Zimbabwe e-Visa for Saudi Arabia

Zimbabwe, a land of thundering waterfalls, teeming wildlife, and rich history, is calling. For Saudi Arabian citizens looking to explore the gems of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you are planning to marvel at the majesty of Victoria Falls, conduct business in Harare, or explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, securing the right travel documentation is your first step.

Navigating visa regulations can often feel like a daunting task, but the introduction of the e-Visa system has streamlined the process significantly. This guide is designed specifically for Saudi citizens, breaking down everything you need to know about obtaining a Zimbabwe e-Visa for Saudi Arabia, from requirements to processing times.

Do Saudis need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Yes, citizens of Saudi Arabia require a visa to enter Zimbabwe.

According to Zimbabwe’s immigration visa regime, Saudi Arabia falls under Category C. This is a crucial distinction for travelers to understand. Unlike Category A (visa-exempt) or Category B (visa on arrival) countries, nationals from Category C countries are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to traveling.

You cannot simply board a plane and hope to get a visa at the airport in Harare or Victoria Falls without prior clearance. You must have your visa approval in hand before you depart. Fortunately, the e-Visa system makes this accessible from the comfort of your home in Riyadh, Jeddah, or anywhere else in the Kingdom.

What documents are needed for a Zimbabwe e-Visa application for Saudi citizens?

To ensure a smooth application process, you must have the correct documentation ready. Based on the standard Zimbabwe Visa Requirements, you will need to upload digital copies of the following:

• Passport Scan: A clear scan of the biodata page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry.
• Passport Photo: A recent, color passport-sized photograph. It should be clear, with a white background, and meet standard international passport photo specifications.
• Proof of Residence of Host: If you are staying with friends or family in Zimbabwe, you will need proof of their residence.
• Address at Destination: You must provide the physical address where you will be staying. This could be your hotel address or your host's residential address.
• Application Letter: A formal letter detailing the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, visiting family), your travel dates, and how you will sustain yourself financially during the trip.

Note: All documents should be clear and legible. Blurry scans can lead to delays or rejections.

What are the entry requirements for Zimbabwe besides a visa?

Holding a valid e-Visa is the primary requirement, but immigration officers at the port of entry will also verify other entry conditions. When you arrive in Zimbabwe, ensure you have:

1. A Valid Passport: As mentioned, it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
2. Return/Onward Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Zimbabwe after your visit (e.g., a return flight ticket to Saudi Arabia or a ticket to your next destination).
3. Sufficient Funds: You may be asked to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay.
4. Yellow Fever Certificate: If you are traveling from or have transited through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (this is generally not applicable if flying directly from Saudi Arabia, but essential if your itinerary includes stops in affected African or South American nations).

How long is a Zimbabwe e-Visa valid and how long can one stay?

The validity of your visa depends on the type you select during the application process.

• Holiday Visa (Tourist):
• Validity: typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
• Duration of Stay: You can stay for up to 90 days.
• Entries: Available as Single Entry (valid for one visit) or Double Entry (allows you to leave and re-enter Zimbabwe once within the validity period).
• Business Visa:
• Validity: Valid for 30 days.
• Entries: Available as Single or Double entry.
• Transit Visa:
• Validity: Valid for 30 days (usually for a short stopover of up to 3 days).

It is important to not overstay your visa duration, as this can lead to fines and complications for future travel.

Can Saudi citizens get the KAZA Univisa upon arrival in Zimbabwe, and what does it cover?

The KAZA Univisa is a popular special visa that allows unlimited travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, and even covers day trips to Botswana (through the Kazungula border).

However, eligibility for the KAZA Univisa is strictly limited to a specific list of countries (mostly Category B nationals). Saudi Arabia is currently NOT on the standard list of eligible countries for the KAZA Univisa on arrival.

