How to Apply for a Zimbabwe Visa in Atlanta

Zimbabwe – recently named “world’s best country to visit” by Forbes magazine and travel site Kayak – draws Atlanta-based travelers to Southeast Africa with its majestic vistas, cultural treasures, adventure sports, and safari and wildlife viewing opportunities.

“Zimbabwe is a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage—where jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves,” Forbes stated. “The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe stands as a powerful reminder of the country’s layered past, its dry-stone walls steeped in centuries-old history.  Meanwhile, at Victoria Falls, the Zambezi crashes into thunderous gorges below—sending mist into the air that often catches the sun in fleeting rainbows.  The Eastern Highlands, however, offer a quieter scene: think cloud-covered slopes, winding hiking trails, and pockets of mist-laced mountain stillness.”

The landlocked Republic of Zimbabwe is located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, bordering Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.  The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by the San, Bantu, and Shona peoples.  Claimed by Portugal in the 1880s, the British Empire took control of the area and established Rhodesia in 1895 (which included Northern and Rhodesia, aka present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe).  Efforts by Southern Rhodesia to break away from the United Kingdom in 1965 led to a lengthy civil war and eventual independence in 1980 as Zimbabwe.  Modern-day Zimbabwe is home to more than 17.3 million people, more than 99% of whom are of African origin.  English remains the primary language in the educational and judicial systems, although Shona and other Bantu languages are spoken by most residents.

The majority of Atlanta-based business travelers to Zimbabwe most likely work in industries providing services and equipment for the mining or agricultural sectors.  This is because the republic’s exports are primarily driven by the mining, minerals, and agricultural sectors.  Strong global demand for gold, lithium, platinum, iron, copper, and diamonds have driven export earnings to record highs in the mid-2020s.  Agriculture accounts for almost 10% of the economy, with industries contributing 37% and services 48%. “Zimbabwe’s favorable climate, abundant mineral resources, agricultural potential, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes create numerous opportunities for U.S. firms,” the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) stated. “Key sectors with promising market opportunities include agriculture, construction, energy, mining, biotechnology, health, and tourism.  Additional opportunities exist in consumer goods, services, and franchising.”

Tourism the third-largest economic sector, ITA added, and offers significant potential growth opportunities.  More than 1.6 million foreigners visit Zimbabwe each year, generating $1.2 billion in revenue and $190 million in investment.  While two-thirds of those visitors came from other African countries, the ITA stated, about 8% reside in the Americas.  Tourists and business travelers from American cities like Atlanta make more than 120,000 visits annually.  Domestic tourism is also expected to reach a record 15.7 million trips and $1.36 billion in receipts for 2026, TV BRICS reported.

Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe and its largest city, is also its cultural center.  It features the annual Harare International Festival of the Arts, museums such as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, and Chapungu Sculpture Park.  Harare is called the republic’s “Sunshine City” because of its many parks and gardens, including the National Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Dam Recreational Park, and the Mukuvisi Woodlands – home to zebras, ostriches, impalas, giraffes, and other animals.  The city also has one of the country’s three major international airports.

However, the most visited city in Zimbabwe for the majority of Atlanta-based travelers is the resort town of Victoria Falls, site of one of the world’s largest and most famous waterfall curtains.  Located on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders").  Twice the size of Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  It is also one of Zimbabwe’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites.  The others are the Great Zimbabwe National Monument (the Kingdom of Zimbabwe’s medieval stone capital); Khami Ruins, another ancient capital; the granite boulders and rock art of Matobo Hills; and the Mana Pools National Park, Sapi, and Chewore safari areas, known for its lion, elephant, hippo, and buffalo populations.

Zimbabwe’s other tourist attractions and activities are located throughout the country.  “A journey to Zimbabwe will take you through an attractive patchwork of landscapes, from highveld, balancing boulders and flaming msasa trees, to laidback towns, lush mountains and lifeblood rivers,” Lonely Planet reported.  The Eastern Highlands near Mozambique include Mount Nyangani, the Bvumba Mountains, and the Chimanimani range, which attract hikers from around the world.  Hwange National Park (the country’s largest) offers some of the best safari destinations in Southern Africa.  Victoria Falls is a mecca for adventure sports, including a 364-foot bungee jump, ziplining in the Botaka Gorge, whitewater rafting, and gorge swings.

