Zimbabwe entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe's ports of entry. As of 2026, this is the standard procedure for tourism and short business visits. Just show up with the right documents and you'll be processed at the airport or border post.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Single-entry visa issued at the airport | Zimbabwe offers a visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo). The fee is $75 USD for a single-entry visa, payable in cash (USD only). Have the exact amount ready — the immigration counter does not give change.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Zimbabwe. Immigration officers rarely enforce the 6-month rule, but airlines may ask for it at check-in. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zimbabwe | Immigration officers at Harare and Bulawayo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Without it, you may be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zimbabwe. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Zimbabwe is a cash-based economy — credit cards work in major hotels but not everywhere. Immigration may ask to see proof of funds if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and card payments are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
South Koreans have a smooth experience getting the visa on arrival. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at Harare airport. Just have your documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Harare or Bulawayo airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane or at the counter), and your return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in US dollars cash (exact change preferred). As of 2026, the fee is around $30–$50 for a single-entry tourist visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Zimbabwe Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
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$50 USD (approx. 67,000 KRW)
Apply at Zimbabwe embassy or online eVisa. Required if not using visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 134,000 KRW)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 268,000 KRW)
For extended tourism or visiting family. Requires sponsorship or strong ties.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Permit
5 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $1,000 USD annual fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient income or savings. Requires proof of pension or assets. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD application fee + $500 USD annual fee
For investors committing at least $250,000 USD in a Zimbabwean business. Includes work rights for the investor.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $200 USD annual fee
For those with a job offer from a Zimbabwean employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
student visa
Zimbabwe Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$200 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Zimbabwean institutions. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. Valid for up to 30 days. | $30 USD (approx. 40,000 KRW) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply at Zimbabwe embassy or online eVisa system before travel. | $50 USD (approx. 67,000 KRW) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries. Apply in advance. | $100 USD (approx. 134,000 KRW) |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before current visa expires. Max extension 30 days. | $50 USD (approx. 67,000 KRW) per extension |
| Overstay finePay at immigration or port of exit. Overstay may affect future entries. | $20 USD per day (approx. 27,000 KRW), max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
South Korea passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Zimbabwe airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa 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 at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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 measures advised.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Zimbabwe, with highest risk in low-lying areas (e.g., Zambezi Valley). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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, Harare
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Regional Immigration Office
Cnr 9th Avenue & Fife Street, Bulawayo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for southern Zimbabwe.
Practical information for KR 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
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
Frequently asked questions
The single-entry tourist visa costs around $30–$50 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Exact change helps avoid issues. Fees can change, so bring a little extra.
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 leave and re-enter.
The visa is typically valid for up to 30 days. The exact duration is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the vaccine certificate. South Korea is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at major land border posts like Beitbridge (from South Africa) and Victoria Falls (from Zambia). The process is similar to airports.
No pre-arrival form is required. You'll fill out an arrival card on the plane or at the immigration counter. No online registration needed.
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.