Because Saudi citizens are in Category C (requiring a visa before travel), you generally cannot apply for the KAZA Univisa at the border. You must apply for the specific Zimbabwe e-Visa online before your trip. If you plan to visit Zambia as well, you will likely need to arrange a separate visa for Zambia.

What supporting documents are needed for a business-related Zimbabwe e-Visa?

Business travelers from Saudi Arabia play a growing role in connecting our two regions. If your trip is for business purposes—such as attending a conference, meeting partners, or exploring trade opportunities—you will need additional documentation:

1. Letter of Invitation: A formal invitation letter from the host company in Zimbabwe. This letter should be on the company letterhead, detailing the nature of the business, the duration of the stay, and the contact details of the host.
2. Business Letter: A letter from your employer in Saudi Arabia confirming your employment, the purpose of the trip, and financial sponsorship (if applicable).
3. Business Profile: In some cases, a brief profile of the company you are visiting or representing may be helpful.

What's the process for Saudi citizens to apply for a Zimbabwe visa online?

Applying is straightforward, especially when using a streamlined service. Here is the step-by-step flow for a Zimbabwe e-Visa application:

1. Select Visa Type: Choose between a Holiday (Tourist), Business, or Transit visa. Decide if you need Single or Double entry.
2. Fill in Details: Provide your full name, passport number, date of birth, and travel dates exactly as they appear on your passport.
3. Upload Documents: Attach the clear scans of your passport, photo, and supporting letters.
4. Choose Processing Time: Depending on your urgency, you can select:

• Normal Processing: 7 - 9 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: 5 - 7 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days.

1. Submit and Pay: specific fees apply based on the urgency and visa type.
2. Wait for Approval: Keep an eye on your email for your visa document.

What are some popular tourist attractions in Zimbabwe?

Once your paperwork is sorted, the real excitement begins. Zimbabwe is a world-class destination:

• Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"), the sheer scale of the water falling into the gorge is a life-changing sight.
• Hwange National Park: The largest park in Zimbabwe, famous for its massive herds of elephants. It offers a premier safari experience with the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
• Great Zimbabwe: The ruins of a medieval city in south-eastern Zimbabwe. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the country's Late Iron Age and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Mana Pools National Park: A remote and beautiful park along the Zambezi River, perfect for canoe safaris and walking safaris.
• Lake Kariba: One of the world's largest man-made lakes, offering spectacular sunsets, fishing, and houseboat vacations.

Can an agent help me apply for an e-Visa, or must I apply myself?

While you can apply directly through government portals, the process can sometimes be tricky regarding document formats, payment gateways, and strict compliance checks. One small error can lead to a rejection, which is stressful and costly.

Using a specialized agent like zimbabwe-visa.com is highly recommended for Saudi citizens.

Here is why choosing an expert agent makes a difference:

• Effortless E-Visa Application: We handle the complexity. You avoid embassy visits and confusing government forms. We ensure your application is 100% correct before submission.
• Diverse Visa Options: Whether you need a tourist, business, student, or conference visa, we guide you to the exact category that fits your purpose of visit.
• Flexible Processing Times: We understand that travel plans change. We offer Normal, Urgent, and Super-Urgent processing options to suit your schedule. If you need a visa in 3-5 days, we can prioritize it.
• Affordable Fees: We offer clear and competitive pricing with no hidden charges. You see exactly what the government fee is and what our service fee covers.

Traveling from Saudi Arabia to Zimbabwe should be an adventure, not a bureaucratic headache. By using a trusted service, you ensure that your journey begins the moment you book your flight, with the peace of mind that your visa is in expert hands.

What are the accommodation requirements for a Zimbabwe visa?

For the "Address at Destination" part of your application, you cannot simply say "travelling around." You must provide a specific address.

• Hotels/Lodges: A booking confirmation from your hotel, lodge, or safari camp is the standard requirement.
• Residential Host: If staying with a friend, you need their physical address and a proof of residence (like a utility bill in their name) to prove the address is valid.

Ensure you have these bookings confirmed before you start your visa application to avoid delays.