Zimbabwe e-Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States and 117 other countries who live in the Atlanta area must obtain a visa to visit Zimbabwe.  Most American and European nationals are part of Zimbabwe’s “Category B,” which requires tourists and business travelers to either obtain a visa before traveling or receive a visa upon arrival at a Zimbabwean airport or port.  Passport holders from certain nations (Category A) can enter the country without a visa, while those from Category C must obtain and pay for a visa before traveling to Zimbabwe.  Details about which countries fall into each category can be found at the Zimbabwe’s Washington, D.C. website.

The primary requirement to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) is having a signed passport valid at least six months beyond your entry to Zimbabwe containing at least two blank pages (three if you plan to exit Zimbabwe through another country).  You must also pay applicable visa fees, have a ticket to depart the country, and prove you have enough funds to support yourself during your trip.  If you are arriving from a country identified as a yellow fever transmission risk, you will also need a certificate proving you have received a vaccination for yellow fever.  Business travelers must also provide a letter confirming their reasons for travel.

Travelers from Atlanta can obtain single-, double- or multiple-entry electronic visas to enter Zimbabwe.  A special KAZA UNIVISA is also available that allows entries to portions of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conversation Area (KAZA TFCA).

How to Apply for a Zimbabwe e-Visa

The e-Visa application and detailed information about the program can be found at the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration’s website.  The site includes a helpful list of frequently asked questions.  Zimbabwe offers tourists and business travelers several e-Visa options:

  • Single entry visa: valid for one entry to the country, valid for one month, $30 fee.
  • Double entry visa: allows two entries, valid for three months, $45 fee.
  • Multiple entry visa: allows multiple entries over a six-month period, $55 fee.
  • KAZA UNIVISA: entry to the multi-national KAZA area with one month, $50 fee.

It takes 5-10 minutes to complete the online e-Visa application.  You will need your passport, emergency contact information, and a credit card to get started.  Only one account is needed for each party of travelers.

To begin the process, go to the online application and follow these steps:

  • Create an account using your email and a strong password (or sign in if you already have an account and are returning to the site).
  • The site will validate a new account and then ask you to sign in again.
  • Click on the “new application” option on the next screen.
  • Choose your port of entry to Zimbabwe from the drop-down list.
  • On the next screen, “create a person” by selecting the country that issued your passport from the drop-down, and choose either a “ordinary” or “diplomatic” passport. (NOTE: You will need to create a person for each member of your party.
  • Next, choose your type of visa, such as single-entry.
  • Complete the personal details page, including your passport number, mode of travel, entry date, and where you will be staying in Zimbabwe.
  • Complete the emergency contact page.
  • Pay the visa fee with your credit card.

It may take up to 24 hours for seven days for your visa application to be accepted and an average of seven days for it to be approved.  After the initial 24 hours, you should be able to print an acceptance letter from the site (which is often requested by group travel companies).  Government approval and your e-Visa will become via email.  Print it and bring it with you on your trip, along with your passport and any other information required for entry.

How to Apply for Visa-on-Arrival

Most of the requirements for visa on arrival (VOA) for business and leisure travelers are the same as those listed above for obtaining an e-Visa.  The basic VOA is valid for one month after entry.  However, you can also obtain double-entry (3 months), multiple-entry (6 months), and KAZA UNIVISA (1 month) visas on arrival.  Fees are paid with cash or a credit card at your port of entry to Zimbabwe.  You must also fill out the immigration declaration document online before arrival. (NOTE: Using the e-Visa platform is generally recommended over the VOA process to reduce long wait times at ports of entry and to help ensure you will be issued a visa.)

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you have difficulty applying for an e-visa to visit Zimbabwe, or require assistance with any part of the process, you can call our office at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment online at the link at the top of this page.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Zimbabwe visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Zimbabwe.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.

We provide the following Zimbabwe visa services for our customers in Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and across the Southeast:

  • Zimbabwe Tourist Visa
  • Zimbabwe Business Visa
  • Zimbabwe Medical Insurance
  • Zimbabwe Hotel Accommodations
  • Zimbabwe Flight Tickets
  • Zimbabwe Tour Packages