An excursion to the grandiose Zimbabwe is a journey that is full of natural wonders, both the thunderous Victoria falls and the wildlife of the Hwange National Park. To the citizens of the Sultanate of Oman, who are longing to get away to the Southern African paradise, getting an entry permit has just been made easier, courtesy of the convenience of the electronic visa or eVisa. This detailed tutorial is aimed at taking you through all the details you should know about how to use Zimbabwe e-Visa in Oman so that your way to this amazing land could be as painless as possible.
Understanding the Zimbabwe e-Visa System
Going to another country is usually a matter that requires some preparation and getting your visa sorted out is one of them. Fortunately, Zimbabwe has adopted technology to ensure that this step is made very easy to international visitors.
What is the Zimbabwe e-Visa?
The Zimbabwe e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization enabling qualified foreign nationals, to travel and have a brief visit in the Republic of Zimbabwe. It is basically a digital substitute to the conventional paper visa or a visa that was acquired at a Zimbabwean embassy. Whole application, filing documents and payment is also online and this therefore means that you do not have to visit any particular embassy or consulate and have your entry authorization but this saves a lot of time as an Oman customer.
Upon approval, the traveler gets an e-Visa approval letter or letter of authority sent to him or her through an email. This document should be printed and submitted together with your passport on entry into Zimbabwe where an immigration officer shall stamp the final visa on your passport.
Zimbabwe e-Visa Types, Duration, and Entry Options
In line with the various purposes of travel, Zimbabwe provides a number of e-Visas categories. The important thing is that you need to choose the right kind depending on the purpose of your visit.
Key e-Visa Categories
The e-Visa system primarily covers short-term visits for the following purposes:
Holiday (Tourist) Visa: For those traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends/family. This is the most common type for tourists.
Business Visa: For individuals entering the country for business-related activities, such as meetings, short-term contracts, training, or trade shows (not for formal employment).
Conference Visa: Specifically for attending seminars, conferences, or workshops in Zimbabwe.
Transit Visa: For travelers who are passing through Zimbabwe en route to another destination and will not be staying for more than a few days.
Processing Times and Expedited Options
The speed at which your e-Visa is processed can influence your travel planning. While processing times can vary based on the volume of applications, here are the typical timelines:
Standard Processing: The processing time for a Zimbabwe e-Visa is generally quoted as 3 to 4 working days but can sometimes take 7 to 10 days in certain circumstances. It is always best practice to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Expedited Processing: Some authorized third-party services offer faster processing options, often categorized as 'Rush Processing' or 'Super Rush Processing' for an additional fee. However, the final approval is always determined by the Zimbabwean Department of Immigration.
Zimbabwe e-Visa Fees and Payment
The Zimbabwe e-Visa Fees vary based on your nationality and the type of visa.
The eVisa Fee: This is the mandatory charge set by the Zimbabwean government. The fee for a Single Entry Tourist eVisa is less than that of a Double Entry Visa, with the KAZA UniVisa having its own separate cost.
Payment Methods: When applying through the e-Visa portal, you will be required to pay the visa fee online. The standard payment methods accepted typically include major credit and debit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard. Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions.
Applying for Your Zimbabwe e-Visa from Oman
To the citizens of Oman, the process of applying to the Zimbabwe e-Visa Application is as convenient as possible. Being an Omani citizen, you fall under the Category B of the visa regime of Zimbabwe, that is you are technically allowed to get a visa upon arrival at the port of entry.
But to make the process more expeditious, smooth and guaranteed, the Zimbabwean Department of Immigration greatly advises and urges travelers to apply and get the e-Visa first before travelling on the official online platform. This abolishes the possible delays on landing.
Preliminary Checks and Document Preparation
Before starting the online application, gather the necessary documents and information.
Essential Documentation and Requirements:
Valid Passport: Your Omani passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended date of departure from Zimbabwe and must have two blank pages for the visa stamp.
Passport Bio-Page Scan: A high-quality, clear scan or photo of the main biographical page of your passport (the page with your photo and details).
Digital Passport Photo: A recent, colored passport-style photograph (usually 4.5cm x 3.5cm) with a white or light-colored background.
Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel booking, reservation, or a letter of invitation from a host in Zimbabwe.
Return or Onward Flight Ticket: A copy of your confirmed round-trip air ticket or a ticket showing your departure from Zimbabwe to your next destination.
