For a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls, a visa is needed to enter both Zimbabawe and Zambia. The exceptionally practical "Kaza Uni-Visa" used to allow unlimited entry between the two countries but it has recently ceased operation. Word on the street is that it will "surely" (not a word that I like to use here in Africa) be reinstated soon. So for the moment, the visa situation is:
For entry into Zambia or Zimbabwe, travelers of most nationalities are required to pay for their visa. These visas can usually be issued upon arrival, and the cost depends on nationality, length of stay and number of entry/exits. The visa you require is influenced by a few factors:
- which side of the Victoria Falls you are staying (i.e. the Zambian or Zimbabwean side);
- whether you wish to view the Falls from just one or both sides, and when;
- if you partake in an activity based on just one side (e.g. microlight flights or a visit to Livingstone Island are only operated on the Zambian side).
Visa Requirements entering Zambia
Most Western travelers can acquire a visa upon their arrival (by air or land) in Zambia, and there are four different types available:
Single entry - US$50, valid for up to 3 months.
Double entry - US$80, valid for up to 3 months.
Transit - US$50, valid for up to 7 days of land travel.
Day Tripper - US$20, valid for one entry that can last up to 24 hours; must enter/exit from the same border post.
Located at the Immigration counter in Livingstone Airport is a Point of Sale (POS) machine that accepts MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Maestro, but it’s best to also have cash available should the machine be out of order. The land border at the Victoria Falls Bridge only accepts cash.
Visa Requirements entering Zimbabwe
Most Western travelers can acquire a visa upon their arrival (by air or land) in Zimbabwe. There are two different types available and the costs vary depending on your passport nationality:
Single entry valid for up to 3 months - US$30 (Australian, U.S.); US$55 (British, Irish); US$75 (Canada).
Double entry valid for up to 3 months - US$45 (Australian, U.S.); US$70 (British, Irish); Canadians can only get a double entry visa from their nearest Zimbabwean embassy prior to arrival. Payment for all visas issued upon arrival (by air or land) is only accepted in cash (i.e. no credit card facilities).
When paying for your visa in cash, ensure that you have U.S. currency in small denominations (e.g. $5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) and dated post-2006. In addition to a valid passport, it’s also best to have a printed copy of your itinerary and flight tickets. If you prefer, you can obtain your visas in advance by contacting each country’s embassy in your home country. It’s also possible to apply for a Zambian Tourist e-Visa and Zimbabwean Holiday e-Visa, though payment still needs to be made upon your arrival.
Happy travels...Africa awaits!
Darren Humphrys