PassportSouth Africa

Zimbabwe: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans don't need a visa for Zimbabwe. You can stay up to 90 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Visa-free. South Africa is listed in Category A ('countries listed below do not require a visa to enter the country') by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration.1

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

Tourism and short business visits without a visa. Work, study or residence need permits via epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw.12

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Passport validity

At least 6 months' validity after arrival and 3 blank pages (in case you exit through a neighbouring country).34

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

No visa needed. Official e-visa portal (for nationalities that need one): www.evisa.gov.zw. KAZA UNIVISA (USD 50, 30 days, Zimbabwe + Zambia + day trips to Botswana at Kazungula) exists but SA passport holders are visa-exempt in both Zimbabwe and Zambia and do not need it.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Where South Africans apply

Not published by official sources

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Return ticket and adequate funds expected (stated for US citizens; generally applied).4

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Proof of funds

Adequate funds for the intended stay may be requested.4

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Zimbabwe: yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a yellow-fever transmission-risk country. South Africa's rule: Zimbabwe is not a yellow-fever risk country, so no certificate is needed to return to SA.36

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Arrival forms

Zimbabwe Entry Declaration Form (IF1). Travellers are 'encouraged' to complete it online before travel at the official portal evisa.gov.zw (standby-kiosk); otherwise complete it on a kiosk or paper form at the border. Free. Customs: declare cash of USD 10,000 or more on entry; you may not leave with more than USD 2,000 in cash unless you declared it on entry.137

Confirmed on an official government source

Extending your stay and overstaying

Not published by official sources

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

23 April 2025Online immigration entry declaration form launched on evisa.gov.zw (pre-arrival completion encouraged, paper/kiosk alternative remains).

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

  1. 1Department of Immigration Zimbabwe (Category A list) zimimmigration.gov.zw
  2. 2Department of Immigration Zimbabwe (Visas) zimimmigration.gov.zw

Other government

Official advice from other governments

  1. 3UK FCDO gov.uk
  2. 4US Department of State travel.state.gov
  3. 6DIRCO (South African High Commission, Canberra) dirco.gov.za

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

  1. 5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

News and guides

Leads we check, never the answer

  1. 7Venture to Zimbabwe (tour operator) venture-to-zimbabwe.com

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.