Joint Visa for Zimbabwe and Zambia KAZA UNIVISA

Planning a trip to Southern Africa? You've likely got the thunderous, awe-inspiring Victoria Falls at the top of your list. But here’s the classic traveler's dilemma: which side do you visit? The Zimbabwean side, with its sweeping panoramic views and multiple vantage points? Or the Zambian side, famous for the thrilling Devil's Pool and close-up perspectives?

For years, this choice meant costly multiple visas, extra paperwork, and wasted time at border posts. Enter the KAZA UNIVISA—the single best travel hack for this region.

This one simple visa unlocks both Zimbabwe and Zambia, turning a logistical headache into a seamless adventure. It's your passport to experiencing the full majesty of "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke That Thunders) and even popping over to Botswana for a world-class safari.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the KAZA UNIVISA, from cost and eligibility to a detailed look at all the activities it unlocks.

What is the KAZA UNIVISA?

The KAZA UNIVISA is a special joint tourist visa that allows travelers to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times within a 30-day period.

The name "KAZA" stands for the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area, a massive conservation zone that spans five countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The UNIVISA is the flagship pilot program, currently active for Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the future goal of expanding to all five partner countries.

Benefits of  KAZA UNIVISA

So, why all the hype? The benefits are simple but significant:

• Cost-Effective: For just US$50, you get access to two countries. We'll compare this to single-entry visas below, but spoiler alert: the UNIVISA almost always wins.
• Convenience: Forget applying for two separate visas. One application, one payment, one sticker in your passport.
• Flexibility: It's a multiple-entry visa. This means you can cross the Victoria Falls Bridge between the towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) as many times as you like. Want to sleep in Zimbabwe but have dinner in Zambia? Go for it.
• The Botswana Bonus: This is the best-kept secret. The KAZA UNIVISA also covers day trips to Botswana through the Kazungula border, perfect for a safari in the legendary Chobe National Park.

How Much Does the KAZA UNIVISA Cost in 2025?

The KAZA UNIVISA costs a flat fee of US$50 per person.

Payment is typically required in US Dollars cash. While some ports of entry may have credit card facilities, they are notoriously unreliable. Do not count on them. Arrive with crisp, new US$50 bills to avoid any trouble.

Am I Eligible? The KAZA UNIVISA Eligible Countries List

The KAZA UNIVISA is not available to all nationalities. It is designed for citizens of "Category B" countries who are eligible for visas on arrival.

As of the latest updates, citizens from the following 40+ countries are eligible:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Burundi
• Canada
• Cook Islands
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Uruguay

Important: Visa regulations can change without notice. It is always best to double-check your status with the official immigration websites of Zambia or Zimbabwe before your trip.

How to Apply for the KAZA UNIVISA: Online vs. On Arrival

You have two main options for getting your visa, with one being significantly easier than the other.

Option 1:- KAZA UNIVISA On Arrival

This is the most straightforward and common method. You simply get your visa when you first land in either country.

1. Upon arrival at one of the eligible airports or land borders (see list below), proceed to the immigration hall.
2. Look for the dedicated "KAZA UNIVISA" desk or simply tell the first immigration officer you see that you want to purchase the KAZA UNIVISA.
3. Pay your US$50 cash.
4. The officer will place a full-page sticker in your passport.
5. Welcome to Zambia/Zimbabwe!

Option 2: Applying for KAZA UNIVISA e-Visa Online

Applying via the Zambian e-Visa Online

This process is for travelers whose first point of entry into the KAZA region will be Zambia (e.g., landing at Livingstone or Lusaka airport).

1. The Golden Rule: You must enter Zambia first. If you apply via the Zambian Visa Online and show up at Harare airport, your e-Visa approval will be invalid, and you'll have to buy a new visa.
2. The Process:

• Fill out the online Zambia E-visa application form, selecting "KAZA UNIVISA" as your visa type.
• You will need to upload documents, typically a passport copy and a passport photo.
• Pay the Visa fee online, plus a small administrative surcharge.
• After a processing period (which can take a few days), you will receive a Visa Approval Letter by email.

1. On Arrival in Zambia: At the airport, you must present this Visa Approval Letter (printed out) along with your passport to the immigration officer. They will then verify your approval and place the physical KAZA UNIVISA sticker into your passport.

Applying via the Zimbabwean e-Visa Portal

This process is for travelers whose first point of entry into the KAZA region will be Zimbabwe (e.g., landing at Victoria Falls or Harare airport).

