Zimbabwe has a national immigration system administered mainly by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the Department of Immigration and the Chief Immigration Officer. Depending on nationality, travellers may enter visa-free, obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa before travel. A single-entry visa or KAZA visa can normally cover one month, a double-entry visa three months and a multiple-entry visa six months. The official eVisa guidance recommends applying at least three weeks before travel; the stated average processing time is about seven working days, but payment does not guarantee approval and is not refunded after refusal or non-use. A visitor entry certificate can initially be valid for up to six months and may be extended, but visitors may not use that status to work or establish permanent residence. Under section 29 of the Immigration Act, an alien generally needs a permit or visitor entry certificate together with a visa unless an exemption applies. A stay exceeding twelve months requires a valid permit.
Immigration law in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe immigration law governs entry, visas, visitor stays, work, study, family residence, protection, permanent residence and citizenship. The Department of Immigration and other national authorities assess applications according to the Immigration Act, Immigration Regulations and the Refugees Act. A visitor status does not itself permit employment or create a permanent residence right.
Tip
Choose the immigration basis that matches your real purpose in Zimbabwe before applying or travelling. Do not use visitor status for work or long-term settlement, and do not treat payment, a pending application or time already spent in Zimbabwe as approval. Keep the application, permit conditions and expiry date under active control because violations can lead to refusal, cancellation, detention or removal.