Proof of Financial Means: Although not always mandatory, having a recent bank statement or other proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay is advisable.
Travel Itinerary: A day-wise plan of your proposed activities in Zimbabwe.
Registration and Application Form
Fill in Personal and Travel Details: The application form is comprehensive and user-friendly. You will need to accurately provide:
Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and marital status.
Passport Details: Passport number, date of issue, and expiry.
Travel Details: Your intended Visa Type (e.g., Holiday visa - Double entry), proposed date of entry, duration of stay, purpose of visit, and place of entry (e.g., Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls Border Post).
Accommodation Details: The name and address of your accommodation in Zimbabwe.
Uploading Supporting Documents
Following the form completion, you will be prompted to upload the scanned copies of the documents prepared in Step 1. Ensure all files meet the specified format and size requirements mentioned on the portal.
Payment and Submission
Review the Application: Before making the payment, take a moment to review the entire application for accuracy one last time.
Select Processing Time: Choose the processing speed that best suits your travel timeline and budget.
Pay the Fee: Proceed to the secure payment gateway to pay the calculated e-Visa fee using your credit or debit card. A successful payment will generate a receipt, which you should save.
Submit: Once payment is confirmed, submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted.
Tracking and Receiving Your e-Visa
Application Tracking: You can typically log back into the e-Visa portal using your credentials to check the status of your application.
Approval Notification: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive the e-Visa Approval Letter or Letter of Authority via email.
Print Everything: Print a hard copy of this letter and your payment receipt. These are essential documents for your journey.
Arrival in Zimbabwe
Upon arrival at your chosen port of entry in Zimbabwe, you must present the following to the immigration officer:
Your original, valid Omani passport.
The printed e-Visa Approval Letter.
Your return or onward flight ticket.
Your proof of accommodation.
The immigration officer will verify your details, place the final visa stamp or sticker into your passport, and officially grant you entry into the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Important FAQs for Zimbabwe e-Visa from Oman
This section is dealing specifically with details and typical concerns to make sure that you are well prepared in going into Zimbabwe.
What is the difference between e-Visa "Validity" and "Duration of Stay"?
This is a very important distinction. Validity Period (Normally 90 days on single/double entry) refers to the period within which you are expected to visit Zimbabwe. Duration of Stay (30 days in a Tourist e-Visa) This is the maximum number of days you are allowed to spend in Zimbabwe after you have entered the country. This is the maximum period that you can be here despite the remaining period of the visa.
Is the e-Visa fee refundable if my application is denied or if I don't use the visa?
No, e-Visa application fee is normally non-refundable. This fee is an administrative expense that will be charged on how your application was processed; it does not depend on whether your application was successful (you are approved) or not and whether you will or will not travel on the visa. Thus, you must make sure that all your documents are accurate and complete and submit them.
What is the KAZA UniVisa, and where exactly can I use it?
The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) UniVisa is a special visa giving its holders the right to cross the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days. It is the best option among tourists in Victoria Falls region. It also allows day trips to Botswana (at the Kazungula border post) without nullifying the visa provided that you come back overnight to either Zimbabwe or Zambia. It is usually available and can be consumed at all major entry points in the two countries.
If my travel dates change, can I amend my existing e-Visa application?
No, it is impossible to amend or modify approved e-Visa, or one that has been submitted. In case your new dates of travel are beyond the timeframe of a visa (e.g. you need to enter after the expiry date), you will have to make and pay a new e-Visa application.
Can I apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa through the online e-Visa system?
An eVisa portal principally supports the issuance of single entry and double entry visa. Several-Entry Visas are not usually provided either upon arrival or by the regular e-Visa system. In case you need a multiple-entry visa, you tend to enter Zimbabwe with approved single or double-entry visa and then apply the Multiple-Entry Visa in person to the nearest Zimbabwean Department of Immigration office after arrival.
Can I use my approved e-Visa Approval Letter to engage in work or employment?
No, There are e-Visas (The Tourist, Business, Conference and Transit) that are specifically used in short-term visits connected with the given purpose. To perform any type of paid or unpaid work (employment), to enter into a long-term contract, or to study formally, one will need a separate, mandatory Temporary Employment Permit or Student Permit, which must be applied and granted by the Department of Immigration. Any activity done to create a tourist or business e-Visa is criminal and may attract severe consequences, such as deportation.
