Zimbabwe citizens planning to visit India in 2026 have good news: India operates a well-established e-Visa system that allows Zimbabweans to apply entirely online, receive approval within 72 hours, and arrive at one of India's 28 designated eMigration Check Required (eMCR) airports without visiting an embassy. This guide covers everything you need — fees, document requirements, the application process, and what to expect at Indian immigration.
Updated April 2026 | Official source: indianvisaonline.gov.in
Indian eVisa Types for Zimbabwe Citizens
India's e-Visa program offers several visa types. The three most relevant for Zimbabwe citizens are:
🌍 e-Tourist Visa
- Valid 30 days (double entry)
- Or 1-year multi-entry ($40)
- Or 5-year multi-entry ($80)
- Tourism, yoga, short courses
- No extension possible
💼 e-Business Visa
- Valid 1 year, multi-entry
- Max 180 days per stay
- Business meetings, trade
- Industrial/sales visits
- Requires business documents
🏥 e-Medical Visa
- Triple entry, 60 days each
- Medical treatment in India
- Requires hospital letter
- e-Medical Attendant: USD 25
- Up to 2 attendants per patient
Eligibility Requirements for Zimbabwe Citizens
Zimbabwean passport holders are fully eligible for all three e-Visa categories listed above. There are no blanket restrictions for Zimbabwean nationals under India's current visa policy. However, the following conditions must be met:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India.
- You must have at least 2 blank visa pages in your passport.
- You must arrive and depart through one of India's 28 designated e-Visa airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, Ahmedabad, and others) or specified seaports.
- You cannot convert an e-Visa to any other visa type after arrival.
- Holders of a Pakistani passport, or those born in Pakistan, are not eligible for e-Visa regardless of current nationality — this does not apply to Zimbabwe nationals.
Required Documents for Indian eVisa Application
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| Passport scan (bio page) | JPEG/PNG, max 1MB, clearly readable MRZ strip, min 6 months validity |
| Recent passport photo | JPEG, 10KB–1MB, white background, face covering 70–80% of frame, no glasses |
| Valid email address | For ETA delivery and communication |
| Credit/debit card | Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal accepted; fee charged in USD |
| Return/onward ticket (recommended) | Not always verified digitally, but immigration may ask at arrival |
| Hotel/accommodation booking | Confirmation of first night stay; address required on application form |
| For Business only: Business card or letter | From your company or the Indian host organisation |
| For Medical only: Hospital letter | From the Indian hospital/clinic confirming your treatment and admission date |
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Go to the official Indian eVisa portal. The URL is indianvisaonline.gov.in. Beware of lookalike third-party websites charging inflated fees — the Indian government does not authorise any agents for e-Visa applications. The government site is the only legitimate source.
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Click "Apply" and select your visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, or e-Medical). Choose the sub-type: 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year for tourist visas.
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Fill in the online application form. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport — any discrepancy can lead to rejection. You'll need to provide your arrival city, accommodation address, and travel details.
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Upload your passport scan and photo. Both must meet the technical specifications above. The system will warn you if the file is too large or the photo dimensions are incorrect.
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Pay the application fee. Fees as of 2026: USD 25 (30-day tourist), USD 40 (1-year tourist), USD 80 (5-year tourist / business), USD 25 (medical). Payment by card (Visa/MC) or PayPal. Keep the payment reference number.
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Save your Application ID. You'll receive a confirmation email with your Application ID. Use this to track status at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
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Wait for approval. Standard processing is 72 hours (3 business days). The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) arrives by email. Print it or save it to your phone.
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Present at Indian immigration. Show your printed/digital ETA alongside your original passport. The immigration officer will stamp your passport and you're cleared to enter India.
eVisa Fees: Full Breakdown for 2026
| Visa Type & Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Entries Allowed | Max Stay Per Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist (30 days) | USD 25 | Double entry | 30 days |
| e-Tourist (1 year) | USD 40 | Multiple | 90 days per visit |
| e-Tourist (5 years) | USD 80 | Multiple | 90 days per visit |
| e-Business (1 year) | USD 80 | Multiple | 180 days per visit |
| e-Medical (60 days) | USD 25 | Triple entry | 60 days per entry |
| e-Medical Attendant | USD 25 | Triple entry | 60 days per entry |
Note: A small bank service charge (~2–3%) may be added at payment. Fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted, regardless of outcome.
Where Can Zimbabwe Citizens Travel to in India on eVisa?
The Indian e-Visa allows entry at 28 designated airports and 5 major seaports. Most international flights from Africa connect through Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport), Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), or Bengaluru. Direct Air India and Emirates connections serve these hubs from Johannesburg and Nairobi — the most common transit routes for Zimbabwe travellers.
Popular destinations for Zimbabwe visitors to India include Delhi (Taj Mahal day trip, Red Fort), Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur), Kerala (backwaters, Ayurvedic wellness), Goa (beaches), and Mumbai (business hub). Medical tourists typically head to hospitals in Delhi, Chennai, or Mumbai.
Indian Embassy in Harare: When You Need It
While most Zimbabwe citizens can use the online e-Visa, there are situations where a visit to the Indian Embassy in Harare is necessary:
- Long-stay visas (over 180 days) — Employment, student, research, and journalist visas require in-person embassy applications.
- Visa extension in India — Extensions to e-Visas are not possible; you would need to exit and re-enter or apply for a different visa type through the embassy.
- Diplomatic and official passports — Holders may have different requirements; verify with the embassy.
- PIO/OCI card applications — Persons of Indian Origin cards are processed through the embassy.
The Indian Embassy in Harare is located at 12 Natal Road, Belgravia, Harare (tel: +263 242 795 955). Consular hours are Monday–Friday, 09:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Zimbabweans need a visa to visit India in 2026?
How much does an Indian visa cost from Zimbabwe in 2026?
How long does it take to get an Indian eVisa from Zimbabwe?
Can I extend my Indian eVisa once in India?
Is there a visa on arrival for Zimbabwe citizens at Indian airports?
Do Indians need a visa to visit Zimbabwe?
What is the official Indian eVisa website for Zimbabwe applications?
Which Indian airports accept eVisa holders from Zimbabwe?
Sources: Indian Embassy Harare (indemb-harare.gov.in), Indian eVisa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in), Joinsherpa visa database, eVisas.io Zimbabwe–India requirements (2026). Fees and processing times are subject to change; always verify on the official portal before applying.