Zimbabwe launches e-visa program

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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