisa guide based on firsthand experience — worth reading for visual walkthroughs of the portal.
- Currency: Zimbabwe uses USD. Bring clean USD bills — old, crumpled, or pre-2009 notes may be refused. Victoria Falls resort areas accept cards more widely than rural areas.
- Best time to visit: July–October is dry season and peak wildlife viewing. April–June offers lower prices and greener scenery. Victoria Falls is most dramatic February–May when water levels peak.
- SIM card: Buy an Econet Wireless SIM at the airport for affordable local data. Globe and Smart Philippines numbers typically don't roam affordably in Zimbabwe.
- Budget planning: Zimbabwe can be surprisingly expensive for international travellers — especially national parks and Victoria Falls accommodation. Budget $150–250/day for mid-range travel.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zimbabwe eVisa for Filipino Citizens
Do Filipinos need a visa to visit Zimbabwe?
Yes — Filipino citizens are Category B and need a visa. They can choose: eVisa online ($30, before departure) or visa on arrival ($30 USD cash, at designated entry points). The eVisa is strongly recommended.
Can Filipino citizens get a Zimbabwe visa on arrival?
Yes. As Category B nationals, Filipinos can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points including Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Beit Bridge, and Chirundu. Fee: $30 USD cash.
Is the eVisa or visa on arrival better for Filipinos?
The eVisa is recommended — it's pre-screened (no border risk), uses the faster immigration lane, and doesn't require exact cash. Same cost ($30). Use visa on arrival only as a backup if applying in advance isn't possible.
How long does the Zimbabwe eVisa take for Filipino applicants?
Category B applications typically process in 3–5 business days. Apply at least 7–10 days before departure for a comfortable buffer.
Do Filipino citizens need an application letter?
No. The application letter is only required for Category C nationals. As Category B, Filipinos only need standard documents: passport, bio page scan, photo, hotel booking, return ticket, and bank statement.
What is the KAZA UniVisa — should Filipinos get it?
The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days with multiple crossings. Ideal if you want to see Victoria Falls from both sides or do a combined Zimbabwe + Zambia safari.
How long can Filipino citizens stay in Zimbabwe on a tourist visa?
Up to 30 days per entry, for both the eVisa and visa on arrival. Extensions can be requested at Zimbabwe Department of Immigration offices before expiry.
Visa on Arrival Guide · Full eVisa Requirements · eVisa Fees & Costs · KAZA UniVisa Guide