1. Zimbabwe Visa Category for Saudi Arabia Citizens
Zimbabwe classifies every nationality into one of three entry categories. Saudi Arabia passport holders fall under Category C — the category that requires a fully approved eVisa obtained before boarding any flight to Zimbabwe.
| Category | Meaning | Saudi Status |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Visa-free — no visa needed at all | ❌ No |
| Category B | Visa on Arrival available at the port of entry | ❌ No |
| Category C | eVisa required and approved before travel | ✅ Yes |
Saudi Arabia's Category C classification applies to all Saudi nationals regardless of dual citizenship or residency in other countries — what matters is the passport you travel on.
2. eVisa Fees and Visa Types for Saudi Applicants
All Zimbabwe eVisa fees are paid in US Dollars (USD) via credit or debit card on the official portal . The standard tourist eVisa for a single 30-day stay costs $30 USD.
| Visa Type | Stay Allowed | Entries | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist — Single Entry | Up to 30 days | 1 | $30 |
| Tourist — Double Entry | Up to 30 days | 2 | $45 |
| KAZA UniVisa | Up to 30 days | Zimbabwe + Zambia | $50 |
| Business — Single Entry | Up to 30 days | 1 | $30 |
3. Required Documents for Saudi Arabia Citizens
Prepare all documents before starting your online application. The system does not save partial applications. All files must be in JPEG or PNG format, max 2 MB each.
| Document | Specification | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Saudi passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date; minimum 2 blank pages | ✅ Mandatory |
| Passport bio page scan | JPEG/PNG, all four corners visible, no glare, max 2 MB | ✅ Mandatory |
| Passport-size photograph | Plain white background, face 70–80% of frame, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses | ✅ Mandatory |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation, lodge reservation, or host invitation letter with full address and dates | ✅ Mandatory |
| Return or onward ticket | Confirmed airline booking showing departure from Zimbabwe | ✅ Mandatory |
| Proof of sufficient funds | Bank statement for the last 3 months showing adequate balance; Zimbabwe guideline is approx. $50 USD per day | ✅ Mandatory |
| Travel insurance | Policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation in Zimbabwe | ⚡ Strongly Recommended |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country | ⚡ Conditional |
Photograph Requirements — Checklist
- White or off-white plain background (not grey, not patterned)
- Face centred, both ears visible, neutral expression
- No hats, headbands, or sunglasses (religious head coverings are permitted)
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
- File size: max 2 MB, JPEG format preferred
4. How to Apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa — Step by Step
The entire application is done online at — Zimbabwe's official immigration portal. There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
- Create an account on using a valid email address. This email will receive all correspondence and your eVisa approval.
- Start a new application — select "Tourist eVisa" and enter Saudi Arabia as your nationality.
- Fill in personal details — full name as it appears in your passport, date of birth, passport number, intended travel dates.
- Upload all required documents — passport bio page, photograph, accommodation proof, return ticket, bank statement.
- Review your application carefully before submitting. Errors in passport number or travel dates are a common cause of rejection.
- Pay the eVisa fee — $30 USD (single entry) via Visa or Mastercard. Keep the payment receipt.
- Receive confirmation email with your application reference number. Use it to track your application status.
- Wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days. You will receive the approved eVisa PDF by email.
- Print your eVisa and carry it with your passport. Presenting the PDF on a phone screen is generally accepted but a printed copy is safer.
5. Processing Time and eVisa Validity
Processing times for Category C countries like Saudi Arabia are slightly longer than for Category B nationalities. Plan your application well in advance.
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 3–7 business days |
| During peak seasons (July–August, December) | Up to 10–14 business days |
| eVisa validity from approval date | 3 months (must enter within this window) |
| Maximum stay per entry | 30 days |
| Extension possible in Zimbabwe? | Yes — apply at Dept. of Immigration before expiry |
6. Tips for Saudi Arabia Applicants
- Double-check passport spelling — your name on the eVisa application must match your passport letter-for-letter. Even a single extra space can cause issues at immigration.
- Use a personal email address — corporate or government email filters sometimes block evisa.gov.zw notification emails. Use Gmail or Outlook.
- Save your application reference — you can check your eVisa status at any time using your reference number.
- Carry printed copies — print both your eVisa approval and passport bio page. Airport immigration agents sometimes request printed documents.
- Travel insurance is important — Zimbabwe has limited public healthcare. Medical evacuation to South Africa can cost $10,000+. Ensure your travel policy covers Zimbabwe.
- Currency — Zimbabwe uses USD. ATMs are not always reliable outside Harare and Victoria Falls. Carry some cash from Johannesburg or Dubai.
- Entry ports accepting eVisas — Harare International (HRE), Victoria Falls (VFA), Bulawayo (BUQ), and major land borders including Beit Bridge and Plumtree.
7. Frequently Asked Questions — Saudi Arabia Citizens
Do Saudi Arabia citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. Saudi Arabia passport holders are classified as Category C by Zimbabwe and must obtain a pre-approved eVisa before departure. Visa on arrival is not available for Saudi citizens. Apply at .
How much does a Zimbabwe eVisa cost for Saudi citizens?
The standard tourist single-entry eVisa costs $30 USD. A double-entry tourist visa is $45 USD and the KAZA UniVisa (Zimbabwe + Zambia) costs $50 USD. All fees are paid online by card.
How long does the Zimbabwe eVisa take to process for Saudi applicants?
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. During peak travel seasons (July–August, December) it may take up to 10–14 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
Can Saudi citizens get a Zimbabwe visa on arrival?
No. Saudi Arabia is a Category C country. Visa on arrival is only available for Category B nationalities. Saudi citizens must have a fully approved eVisa before boarding their flight to Zimbabwe.
How long can Saudi citizens stay in Zimbabwe on a tourist eVisa?
A tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. The eVisa itself is valid for 3 months from the approval date — meaning you must enter Zimbabwe within that 3-month window.
What documents do Saudi Arabia citizens need for a Zimbabwe eVisa?
Required documents include:
- Valid Saudi passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Passport bio page scan (JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, etc.)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds (~$50/day)
Where do I apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa as a Saudi citizen?
Apply exclusively through Zimbabwe's official immigration portal at . Avoid third-party websites that charge additional service fees of $30–$100 while offering the same result.
Is yellow fever vaccination required for Saudi citizens visiting Zimbabwe?
A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from or transit through a yellow fever endemic country. Saudi Arabia is not on Zimbabwe's endemic list, so a certificate is generally not required for Saudi travellers flying directly from Saudi Arabia.