IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Zimbabwe has launched an e-visa program for nationals of more than 50 countries.

What does the change mean? The program will allow eligible travelers to apply online for single- or double-entry visas that are valid for three months from the date of issuance. The visas may be used for business or tourism.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: E-visas.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of more than 50 countries traveling to Zimbabwe for business or tourism.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will save travelers processing time because e-visas will be issued much faster than consular visas. Officials say most visas will be issued within two business days, though exact processing times may vary.

Background: The e-visa program will benefit nationals of countries that are not eligible for visa-free travel to Zimbabwe or for visas on arrival. The e-visa countries are:

E-Visa Countries
Afghanistan Côte d’Ivoire Gabon Lebanon Morocco Philippines Syria
Anguilla Central African Republic Gambia Liberia Myanmar Qatar Taiwan
Bangladesh Chad Guinea Libya Nepal Saudi Arabia Thailand
Benin China* Guinea-Bissau Macedonia Niger Sierra Leone Togo
Bolivia Colombia Iraq Mali Nigeria Somalia Tunisia
Burkina Faso Republic of Congo Jordan Mauritania North Korea South Sudan Vietnam
Cambodia Djibouti Kosovo Mongolia Oman Sri Lanka Yemen
Cameroon Eritrea Laos Montenegro Pakistan Sudan

*Not available for Chinese nationals traveling as part of tour groups.

BAL Analysis: The e-visa program will ease travel procedures for more than 50 countries’ nationals traveling to Zimbabwe. Travelers should note, however, that while the visas will be available for tourism or business, employment activities are prohibited on e-visas.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in South Africa. For additional information, please contact africa@bal.com.

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