The Zimbabwe Transit eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation for foreign nationals who need to pass through Zimbabwe en route to a third country. It is issued by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration and processed online at — no embassy visit required.
The transit visa is single entry only, valid for 30 days from the date of issue, and permits a maximum stay of 7 days in Zimbabwe. It is designed for travellers who need to exit the airport transit zone, stay overnight, or cross Zimbabwe by road (e.g., travelling from South Africa to Zambia via Beitbridge and Chirundu border posts).
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Transit eVisa (electronic, single entry) |
| Stay permitted | Maximum 7 days |
| Visa validity | 30 days from date of issue (must enter within this window) |
| Cost | USD $20 |
| Processing time | 3–5 working days |
| Application | Online at evisa.gov.zw |
| Tourism/activities? | Limited — transit only; no extended sightseeing |
Before applying for a transit visa, it's important to understand whether you even need one. Zimbabwe distinguishes between airside transit (staying in the airport's international zone) and landside transit (exiting the airport or crossing the country overland).
| Airside Transit (No Visa) | Transit Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Remaining within the airport's international departure area — you do not pass through immigration | Exiting the airport to the city, staying overnight in a hotel, or crossing Zimbabwe overland |
| Duration limit | Up to 48 hours | Up to 7 days |
| Cost | Free (no visa required for most nationalities) | USD $20 |
| Applicable airport | Harare International Airport (HRE) — primary hub | All Zimbabwe ports of entry (HRE, VFA, BUQ, land borders) |
| Passport stamp? | ❌ No — your passport is not stamped for airside transit | ✅ Yes — you go through full immigration control |
Whether you need a transit visa depends on your nationality (visa category) and your type of transit.
The transit visa requires fewer documents than the tourist or business eVisa, but all documents must be accurate and complete before submission.
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page scan | Passport valid for 6+ months from your planned departure date from Zimbabwe, minimum 1 blank page. Colour JPEG/PNG, all corners visible, max 2 MB. |
| Digital passport photo | 35×45 mm, plain white background, no glasses, face 70–80% of frame, taken within 6 months, JPEG max 2 MB. |
| Confirmed onward ticket | Flight, bus, or overland booking confirming your travel from Zimbabwe to your next destination. This is the most critical document for transit applications. |
| Visa/entry permit for final destination | If your final destination requires a visa, provide a copy. E.g., if transiting Zimbabwe to reach Zambia and you need a Zambian visa, include it. |
| Proof of funds | Bank statement or credit card statement confirming ability to cover costs during the transit period. |
The Zimbabwe Transit eVisa is the most affordable Zimbabwe visa type.
| Visa Type | Fee | Stay Permitted | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit eVisa | USD $20 | Up to 7 days | Single entry only |
| Tourist eVisa (for comparison) | USD $30 | Up to 30 days | Single / Double / Multiple |
Transit visa fees are non-refundable. Payment is made in USD by credit or debit card at the time of online application.
Apply online at — the official Zimbabwe Immigration portal. The application takes approximately 10–15 minutes if documents are ready.
Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) is Zimbabwe's main international airport and the primary transit point for southern and eastern Africa routes. Here's what to know for a smooth transit:
Many travellers use Zimbabwe as a transit country on overland routes in southern Africa. Common overland transit routes requiring a Zimbabwe Transit Visa:
| Route | Entry Point | Exit Point | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa → Zambia | Beitbridge | Chirundu or Kariba | 1–2 days |
| Mozambique → Botswana | Forbes / Mutare | Plumtree | 1–2 days |
| South Africa → Malawi | Beitbridge | Forbes / Nyamapanda | 2–3 days |
| Zambia → Mozambique | Chirundu | Forbes | 1–2 days |
Start your Zimbabwe eVisa application online — fast, secure and easy.