1. The Golden Rule: You must enter Zimbabwe first. The same rule applies in reverse—a Zimbabwean e-Visa approval is not valid if your first port of call is Livingstone.
2. The Process:

• Complete their online Zimbabwe e-Visa application, making sure to select the KAZA UNIVISA.
• Upload the required documents (passport copy, etc.).
• Pay the $50 fee online.
• You will receive a Visa Approval Letter by email once processed.

1. On Arrival in Zimbabwe: At the airport, present your printed Visa Approval Letter and your passport. The immigration officer will then issue the official KAZA UNIVISA sticker.

Why We Still Recommend Getting it "On Arrival"

As you can see, the e-Visa process does not give you the visa itself. It only gives you an approval letter that you must exchange for the visa upon arrival. You will still need to queue to see an immigration officer.

For this reason, most travelers find it much simpler, faster, and safer to just get the visa "On Arrival" as described in Option 1. This "on arrival" method:

• Requires no pre-planning or online forms.
• Avoids the risk of applying through the wrong portal and invalidating your visa.
• It takes about the same amount of time at the airport, as you just pay your $50 cash directly to the officer in the KAZA UNIVISA queue.

Where Can I Get a KAZA UNIVISA? (Eligible Ports of Entry)

This is one of the most important rules. The KAZA UNIVISA is ONLY sold at the following ports of entry. You cannot get it at other, smaller border crossings.

In Zimbabwe:

• Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)
• Harare International Airport (HRE)
• Victoria Falls Land Border (border with Zambia)
• Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana)

In Zambia:

• Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone (LVI)
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka (LUN)
• Victoria Falls Land Border (border with Zimbabwe)
• Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana)

If you are entering overland from South Africa (at Beitbridge) or from other border posts like Kariba, you will likely not be able to purchase the KAZA UNIVISA. Plan your entry port accordingly.

How Long is the KAZA UNIVISA Valid For?

The KAZA UNIVISA is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Within these 30 days, you can cross between Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as you wish.

What Activities Can I Do With the KAZA UNIVISA?

This visa is your key to a seamless adventure. Instead of "Which country should I stay in?" you can ask, "What activity do I want to do today?"

How Does the UNIVISA Help Me See Both Sides of the Falls?

The KAZA UNIVISA turns the border into a simple revolving door. You can stay in a hotel on the Zimbabwean side (known for its wide views) and easily walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge to the Zambian side to experience the misty, close-up trails and the Knife-Edge Bridge. You can do this multiple times without buying another visa.

Can I Visit the Devil's Pool with the KAZA UNIVISA?

Yes, and this is a major reason to get it! The famous Devil's Pool (and the nearby Angel's Pool) is located on Livingstone Island, which is accessible only from the Zambian side.

If you are staying in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), you must cross the border into Zambia to take this tour. The KAZA UNIVISA makes this simple. You just cross the border in the morning for your tour and return in the afternoon, all on your one $50 visa.

What Activities Are Included in a Chobe Day Trip?

The visa's "Botswana Bonus" is for a day trip to Chobe National Park. Tour operators in Victoria Falls (Zim) and Livingstone (Zam) run full-day packages. This is what a typical day looks like:

1. Morning: Your guide picks you up and drives you to the Kazungula border.
2. Border Crossing: You use your KAZA UNIVISA to exit Zim/Zam and enter Botswana (just for the day).
3. Morning River Safari: You'll spend ~3 hours on a boat on the Chobe River, getting incredibly close to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and amazing birdlife.
4. Lunch: A full buffet lunch is usually included at a lodge.
5. Afternoon Game Drive: You'll switch to an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a ~3-hour game drive inside Chobe National Park to look for lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and more.
6. Evening: Return across the border. Your KAZA UNIVISA is still valid because you did not stay overnight in Botswana.

Can I Do Adrenaline Activities Like Bungee Jumping?

Yes! The Victoria Falls Bridge is a hub for adrenaline. Activities like the Bungee Jump, Bridge Swing, and Bridge Slide are operated from the middle of the bridge.

If you are just going to the bridge for an activity (and not crossing to the other side), you can tell the immigration officer you need a "Bridge Pass." This lets you walk to the bridge without formally exiting the country. However, the KAZA UNIVISA gives you total freedom to cross fully, take photos from both sides, and do your activity without worry.

Planning Your Trip: Sample KAZA UNIVISA Itinerary

How do you use this visa in practice? Here's a quick sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe. Purchase KAZA UNIVISA on arrival. Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi (Zimbabwean side).
• Day 2: Explore the Zimbabwean side of the falls in the morning. In the afternoon, walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge (show your UNIVISA) to the Zambian side to see the views from there.
• Day 3: Full-day trip to Chobe National Park. A tour operator will pick you up, drive you to the Kazungula border, and you'll use your UNIVISA to exit Zimbabwe and re-enter in the evening.
• Day 4: Morning in Zambia for a bucket-list activity like the Devil's Pool (seasonal, mid-August to December). Afternoon microlight flight over the falls (Zambian side).
• Day 5: Depart from Livingstone Airport (LVI), Zambia.

