Embassy
Embassy of South Africa in Zimbabwe
7 Elcombe Road
Zimbabwe visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens do not need a visa for Zimbabwe. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
ZWE
Zimbabwe
No visa needed
People from listed countries can visit without a visa.
- Visa
- Not required
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in Zimbabwe.
Ways into Zimbabwe
Check your nationality before you plan your trip.
Visa not required For your passportVisa-free entryPeople from listed countries can visit without a visa.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check that your nationality is on the visa-free list.
- Fill in the optional online entry form.
- Show your travel papers at the border.
- The guide gives no standard length of stay.
- Official nationality lists differ; check yours before travel.
eVisaDouble-entry tourist eVisaAn online holiday visa that lets you enter twice.
- Valid for
- 180 days
- Fee
- US$45
- Processing
- 7 days
- Entries
- Double
How to apply
- Choose double entry on the official visa website.
- Fill in the holiday form and upload your papers.
- Pay the fee shown.
- Wait for approval.
Documents required
- Passport photo
- Passport details page scan
- Proof of where you live
- Address in Zimbabwe
- Host invitation, if staying with someone
- Host address or identity proof
- Processing averages 7 working days; apply at least 21 days before travel.
- Stay length is unclear; make your second entry before your visa expires.
eVisaMultiple-entry tourist eVisaAn online visa for people making several holiday visits.
- Valid for
- 180 days
- Fee
- US$55
- Processing
- 7 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check the application route with Immigration.
- Choose prepaid multiple entry on the official visa website.
- Upload your holiday papers and supporting letter.
- Wait for confirmation of your visa and fee.
Documents required
- Holiday visa papers
- Letter explaining several visits
- Processing averages 7 working days.
- Follow the start and end dates on your approval.
Visa on arrivalDouble-entry arrival visaA visa bought at the border that lets you enter twice.
- Valid for
- 180 days
- Fee
- US$45
- Entries
- Double
How to apply
- Check your nationality and fee before travel.
- Ask for double entry at the border.
- Show your papers and pay.
- Check the visa you receive.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- The guide does not give a clear stay length for each entry.
Sources (25)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Zimbabwe Department of Immigration: Official e-visa portal
- Official e-visa FAQ, visa classes and nationality lists
- Department of Immigration: Online visa and permit process
- Department of Immigration: Fees
- Department of Immigration: Category A
- Department of Immigration: Category B
- Department of Immigration: Category C
- Department of Immigration: Holiday Visa Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Business Visa Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Conferencing Visa Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Student Permit Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Scholar Permit Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Temporary Employment Permit Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Spouse Residence Permit Requirements
- Department of Immigration: Investor Residence Permit Requirements
- Immigration Regulations published by the Department of Immigration
- Zimbabwe Embassy Washington: Visa Information
- Zimbabwe Embassy London: Visa Information
- Zimbabwe Embassy New Delhi: Consular page containing visa information
- Zimbabwe Embassy Berlin: Visas
- Zimbabwe Embassy Ottawa: Visas and portal support
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry: Visa Applications
- Southern African Development Community: Zimbabwe immigration procedures
- Zambia Department of Immigration: Shared KAZA UNIVISA scheme
- Zimbabwe Foreign Affairs e-Protocol portal: Visa and Immigration
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs D GAdapter needed
- MoneyUSD $
- TimeSame timeSame as home
- DrivingOn the leftSame as home
- LanguageBarweSpoken at home too
- Emergency999 police
Planning your Zimbabwe trip
- Victoria FallsThe Zambezi River drops over a vast curtain of falling water on the border with Zambia.
- Great ZimbabweThis ancient stone city is the largest south of the Sahara.
- Mana Pools National ParkSee wildlife and landscapes along the Zambezi River, including elephants.
- Hwange National ParkExplore one of the country's safari destinations and watch wildlife.
Scams to watch for in Zimbabwe
- Taxi overcharging and unclear faresAirport taxis charge a fixed US$25 to the main hotels, described as expensive for the short journey. Drivers attribute this to airport fees. For other journeys, getting in without agreeing a price leaves the fare unclear. An expensive fixed fare alone does not prove fraud.
- Opportunistic theft of belongingsSomeone takes advantage of belongings that are unattended or easy to reach. No specific distraction trick or pickpocket method is described.
- Demands for bribes at checkpoints or border controlAn official may seek an unofficial payment. Most police officers are described as professional and polite, but incidents of corruption and bribery can occur.
About Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked republic in Southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers.
- Capital
- Harare
- Money
- United States dollar ($), Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
- Languages
- Barwe, English, Kalanga
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +263
Other Africa passports
Going to Zimbabwe
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Zimbabwe with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?
South African citizens do not need a visa for Zimbabwe. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
How long can south african citizens stay in Zimbabwe?
Up to 90 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do zimbabwean citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Zimbabwean citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Zimbabwe?
Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Eswatini Ghana, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Zimbabwe are easier for south african citizens?
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia Angola, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Zimbabwe?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in Zimbabwe?
United States dollar ($) and Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Zimbabwe?
Barwe, English, Kalanga Khoisan languages, and 11 more.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck