The Zimbabwe Conferencing Visa (also called the Conference eVisa) is an electronic travel authorisation issued by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration for foreign nationals attending conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia, and other professional events held at approved conference facilities in Zimbabwe.
Unlike the general Business eVisa, the Conference Visa is purpose-specific: it is tied to a particular event at a particular venue. This distinction matters — if your conference is not held at an approved venue, or if your activities go beyond attending the stated event, you may need a different visa category.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Conferencing eVisa (electronic) |
| Fee | USD $30 (single entry) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 30 days (duration of the event + reasonable travel days) |
| Application portal | evisa.gov.zw (official only) |
| Processing time | 3–7 working days |
| Venue restriction | Must be held at a Zimbabwe Immigration-approved conference venue |
| Multiple entry? | Not standard — separate application for each event |
Many travellers are uncertain whether to apply for a Conference Visa or a Business Visa. The table below clarifies the distinction:
| Feature | Conference Visa | Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Attending a specific conference, seminar, or workshop | Business meetings, negotiations, site visits |
| Fee | USD $30 | USD $30 (single) / $55 (multiple) |
| Stay duration | Up to 30 days | Up to 90 days |
| Key extra document | Conference invitation + programme | Host company invitation letter |
| Venue requirement | Approved conference venue required | No venue restriction |
| Conducting meetings? | Only within the conference context | Yes — meetings are the primary purpose |
| Multiple entry | Not available | Available ($55) |
Gather all documents before starting your application at evisa.gov.zw. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays and rejections.
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page scan | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date with a minimum of 2 blank pages. Colour scan, all corners visible, JPEG or PNG, max 2 MB. |
| Digital passport photo | 35×45 mm, plain white background, face occupying 70–80% of frame, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. JPEG, max 2 MB. |
| Invitation letter from conference organiser | Official letter from the event organiser or host organisation in Zimbabwe confirming your participation. Must include: your full name, event name, dates and venue, and the organiser's contact details and signature. (See checklist below.) |
| Letter from your employer | Letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, authorisation to travel, and that your company supports your attendance at the event. |
| Conference programme | Official agenda or programme of the conference showing the event title, dates, venue address, and session schedule. A printed or digital copy of the event programme is acceptable. |
| Proof of residence | Utility bill, bank statement, or official government document confirming your home address — issued within the past 3 months. |
| Return or onward ticket | Confirmed flight booking or itinerary showing your departure from Zimbabwe after the conference. |
| Proof of funds | Bank statement (last 3 months) or a letter from your employer confirming financial support for your stay. |
Your employer's supporting letter must confirm:
If you are self-employed, substitute with: business registration certificate + recent bank statements + a signed statement explaining your professional role at the event.
Zimbabwe's Conference Visa is specifically tied to events held at venues approved by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. Attending an event at a non-approved venue may result in visa rejection or refusal at the border.
The official list of approved conferencing venues is maintained by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. Commonly approved venues include major hotel conference centres and dedicated convention facilities in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. When applying, confirm with your event organiser that the venue is on the approved list.
| City | Example Approved Venue Types |
|---|---|
| Harare | Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre, Meikles Hotel, Cresta Jameson Hotel, Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) |
| Bulawayo | Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel & Towers, Nesbitt Castle, Holiday Inn Bulawayo |
| Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls Hotel, Kingdom Hotel, Elephant Hills Resort |
| Mutare / Nyanga | Christmas Pass Hotel, Montclair Hotel (for regional conferences) |
The Conference Visa fee is payable in USD at the time of online application. All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or you cannot travel.
| Visa Type | Nationality | Fee | Stay Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference eVisa (Single Entry) | Most nationalities | USD $30 | Up to 30 days |
| Conference eVisa (Single Entry) | 🇬🇧 UK / 🇮🇪 Ireland | USD $55 | Up to 30 days |
| Conference eVisa (Single Entry) | 🇨🇦 Canada | USD $75 | Up to 30 days |
View the full Zimbabwe eVisa fee schedule →
Apply exclusively at — the official Zimbabwe government eVisa portal. The application takes approximately 15–20 minutes with all documents prepared in advance.
Category B nationals (including USA, UK, EU member states, Australia, and Canada) may apply for a conference visa on arrival at international airports. However, applying online in advance is strongly recommended for conference delegates because:
Start your Zimbabwe eVisa application online — fast, secure and easy.