This itinerary involves multiple border crossings, all covered by one $50 visa.

Is the KAZA UNIVISA Worth It for a Short Trip (e.g., 2-3 Days)?

Absolutely. Even for a short trip, the value is clear. Just visiting both sides of the falls would cost you $80 in separate visas. The KAZA UNIVISA costs $50. If you add a Chobe day trip, the savings and convenience are massive.

What Are Common Problems with the KAZA UNIVISA?

While it's a great system, be aware of a few potential issues:

• Stock: The visa is a physical sticker. On rare occasions, a specific port of entry might temporarily run out. This is less common now but can happen.
• Cash Only: Do not rely on credit card machines. Assume you will need US$50 cash in clean, new-ish bills.
• Limited Availability: You can only get the visa at the major ports listed in Section 7. If you arrive at a different land border (like Beitbridge), it will not be available.

Is the KAZA UNIVISA Suitable for Families with Children?

Yes! It's ideal for families. It simplifies the border-crossing process and saves money, as each family member (who requires a visa) would otherwise need multiple, separate visas.

What's the Process for Walking Across the Victoria Falls Bridge?

It's very easy with the KAZA UNIVISA.

1. Exit Country 1: Walk to the border post. Get a simple "exit" stamp in your passport.
2. Walk the Bridge: Enjoy the 10-15 minute walk. Take photos of the falls, the gorge, and the bungee jumpers.
3. Enter Country 2: Walk to the border post on the other side. Show your passport with the KAZA UNIVISA. You'll get an "entry" stamp.
4. The whole process is quick and is an activity in itself!

Can I extend my KAZA UNIVISA?

No. The KAZA UNIVISA is strictly non-extendable. It is a special 30-day tourist visa, and its rules are firm. You cannot take it to an immigration office inside Zambia or Zimbabwe to get it extended.

If your 30 days are expiring and you wish to remain in the region, you must physically exit both countries (for example, by flying to South Africa or another neighboring country) and then re-enter. Upon your return, you would have to purchase a new visa (either another KAZA UNIVISA, if you are eligible, or a standard single/double entry visa).

How many times can I get a KAZA UNIVISA per year?

While there isn't always a hard-fast rule published, official guidelines and traveler reports consistently indicate a limit of three KAZA UNIVISAs per calendar year.

This policy is in place to ensure the visa is used for its intended purpose—short-term tourism—and not as a means to maintain long-term, semi-permanent residence. For the vast majority of tourists planning one or two holidays to the region, this limit is more than sufficient.

Does the KAZA UNIVISA include a day trip to Namibia?

This is a very common and important question. The answer is a definitive No.

The KAZA UNIVISA agreement is only between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The "Botswana Bonus" is a special, single-day excursion privilege that was added to the visa's terms. Namibia, while also part of the wider KAZA Conservation Area, is not part of the current UNIVISA agreement (though this is a goal for the future).

The Kazungula Border Explained: At the Kazungula border, you are at a "quadripoint" where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia all nearly meet. The KAZA UNIVISA only permits you to use the Zambia-Botswana or Zimbabwe-Botswana crossing for a day trip. If you were to cross into Namibia (which would require a separate Namibian visa), your KAZA UNIVISA would be voided, as you would have officially "left" the two-country agreement zone. You would then need to buy a new visa to re-enter Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Bring US$50 Cash. I'm saying it one more time. Have the exact amount in clean, untorn bills.
• Have a Pen. You will need to fill out a short landing form. Don't be the person trying to borrow a pen from everyone in the queue.
• Know Your Address. Have the name and address of your first night's accommodation written down, as you'll need it for the landing form.
• Be Clear: When you approach the immigration desk, clearly state, "I would like to purchase the KAZA UNIVISA, please."

The Final Verdict: Is the KAZA UNIVISA Worth It?

100% yes.

If your nationality is on the eligible list and you have even the slightest inclination to visit both sides of the falls, swim in the Devil's Pool, or take a day trip to Chobe, the KAZA UNIVISA is an unbeatable value.

It simplifies travel, saves you money, and opens up the very best of this incredible region. It transforms the border from a barrier into a simple revolving door, letting you focus on the adventure. So, pack your bags (and your $50), and get ready to experience one of the world's greatest wonders without the hassle.