Harare Entry Requirements

Children under 18 traveling to Zimbabwe must have their own passport - they cannot travel on a parent's passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent, accompanied by someone other than their parents, or traveling alone, additional documentation is required including: (1) Unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' details, (2) Consent affidavit from the non-traveling parent(s) certified within 3 months of travel, (3) If applicable, death certificate of deceased parent(s) or court order granting full custody. These requirements are strictly enforced and children may be denied entry without proper documentation. Parents should carry marriage certificates and identity documents. Adoption papers should be carried if the child is adopted. Zimbabwean authorities take child protection seriously, and incomplete documentation can result in significant delays or denial of entry.

Importing pets into Zimbabwe requires advance planning and documentation. Requirements include: (1) Valid rabies vaccination certificate - pet must be vaccinated at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry, (2) Import permit from Zimbabwe Department of Veterinary Services obtained before travel, (3) Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an accredited vet in the country of origin, (4) Microchip identification is recommended, (5) Some animals may require quarantine depending on origin country and health status. Pets must enter through designated ports of entry where veterinary inspection is available. Contact the Department of Veterinary Services (+263-242-704-531) at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Airlines have their own pet travel requirements. Certain breeds and exotic animals may be prohibited or require special permits. Costs include permit fees, veterinary inspection fees, and potential quarantine costs.

Tourist visas typically allow 30-90 days depending on type and nationality. To stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Apply at the Zimbabwe Immigration Department, Linquenda House, Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare. Requirements for extension: (1) Completed application form (Form VI), (2) Valid passport with current visa, (3) Proof of sufficient funds for extended stay, (4) Letter explaining reason for extension, (5) Proof of accommodation, (6) Extension fee (approximately $30-$150 depending on visa type and duration). Apply at least 2 weeks before visa expiry. Processing takes 5-10 working days. Overstaying your visa results in fines of $100+ per day, possible deportation, and future entry bans. For long-term stays (work, study, residence), you must apply for the appropriate visa category from outside Zimbabwe or convert your status through immigration - this cannot be done on a tourist visa. Business visas, work permits, and residence permits require employer sponsorship or business registration and have separate application processes with different requirements and fees.

Business travelers to Harare can typically enter on a tourist visa for short business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations) lasting under 30 days. However, you should carry: (1) Invitation letter from Zimbabwean company/organization on official letterhead stating purpose and duration of visit, (2) Letter from your employer confirming your position and purpose of trip, (3) Business registration documents if self-employed, (4) Conference registration if attending an event. If you will be conducting work, receiving payment from Zimbabwean sources, or staying longer than 30 days for business purposes, you need a business visa or work permit. Business visas must be applied for in advance through a Zimbabwean embassy and require additional documentation including business registration, tax clearance, and sometimes police clearance. Work permits require employer sponsorship and proof that no qualified Zimbabwean can fill the position. Processing can take several weeks to months. Penalties for working without proper authorization include fines, deportation, and bans from re-entry.

Travelers transiting through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport without leaving the airport generally do not need a visa if: (1) Transit time is less than 24 hours, (2) You have confirmed onward tickets, (3) You remain in the international transit area, (4) Your nationality is eligible for transit without visa. However, if you wish to leave the airport during transit, enter Zimbabwe to visit the city, or if your connecting flight is more than 24 hours later, you will need to obtain a visa (on arrival or e-visa depending on nationality). Some nationalities require a transit visa even if staying airside - check with the airline and immigration authorities. If you have checked baggage, you may need to clear immigration to collect and re-check it depending on your ticket type. Transit facilities at Harare airport are limited, so if you have a long layover, consider obtaining a visa to visit the city. Keep all boarding passes and tickets accessible to show immigration officials.

Dual citizens should be aware of Zimbabwe's position on dual citizenship. Zimbabwe allows dual citizenship, but there are important considerations: (1) If you are a Zimbabwean citizen (including by birth), you should enter and exit Zimbabwe using your Zimbabwean passport, even if you hold another nationality, (2) Failure to use your Zimbabwean passport when you're a citizen can result in complications, fines, or denial of entry on your foreign passport, (3) If you hold Zimbabwean citizenship and another passport, declare this to immigration officials, (4) Travelers with dual citizenship from countries with visa-free agreements with Zimbabwe should still use their Zimbabwean passport if they hold one. For non-Zimbabwean dual citizens, you may choose which passport to use for entry, but you must exit on the same passport you used to enter. Keep both passports accessible if traveling with multiple passports. Some travelers use different passports for different legs of travel - ensure visa validity and entry stamps are in the correct passport to avoid complications.