How to get a Zimbabwe visitor visa extension

Citizens from all over the world visit Zimbabwe be it for tourism, business or to visit family and friends. As far as getting into the country goes, some do not require a visa, whilst others are required to obtain a visa to enter the country. Zimbabwe visitor visa requirements depend on the nationality of the traveller and the category their country falls under.

Zimbabwe’s visitor visa regime is split into 3 categories. Each category has different visa/entry requirements for the nationals within the categories. The specifics of the categories are:

• Category A – visa not required to have a visa to travel to Zimbabwe
• Category B – visa issued on arrival in Zimbabwe (fees apply) Category
• C – visa to be obtained before travel to Zimbabwe

For a list of the countries within each category, visit https://www.evisa.gov.zw/regime

According to visitor statistics, a large percentage of overseas visitors are nationals from countries that fall into Category B. That said, a large proportion of overseas visitors can travel to a port of entry, pay a fee and be granted a visa. The fees will vary depending on the number of entries required and in some instances nationality.

On occasion, visitors may find themselves in a situation where they need to extend their stay past the expiry of their visa for one reason or another. For example, a Category B (visa on arrival) national granted a single entry visa into Zimbabwe can stay for up to 30 days. If they want to stay beyond the 30 day period and not be in breach of their visa conditions, an extension is required.

Applying for a visitor visa extension

In the instance of a Category B national, the process of getting a visa extension is relatively simple and straightforward. All that one needs to do is make their way to the Department of Immigration. In Harare, the Headquarters are located on the corner of Herbert Chitepo Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street. For other office locations, visit http://www.zimimmigration.gov.zw/index.php/ghjg).

The first step in the process is to get a Government of Zimbabwe Immigration Declaration Form and complete it accordingly. This is the form that visitors complete on arrival in Zimbabwe. If there is a chance of extending your stay, it may be a good idea to take extra forms on initial arrival.

The next step is presenting the completed form and travel document to an immigration officer and informing them that you would like to extend your visa. They may ask a couple of questions as to why you would like to extend. All of that said and done, you will be granted with a 30-day extension.

No payment is required to extend this type of visitors visa. So, do not be scammed into believing that you need to pay for an extension. Under no circumstances should you get and pay a third party to process the application for you. You can get two free extensions and after that, you will have to pay a fee.

Note: This information is correct at the time of publishing. Fees, procedures and regime categories can change at any time at the discretion of the Department of Immigration.