🇿🇼Zimbabwe Visa for South African Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

KAZA UNIVISA

A joint visa permitting entry into both Zimbabwe and Zambia (and day visits to Botswana via the Kazungula border post) within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

KAZA UNIVISA is jointly issued by Zimbabwe and Zambia. It allows multiple entries across the KAZA conservation area. Fee is USD 50 (not listed on the zimimmigration fees page; fee retained from previous evisa.gov.zw source). Available as e-visa via evisa.gov.zw or on arrival at designated border posts. Only available to eligible nationalities (not all nationalities qualify for KAZA).

Conferencing Visa

For foreign nationals attending conferences, seminars, workshops, or professional events in Zimbabwe.

Conferencing visa is specifically for attendance at official events. Holder may not take up employment. Available via e-visa portal or on arrival depending on nationality category.

Temporary Employment Permit

Allows skilled foreign nationals to work in Zimbabwe for a specific employer where no suitable local candidate is available.

Non-refundable application fee of USD 500; USD 300 per dependent. Requires 15 documents including IF5 form, employment contract, notarised academic and professional certificates, police clearance (max 6 months old), medical radiological certificate, company incorporation documents, and proof that the role was advertised locally. Renewals require a letter to the Chief Director of Immigration. Applied for via the e-permits portal at epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Student Permit

For foreign nationals enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Zimbabwe for formal study.

For students accepted into a higher/tertiary programme at a Zimbabwean institution. Statutory non-refundable fee USD 200 plus USD 300 per dependant; extension same (confirmed on zimimmigration.gov.zw/?page_id=6980 Permits page and requirements page ?p=7277, re-verified July 2026). Requires completed I.F.5 form, acceptance letter from the institution, Ministry of Education clearance, passport bio-data page, police clearance, and radiological certificate. Applications via epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Scholars Permit

For foreign nationals attending school (primary or secondary level) at an institution in Zimbabwe.

Covers pre-tertiary (primary/secondary) school attendance and is listed separately from the Student Permit. Statutory non-refundable fee USD 100; extension USD 100 (confirmed on zimimmigration.gov.zw/?page_id=6980 Permits page and requirements page ?p=7272, re-verified July 2026). Requires acceptance from the school, Ministry of Education clearance, and (for minors) a local guardian affidavit. Applications via epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Spouse Residence Permit

For foreign nationals who are spouses of Zimbabwean citizens or permanent residents, allowing lawful residence in Zimbabwe.

For foreign spouses of Zimbabwean citizens or residents. Statutory non-refundable fee USD 500 plus USD 300 per dependant; extension USD 300 (+USD 300/dependant); permanent-residence track USD 500 (+USD 300/dependant) (confirmed on zimimmigration.gov.zw/?page_id=6980 Permits page and requirements page ?p=7343, re-verified July 2026). Requires an application letter to the Chief Director of Immigration, support letter from the local spouse, marriage certificate, guarantor's proof of accommodation and funds, police clearance (max 6 months old), and radiological certificate. Applications via epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Investor Residence Permit

For foreign nationals who invest in Zimbabwe's economy, granting lawful residence tied to their ongoing investment.

Issued for 12 months, renewable annually. Non-refundable application fee of USD 500; USD 300 per dependent. Required documents include IF5 form, project proposal, police clearance (max 6 months old), medical radiological certificate, banking history, and proof of funds. The minimum investment threshold is not stated on the official page at time of research - previously cited figures (USD 100,000 or USD 1,000,000) could not be confirmed from the official source. Applications via epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Permanent Residence Permit

For foreign nationals who have satisfied the residency requirements and wish to permanently reside in Zimbabwe.

Permanent Residence Permit is listed on the official Zimbabwe Department of Immigration website. Eligibility criteria, minimum residency period, and fees are not published on the accessible official pages at time of research. Applications via epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

Missionary Permit (Religious Worker Permit)

For foreign nationals coming to work full-time as a Minister of Religion or church worker for a local congregation in Zimbabwe.

Religious-worker permit for foreign nationals employed full-time as a Minister of Religion or church worker at the request of the leadership of a local congregation. Applicant must have worked at least one year as a religious worker OR have been ordained as a Minister of Religion following ministerial training; the sponsoring church organisation must take full responsibility for the maintenance of the worker and dependants (and their return to country of domicile) without recourse to public funds. A dedicated requirements page existed on the former Department of Immigration site (zimimmigration.gov.zw/index.php/permits/missionary-permit) which now returns HTTP 404 following the site's migration to WordPress; the current Permits overview page (?page_id=6980) lists five permit types and does not separately itemise this one. The permit remains a recognised category applied for via the e-permits portal. Fee not confirmed on a current official page.