Zimbabwe entry requirements for Belgium passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe's ports of entry. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo airport. Cost is $30–$55 USD for single entry (tourist), paid in cash (USD). Have a printed eVisa approval from evisa.gov.zw as backup — some airlines ask for it before boarding.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Belgian passport needs at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Zimbabwe. Airlines check this strictly at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Harare and Victoria Falls routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're overlanding out, a bus ticket or flight booking to a neighboring country works.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a printed booking or a screenshot on your phone is fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or card for your stay
Carry at least $300–$500 USD in cash or have a credit card with available limit. Zimbabwe is a cash-heavy economy — USD is widely accepted, and ATMs can be unreliable outside major cities.Recommended
Cash is king at immigration
Visa fees are usually paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at airports may not work or have long queues. Bring USD 50-100 in small bills for the visa fee and any unexpected costs.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at the airport, get an Airalo eSIM before you go. It activates as soon as you land — no paperwork, no waiting.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare documents before departure
Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least one blank page. Print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's accommodation. Get travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM if you want.
2
Fill out immigration form on arrival
On the plane or at the airport, you'll get a small arrival card. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and where you're staying. Keep it with your passport.
3
Queue at visa-on-arrival counter
At Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee (usually USD 30-50 for single entry). Get your visa sticker and proceed to passport control.
4
Pass through passport control
Present your passport with the visa sticker and the arrival card. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly. Once stamped, you're in.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. €28)

Apply at embassy or online before travel.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €47)

Ideal for multiple visits within 6 months.

Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. €94)

Requires invitation letter or enrollment proof.

retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD per year (approx. €188)
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires medical certificate and police clearance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. €470)
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Zimbabwe. Includes work rights for the investor.
work visa
Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. €282)
Requires a job offer and labour market test. Sponsored by employer.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
$150 USD (approx. €141)
For enrollment in accredited Zimbabwean institutions. Proof of admission and funds required.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry.$30 USD (approx. €28)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online or at embassy.$30 USD (approx. €28)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months from issue date.$50 USD (approx. €47)
Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure.$20 USD per day (max $500 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Zimbabwe

No transit visa needed

Belgium passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsRobert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) · Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo) · Victoria Falls International Airport

Health & vaccines for Zimbabwe

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Zimbabwe, especially in the Zambezi Valley and low-lying areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Harare
Department of Immigration (Head Office)
1st Floor, Block A, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Bulawayo
Regional Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits.

Practical information for BE travellers

Country basics
CapitalHarare
LanguageEnglish, Shona, Ndebele
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyZimbabwean dollar (ZWL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 25.92 ZWL
updated May 19
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police995
Medical994
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa fee is typically USD 30-50 for a single-entry tourist visa. Have exact cash in US dollars — change may not be available. Some ports also accept credit cards, but cash is safer.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or visit the Zimbabwe Immigration Department in Harare for advice.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Belgium is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently been in an affected area. Check current requirements before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Beitbridge (from South Africa) and Chirundu (from Zambia). The process is similar to airports — have your documents and cash ready.
It's not a standard requirement for Belgian passport holders, but immigration officers may ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred USD in cash is a good idea to show you can support yourself.
The standard visa on arrival allows up to 30 days for tourism. The exact duration is stamped in your passport. Don't overstay — fines and future bans apply.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.